Seed & Map: crowquill

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• ++ Intermediate ++
• Advanced
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 0.72.0
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 8.1 DW 5.2 C 6.1 W 5.5 SP 5.8 VR 5.9 AF 9.5     46.1

Etymology

You know when you see an old-fashioned pen in a bottle of ink like they used to use in the old days. That actually has a name: it's known as a crowquill. There is a modern-day version of this same tool that uses inks and a very fine point to allow artists to make detailed illustrations and architects to make powerful line-drawings.

My Review

Just like it's namesake, this seed is very exacting. The mountains here are stunning and very difficult to traverse. Do not play this if you are a beginner. However, this level isn't so difficult that only the best dare venture here. On the contrary, there are many clean caves and easy to find resources making this an ideal seed for someone looking for a challenging day of Minecrafting with yet enough pockets of epic, twisted caves that someone looking to die has a good shot at that as well.

Can't Miss

The large, Gargamel-style cavern at -155.73.-360 is something you definitely need to see. Ironically, if you manage to scale the interior cliff and make it to the far exit, you'll find that you're on top of another cliff and falling off could severely injure or even kill you. So if you're being chased by zombies/spiders, you'll either have to turn and do battle or make some kind of hasty staircase to manage escape.

Map

This seed has almost no snow, a nice chunk of flatland, and plenty of trees. The east side of the map is more tame; the west is more crazy.

SEED MAP PIXEL COUNTS Classification: Peninsula water 41.1% forest 12.7% plains 33.3% sand 1.8% ice/snow 5.1% * margin of error +/- 1.1%

Overhangs

• [-254.75.-53] cliff-side double overhang
• [-176.65.-49] dumbbell overhang
• [-179.70.-120] monster overhang
• [-243.73.-112] large overhang
• [-197.76.-179] epic overhang and deep basin
• [-226.73.-352] medium overhang
• [-254.99.-387] medium overhang #2
• [-102.69.-172] medium overhang and medium waterfall
• [397.73.59] rail thin overhang

Items of Interest

• [-53.68.44] small flatland and sugar
• [-120.66.315] medium clay
• [-168.80.320] medium floater and medium spire
• [-364.65.221] underwater lava pit, instant obsidian
• [-293.65.221] pumpkins and sugar
• [-249.71.79] medium and small floaters
• [-317.70.43] small crater
• [-318.72.-7] large crater lake
• [-297.65.-65] cool bay and sugar
• [-134.67.-98] pumpkins
• [-199.71.-153] medium mesa
• [-336.80.-249] medium hidi-hole
• [-155.73.-360] massive Gargamel-style cavern
• [-108.69.-227] medium lava fall
• [-88.66.-244] medium alluvial gravel
• [5.64.-155] massive underwater gravel deposit
• [50.65.-340] medium floater
• [198.67.-372] erosion with coal
• [271.75.-392] large shortcut cave inside butte
• [346.65.-217] medium clay
• [346.71.-188] pumpkins
• [367.69.-97] small flatland
• [236.69.-97] small beachfront flatland and large clay
• [219.65.74] small clay
• [402.69.116] medium arête
• [348.77.188] medium cliff dive
• [344.65.305] medium ravine
• [62.65.308] sugar
• [77.65.302] small cave with lots of coal
• [56.70.182] large flatland

Images

The first image is of an overhang I found kind of looks kinda like a fish. It's a member of a pack of four overhangs that live right next to each other around a central valley. The image in the Can't Miss section highlights the most magnificent feature of this map: the Gargamel-style mega cavern. Don't let the fact that you can see sky through this thing fool you -- it's dark in there and both entrance and exit are blocked by a steep climb.

Looking to the images on the right, you'll find first two small overhangs that frame this lovely yet treacherous valley quite nicely. Basically, if you're going to find daywalkers (or rather, they'll find you), then it's probably going to be under one of these trees.

Also at right is a dumbbell-shaped butte with a table-top overhang at the top. There were some pigs up there, but they failed to heed my safety warnings. You can risk the edge at -176.65.-49. Finally, another view of the same fish-shaped overhang and one of it's companions. The valley below is bordered by steep cliffs on all sides with only a thin exit provided by the end of the map and a dangerous, shady entrance under the far overhang.

