This Minecraft tutorial explains how to use the /summon command with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

You can summon an entity (or mob) whenever you want using the /summon command in Minecraft. Let’s explore how to use this cheat (game command).

TIP: If you need help generating your /summon command, try our Summon Mob Generator.

Requirements

To run game commands in Minecraft, you have to turn cheats on in your world.

Summon Command

Summon Command in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)

In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac), the syntax to summon an entity (or mob) is:

/summon <entity> [pos] [nbt]

Definitions

  • entity is the Minecraft entity value of the entity to summon. (See Minecraft Entities).
  • x y z is optional. It is the x y z coordinate where the entity should spawn. If no coordinate is specified, the entity will spawn in the current location.
  • nbt is optional. It is a compound NBT tag (formerly called data tag) that sets a property for the entity such as {SkeletonType:1}, {IsBaby:1} or {Owner:9Minecraft}. (See Minecraft Data Tags).

Examples

Example in Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 and 1.20

To summon a skeleton in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.11, 1.12, 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 and 1.20:

/summon skeleton

To summon a wither skeleton:

/summon wither_skeleton

Example in Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.8, 1.9 and 1.10

To summon a skeleton in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.8, 1.9 and 1.10:

/summon Skeleton

To summon a wither skeleton:

/summon Skeleton ~ ~ ~ {SkeletonType:1}

How to Enter the Command

1. Open the Chat Window

The easiest way to run a command in Minecraft is within the chat window. The game control to open the chat window depends on the version of Minecraft:

  • For Java Edition (PC/Mac), press the T key to open the chat window.
  • For Pocket Edition (PE), tap on the chat button  at the top of the screen.
  • For Xbox One, press the D-Pad (right)  on the controller.
  • For PS4, press the D-Pad (right)  on the controller.
  • For Nintendo Switch, press the right arrow button  on the controller.
  • For Windows 10 Edition, press the T key to open the chat window.
  • For Education Edition, press the T key to open the chat window.

2. Type the Command

We will cover examples of how to use the /summon command to summon a skeleton and another more complicated example that shows how to summon a tame horse wearing a saddle.

Summon a Skeleton

In this example, we will summon a skeleton in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.20 with the following command:

/summon skeleton

Type the command in the chat window. As you are typing, you will see the command appear in the lower left corner of the game window. Press the Enter key to run the command.

Once the cheat has been entered, the skeleton will spawn and appear in your world:

You will see the message “Summoned new Skeleton” appear in the lower left corner of the game window to indicate that the skeleton has been summoned. Because we did not provide XYZ coordinates, the skeleton will spawn directly on your position so you may need to look behind you to see it.

Summon a Tame Horse Wearing a Saddle

In this example, we are going to summon a tamed horse that is wearing a saddle and ready to ride in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.20 with the following command:

/summon horse ~ ~ ~ {Tame:1, SaddleItem:{id:saddle,Count:1}}

Type the command in the chat window and press the Enter key to run the command.

Once the cheat has been entered, the horse with a saddle will spawn and appear in your world:

You will see the message “Summoned new Horse” appear in the lower left corner of the game window to indicate that the tame horse has been summoned. You may need to look behind you to see it.

TIP: Quite often you will see coordinates of ~ ~1 ~ in a /summon command, for example:

/summon zombie ~ ~1 ~

Wondering why? The coordinates ~ ~1 ~ are commonly used when running the /summon command from a command block so that the entity/mob spawns 1 block above the command block. Learn about the coordinate system.

Congratulations, you have learned how to use the /summon command in Minecraft.

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