Seed & Map: spacemanspiff

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
• Spelunked! Higher than 8 out of 10 in caves.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert
• ++ Suicidal Expert ++

Spawn and Version

Spawn: -60.71.222
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 8.7 DW 4.1 C 9.4 W 0.8 SP 7.2 VR 6.3 AF 9.2     45.7

Etymology

One of Calvin's many alter-egos, Spaceman Spiff is an intrepid space explorer -- the first man they call when a new planet is discovered and needs investigating. Spaceman Spiff makes many appearances in the comic Calvin and Hobbes.

My Review

The biggest problem with this seed is that just when you think you found an amazing mountain, you realize it's not a mountain at all but just an empty shell around a huge cave complex. This happens over and over again. It's quite annoying. There are a lot of good hidi-holes near deep caves where you can set up shop and then go exploring. Most of the time, this helps, but there are cave complexes so complicated that in order to get "unlost" you're going to have to go crying to the customer service desk and have them page your mother so she can come pick you up. This level is only for the best of the best. You've been forewarned.

Map

SEED MAP PIXEL COUNTS Classification: Glacier water 14.2% forest 5.1% plains 19.1% sand 1.8% ice/snow 53.9% * margin of error +/- 1.1%

Underground

• [66.70.-326] deep dead drop cave, Y=12
• [61.27.-320] x4 gold
• [36.17.-301] x2 lapis lazuli
• [64.30.-306] large cavern
• [65.12.-300] x4 red stone, obsidian generator
• [54.14.-283] x4 gold and mega coal

Other Underground

• [287.14.352] obsidian generator, red stone
• [287.12.384] x5 diamonds
• [296.58.341] deep pitfall cave, Y=12

Items of Interest

• [-56.70.239] small cave complex
• [-2.68.241] small overhang, large mountain, and small waterfall
• [6.57.281] deep dead drop cave, Y=28, with many waterfalls
• [1.71.302] epic overhang henceforth known as "The Sharkbit Surfboard"
• [22.80.326] hollow mountain
• [-121.68.313] medium cave, Y=40
• [-250.63.330] dungeon, x2 chests, music disk, iron, x8 gunpowder, saddle
• [-344.68.208] small erosion
• [-290.72.-211] huge flatland
• [-288.80.-338] lava pit
• [-242.73.-327] small sinkhole
• [-107.71.-330] small waterfall
• [49.66.-333] medium pitfall cave
• [81.78.-358] medium hidi-hole
• [130.67.-326] lava pit
• [161.65.-384] amazing overhang, medium ravine
• [136.65.-303] two floating water anomalies, large cave complex
• [124.91.-259] epic hidi-hole
• [164.83.-255] dead drop cave, medium floaters, pumpkins
• [144.93.-231] large overhang
• [191.92.-273] suspicious hole
• [227.69.-305] small cave complex
• [256.65.-316] sugar
• [367.67.10] false dungeon
• [376.65.175] sugar
• [359.77.340] moon shaped crater lake, small cliff dive
• [188.65.262] medium cave complex
• [61.75.299] small floater and medium overhang
• [14.67.249] hidden lava pit
• [134.65.-48] tiny lava pools
• [101.72.-72] two small waterfalls, small overhang
• [-15.89.-46] small thin butte, small floater
• [-64.71.-72] huge flatland
• [-224.87.-84] tabletop mesa

Images

This top image is the epic overhang known henceforth as the "Sharkbit Surfboard". It's a monster and hangs off the end of a skinny spire just taunting the laws of physics. Directly underneath of that is a nice little hillside with a single tree. I just through it was nice to find some calmness amongst the insanity of this level.

Moving on to the images at right, this is another craggy, twisted overhang that kind of looks like a raptor claw. It creates a lot of shade, so beware of zombies. In the middle shot, these pumpkins have an excellent view of this thin overhang and the valley below.

Finally, I tried waiting for it to stop snowing, but that didn't work out so I just snapped the shot. This was a really cool table-top overhang situated atop a single thin spire. Could be a great place to set up a base camp.

Seed: sableandindia

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• ++ Expert ++
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: -150.67.-250
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 7.7 DW 5.0 C 7.5 W 4.1 SP 5.5 VR 4.3 AF 8.2     42.3

Etymology

India ink is a standard black ink used by cartoonists and graphic novelists. A sable brush is a brush with particularly soft hairs made from the tail of a kolinsky -- a type of weasel. So technically, it's a weasel brush.

My Review

This is a fantastically beautiful and scenic seed. The pack of mountains around the monster volcano-style crater at -184.105.-184 could easily keep you busy for an entire game and you would never have to leave. But you should, because this level is gorgeous and some of these other features are to die for. Mountains abound on this seed, but really they are only shells for caves. Some of these caves go down to even Y=30, but none of them cut past the diamond/lava barrier. I found one real dungeon and one false dungeon.

Can't Miss

With so many things to see on this map, you'd think that there would be more than one can't miss, but this one is extra special. This underwater gravel deposit is absolutely massive and it sits precariously above an underground cave. If you dig in the wrong spot, you can easily destroy the cave and kill yourself -- although it is fun to run from the falling gravel (save game before attempting). There is already an entrance to the cave, but it's underwater so it's going to take some time to get there. Once inside, the cave is beautiful. Enjoy.

Underwater

• [-10.66.-351] humongous underwater gravel deposit
• [-33.64.313] deep underwater hole, down then west for huge cave
• [-61.63.324] underwater hole

Items of Interest

• [-109.65.-188] two medium overhangs and large land bridge
• [-168.65.-146] monster lava fall, so big you can find it on the map
• [-179.83.-199] tiny gorge with large coal
• [-184.105.-185] huge volcano-like crater
• [-194.114.-225] tall waterfall (cliff dive)
• [-159.120.-227] tallest point
• [-239.90.-239] cool valley
• [-251.77.-222] hidden cave and small land bridge
• [-273.73.-244] dead drop cave and small flatland
• [-281.72.-237] medium pitfall cave, Y=45
• [-363.70.-263] medium cave, Y=39
• [-263.87.-333] small sinkhole
• [-186.87.-315] small overhang and shortcut cave
• [-132.73.-367] large overhang and medium waterfall
• [-133.71.-325] medium overhang
• [-107.67.-314] sugar
• [121.76.-359] deep cave
• [216.73.-223] deep cave
• [245.70.-254] dungeon with one chest, 3 saddles and a hidi-hole, medium floater, and medium overhang
• [252.76.-319] massive overhang/land bridge, deep pitfall cave
• [217.80.-392] large overhang/land bridge combo, tall waterfall
• [346.67.-263] false dungeon
• [349.66.-228] medium clay
• [363.65.-95] large lake
• [329.68.-58] two small waterfall streams
• [306.69.38] two small overhangs
• [-160.69.326] medium flatland
• [-284.77.274] large hidi-hole
• [-373.69.362] medium spire
• [-357.71.242] large overhang
• [-359.68.76] deep dead drop cave, Y=32
• [-215.73.137] erosion with coal
• [-96.65.136] hidi-hole with coal
• [79.69.-102] large tabletop overhang
• [156.67.-98] large tabletop land bridge

Images

This level is so scenic that narrowing all of the photographs down to five actually pained me. The top image is of a beastly overhang/land bridge combo. As for the image right below it, how about that shot! It's like standing inside the visor of a massive space trooper. It was taken from inside the same formation looking out at the next formation, which was also beautiful. You can find it at 252.76.-319.

Moving on to the smaller images at right, the first is of a medium-sized butte as seen from between the legs of a medium land-bridge. It's a weird formation because this area was mostly desert.

Below that, I took this shot from almost the same spot where I spawned. This image and the one below it are from the same circular range of mountains that form a massive crater. These mountains go up to Y=120 and have a lava fall flowing out of them. So really, this formation is as close as you're ever going to get to volcano in Minecraft -- unless they program volcanoes into Minecraft (which would be awesome!)

Seed & Map: susiederkins

Special Achievements

• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• ++ Advanced ++
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 0.64.-22
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 8.1 DW 5.2 C 2.1 W 3.8 SP 6.6 VR 3.1 AF 8.9     37.8

Etymology

Susie Derkins is Calvin's foil in the comic strip Calvin and Hobbes. To say that they have a love-hate relationship is putting it mildly. Of course, Hobbes is more than happy to return her affections.

My Review

While there are many steep mountains to be had in this seed, I was shocked to find that moving around between them was not a problem. They're all fairly easy to scale -- even the tallest one that takes you all the way up to Y=120. Given how many shadowy places there are, I wouldn't recommend this for beginners. However, plenty of challenges for even the most advanced players make this seed well worth checking out.

Can't Miss

The seed Gargamel is known for a massive above-ground cavern full of bad guys. This level contains a similar Gargamel-style cavern. It's not as big, but still formidable.

Map

It's basically one large hunk of land with a small smattering of water and islands to the extreme east side of the map.

SEED MAP PIXEL COUNTS Classification: Tundra water 29.1% forest 5.6% plains 26.3% sand 2.4% ice/snow 31.5% * margin of error +/- 1.0%

Items of Interest

• [-23.77.-6] Can't Miss: mega Gargamel-style cavern
• [-24.78.336] two pumpkin patches
• [53.71.383] small, flattop butte and small floater
• [250.65.205] medium floater
• [354.60.66] dungeon with two chests
• [343.70.-19] medium cove with small flatland
• [337.67.-181] large clay
• [366.75.-266] large shortcut cave and large coal
• [200.72.-262] fantastic dome with hole in roof, medium cliff dive
• [132.95.-50] large tabletop overhang
• [97.71.-36] medium land bridge
• [0.120.-35] highest point
• [-40.84.-83] large sinkhole
• [28.106.-122] large valley
• [29.73.-290] pumpkins
• [138.67.-314] small erosion, iron
• [105.65.-353] large clay
• [52.66.-353] huge clay
• [-53.72.-310] small cave complex, Y=50
• [-283.81.-135] large shadowy overhang above cliff, small waterfall, small cliff dive
• [-217.70.-126] two large land bridges
• [-166.87.-96] medium sinkhole
• [-279.74.-30] small arête
• [-262.69.74] thick forest, sugar
• [-312.88.271] two small floaters
• [-302.72.297] medium cave complex
• [-246.72.352] medium flatland
• [-173.76.323] pumpkins

Images

There are actually a lot of things to see and do on this level. I probably have another three photos that just missed the cut.

First up, the cave (topmost photo) here is a Gargamel-style mega cave full of bad guys and death. I assure you getting through here on any level other than "no bad guys" is gonna be tough. The other image at top is a large, shadowy overhang located in another part of the seed. I like that the waterfall pours out onto the ice here -- unrealistic, but neat.

Finally, the three photos at right are c) a double land bridge setup, d) a misty mountain in early morning, and e) a relatively steep valley amidst some tall mountains (mountain at far right is tallest).

Seed & Map: aabbaac

Special Achievements

• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert
• ++ Suicidal Expert ++

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 26.65.61
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 6.8 DW 2.8 C 6.3 W 1.9 SP 5.8 VR 5.1 AF 8.3     37.0

My Review

Curiosity is an ugly bandito. He comes to your house and slaps your mother around and then, when she can't take any more, he shampoos your father with the leftover grease from the deep fryer of a Mexican restaurant. Why, you ask? Exactly my point. Curiosity leads to more curiosity and then to horrific and dangerous things like the death of your beloved cat, Mr. Belvedere. My point is, you should not be curious about this seed -- or anything else for that matter. You should let this absurd, treeless bastard die in your mind and never revisit it. Ever!

Floaters

• [276.87.102] three medium floaters
• [164.88.-79] small floater
• [141.72.249] medium spire with nearby medium floater
• [-194.84.-399] large floater
• [-332.86.-180] massive floater
• [-348.87.-228] medium floater

Items of Interest

• [106.69.19] epic land bridge
• [-62.73.-358] two shortcut caves
• [-93.71.-395] an awesome overhang henceforth known as "The Pruning Knife"
• [389.65.-239] medium waterfall and hidi-hole
• [312.80.-91] small sinkhole
• [309.72.-45] medium lava fall and large tabletop land bridge
• [318.72.194] huge flatland
• [319.69.332] small butte
• [253.67.291] deep cave
• [232.13.296] diamonds, gold, crap-load of obsidian
• [-56.78.316] erosion
• [-332.65.255] medium clay
• [-274.73.-2] large overhang
• [-351.84.-34] medium flatland
• [-280.84.-209] pumpkins
• [-222.74.-181] wolves
• [-84.65.-185] medium waterfall and nearby cave
• [-69.71.-145] pumpkins
• [-89.66.-2] small alluvial gravel, nearby medium gravel pit
• [-69.65.213] erosion with small coal
• [175.72.205] small spire
• [32.71.7] medium overhang and medium waterfall
• [152.65.-89] cave

Images

This massive overhang/land bridge combo hides a dark crater within. This thing was absolutely swarming with bad guys. At right, the Riddler himself couldn't have constructed a more twisty tabletop overhang.

Legendary Seed: itsybitsyspider

Special Achievements

• Perfection! This seed has achieved one or more perfect scores.
• Legendary Seed! This seed has scored an astonishing 55+ out of 70 in the overall score.
• Golden! This seed has scored higher than 50 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
• Abyssal! Higher than 8 out of 10 in deep water.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• ++ Advanced ++
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 93.75.-79
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 8.1 DW 9.5 C 5.7 W 7.5 SP 7.2 VR 7.8 AF 10.0     55.8

My Review

This is a fantastic level that I recommend everyone should see. Two things about this level that should sell you immediately. First, my spawn point had coal, iron, a hidi-hole, an underwater cave, and clay. Second, this seed has the most "Items of Interest" (see below) of any seed I've posted so far. Now that you're sold... let's begin.

This is an archipelago with many spider-web islands, inlets, lakes, and a cove or two. If this seed had more land, it would be one of the greatest of all time. As it is, it leaves you jonesing for more at every turn. As amazing as the mountains are above water, the valleys and seabed deep underwater are equally fascinating. There are islands that are literally afloat and if you dig anywhere, they collapse into the murky depths.

The west is mostly desert, but still interesting. However, if you spawn in the center of the map, you will be immediately drawn to the west -- which is where some of the most awesome formations can be found. Chief among them, "The Web" (see below) and it's network of twisted overhangs, land bridges, and caves. There are large spires everywhere (including a nice one in the northwest corner away from all the action) and there are several medium- and large-sized floaters fit for sky huts.

As far as resources are concerned, this is a clay level for sure. Many, many deep deposits scattered around the world will get you the brick house of your dreams (not that brick house of your dreams). I found one of everything in each corner, so you won't have to travel far to find what you need. I even found a pink sheep! Falling sand (for those who like that sort of thing... and I do) can be found on the desert islands in the west. Normally, something with this many shadows would be classified as an "Expert" seed, however most of the shadows fall over water so you should be pretty safe. Very little land but what little land it has is awesome. A legendary seed if I've ever seen one.

Can't Miss

So, the west side of the map is certainly the place to be with some truly amazing mountains. However, the gnarled and twisted formations I'll henceforth refer to as "The Web" are something you have to check out. You can find it at -369.72.73, but be sure to look around because it covers a pretty hefty chunk of the west side of the map. There are overhangs and land bridges running every which way and an absolute cacophony of awesome formations that are difficult to climb but awesome to look at. When you add in the caves underneath, it's a Minecraft wonderland.

Video: This Old Seed, Ep6

This seed appears in episode six of my important Xbox Minecraft seed tourism series, "This Old Seed". In this video, I give you a tour of "The Web", show you a pretty nifty overhang, and go to the ends of the map to get high.

Cliff Diving

• [108.75.-59] medium overhang over water and floaters; also a medium cliff diving event
• [-85.74.-391] cliff diving off medium overhang into water
• [159.81.264] medium cliff diving event and three small floaters
• [-78.65.-76] large overhang and tall cliff dive
• [36.97.-60] large floater and tall cliff diving event
• [-188.114.-127] epic cliff dive event: make sure you hit that hole
• [-283.82.-39] medium cliff diving event
• [-251.82.-55] medium cliff diving event

Items of Interest

• [131.64.-56] hidden cave under water
• [93.67.-99] small hidi-hole with iron
• [92.65.-117] sugar
• [23.69.-140] pumpkins
• [-22.65.-156] crazy sand and red flower patch
• [-7.65.-188] sugar
• [-65.66.-249] small gravel
• [-196.67.-146] epic, gnarly spire with two medium waterfalls
• [-226.69.-150] pumpkins
• [-394.79.-395] tall spire in northwest corner
• [-280.65.-360] small flat island, sugar
• [-202.75.-357] medium exposed stone
• [-135.66.-355] medium clay with nearby iron
• [-106.69.-392] shortcut cave with coal
• [-74.65.-380] sinkable island with large clay
• [96.65.-304] x2 sugar and crazy water hidi-hole
• [121.65.-307] small cave + medium floater
• [166.67.-232] shortcut cave
• [196.76.-256] lots of pumpkins
• [187.56.-327] deep cave with three waterfalls and a lava fall and lots of coal
• [237.69.-294] really nice cove
• [288.68.-302] suspicious pit
• [289.66.-211] small lonely cacti on a sandbar guarding large clay
• [356.65.-173] large clay, small falling sand
• [374.68.-39] hidden cave
• [361.65.32] large clay
• [242.73.367] dead drop through mountain
• [207.73.308] medium falling sand
• [161.65.254] monster clay under small overhang in water
• [206.66.211] large falling sand
• [225.66.110] hidden deep pitfall cave
• [87.65.182] medium clay
• [113.65.260] medium overhang over water
• [99.67.334] medium floater
• [-116.76.327] wolves
• [-145.75.321] pitfall through mountain
• [-111.84.284] medium cave complex
• [-4.64.66] dig down for medium cave with waterfall and lava fall
• [39.66.-69] large clay, a small overhang, and a deep lake
• [-7.68.-44] two small overhangs and a small floater
• [-41.75.-47] tall waterfall and an awesome ravine
• [-59.71.-81] small land bridge
• [-130.75.260] small cave behind pond
• [-257.65.349] hidi-hole
• [-381.71.291] deep shadow, watch for skeletons
• [-380.72.339] large floater
• [-295.90.236] medium cave with coal
• [-256.69.215] medium hidi-hole
• [-323.103.231] tree valley
• [-296.105.171] the small cave on this snow-capped peak must lead to something
• [-347.82.162] river pouring out of shortcut cave and nearby small cave
• [-369.72.73] Can't Miss: "The Web"
• [-353.73.52] hidi-hole
• [-328.70.-40] small waterfall
• [-377.68.-85] one lonely pumpkin
• [-298.66.-104] medium clay
• [-181.70.-68] amazing shadowy land bridge
• [-160.66.-72] small cave
• [-224.72.-145] pumpkins
• [-202.91.-128] massive spire with waterfall pouring out of it
• [-199.119.-103] two tall spires, tallest point not-in-a-tree on map

Images

As you can imagine, with any legendary seed it's difficult to narrow down the choices. For each of these shots, there are another two that didn't make the cut. However, I will say that it was also difficult to get shots in the first place because there are so many trees in these crevasses that it's a constant struggle to get a vista.

Anyway, up top with the map you'll find an "eye" formation in "The Web". This formation had two oddly accurate skeletons living in it, so I had to switch to no-enemies in order to get the shot. Below it, another view of "The Web": this time from the top of the formation looking down at a natural hill/cave combo that kind of reminds me of a spiral staircase.

As for the three images at right (from top to bottom), the first is a large spire with a waterfall pouring out of the middle of it. This double waterfall cleared out grass and trees at it went along depositing them in it's delta for me to pick up later. Lucky for me, this second shot was possible because the shadow of this overhang lands in the water. Finally, the trees worked in my favor for this shot. Is it a floating medium spire or a large ground spire? I'll let you find that one out for yourself.

Legendary Seed: ax+by=c

Special Achievements

• Legendary Seed! This seed has scored an astonishing 55+ out of 70 in the overall score.
• Golden! This seed has scored higher than 50 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Abyssal! Higher than 8 out of 10 in deep water.
• Spelunked! Higher than 8 out of 10 in caves.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• ++ Advanced ++
• Expert
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 18.67.-76
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 7.3 DW 8.3 C 8.9 W 7.1 SP 6.2 VR 7.9 AF 9.6     55.3

Etymology

This equation isn't an equation at all; it's known as the standard form of algebra and it governs the proper way to write an equation. It's sort of like an element of grammar, but for math. Regardless of it's purpose, it's simple, easy to remember, and makes for a great Minecraft seed.

My Review

This level was really amazing. There are things to see in almost every quadrant of the map. I started off hearing a large number of zombie sounds coming from hidden underground tunnels. Then I found my first couple of land bridges. Then some overhangs. Then everything got bigger. Then things were riddled with coal and iron. By the time I realized what I had on my hands, land bridges were spanning mountain valleys and hiding epic caves in their shadows. There are scenic cliff-side hidi-holes that will keep you safe at night, but during the day you are just as screwed because there is shade everywhere. The trees grow in clumps and the formations pump out day-walkers in alarming numbers.

It took me an hour just to complete the map -- an unheard of amount of time that should show you how hard it is to move around. Then I played underground for another three hours, falling from one cave system into another until I reached bedrock. I had diamonds (which I turned into a pickaxe) within my first hour and enough obsidian for a portal at the 150 minute mark.

To try to give you some understanding of how rare some of these things are, I'm now approaching my 200th review and have played another 50 seeds that didn't make the cut and the series waterfall (falling water that falls again further down the stream) at -183.77.266 is only the third I've ever seen. It's not amazing to look at per se, but it is rare. And some of these formations are just incredible. I strongly recommend this seed for anyone looking for a serious challenge.

The Nether

The Nether for this level is absolutely infuriating. It's a labyrinthine nightmare full of side passages that don't go anywhere and tunnels that snake up and down so you have no idea what level you're on. When you finally do break through to the top (and for the love of James Lipton, throw down some torches), what you will find is that you're basically pressed up against the ceiling -- as evidenced by the easily available glowstone that's right in your face.

Beyond this antechamber is a more traditional Nether world, but it's very small and very cramped. There's not much to see and the lava is way down below and a pain to get to. Getting back to your portal takes forever even when you leave breadcrumbs.

Caves

• [-235.77.131] deep pitfall cave
• [-118.77.-80] shortcut cave and coal
• [-86.84.197] hidden cave inside hidi-hole, large coal
• [-41.67.-105] zombie cave with iron
• [208.73.-34] small coal cave
• [227.66.-298] shortcut cave, large coal
• [251.73.-50] small iron cave, small overhang
• [298.72.44] medium cave
• [329.67.351] hidden cave with stalagmites and large iron
• [371.63.-306] small cave with stalagmites and coal

Overhangs

• [235.71.-166] medium overhang, large sugar
• [234.67.42] large overhang
• [223.71.-348] two medium overhangs, small coal
• [186.71.-13] large overhang, large coal in side of cliff
• [-9.70.145] large overhang
• [-114.80.210] large overhang
• [-133.79.156] narrow small overhang
• [-324.73.94] small overhang

Land Bridges

• [-253.72.-62] medium land bridge
• [-164.72.-39] long medium land bridge
• [-142.71.288] large land bridge, overhang, and hidi-hole
• [-111.66.196] amazing massive land bridge
• [79.73.198] large land bridge
• [180.77.43] large land bridge
• [342.71.352] small land bridge and small crevasse

Under the Epic Land Bridge

• [86.69.28] epic land bridge with two overhangs hiding a large cave complex with mega coal and mega iron deposits in its shadow
• [54.67.34] zombie spawn; if you dig under south moss stone you'll find large coal; chests include four buckets and some cocoa beans
• [24.30.51] gold vein
• [29.17.34] gold vein and dig down for obsidian generator
• [26.21.61] gold vein and medium coal
• [32.13.15] diamond cave
• [30.44.17] pitfall cave

Other Items of Interest

• [2.77.-107] two spires, one small, one medium
• [-19.64.-126] zombie sounds
• [-196.73.-66] mushrooms
• [-208.73.-15] pumpkins
• [-349.76.-182] medium cave
• [-235.65.-328] medium sugar
• [-166.65.-334] small cliff diving event
• [355.69.-322] beware: dead drop
• [338.73.-230] small hidi-hole
• [253.76.-24] large hidi-hole
• [346.84.-58] medium cave complex with large coal
• [342.81.3] gorge
• [195.84.23] cliff-side hidi-hole
• [272.92.0] cliff-side hidi-hole
• [-40.67.299] small hidi-hole
• [-168.73.284] pitfall
• [-183.77.266] rare, tall series waterfall empties into pond
• [-339.67.356] exposed stone with iron
• [-399.64.336] large coal, medium iron, and a small cave
• [-182.80.162] medium cave complex with coal
• [-75.76.208] medium lake

Images

As with all legendary seeds, the one thing you can't do is settle on just two photographs. Starting at the top, we're leading off with our star -- the massive land bridge that spans the hills at 86.69.28. This and it's companion cave are the final pieces that catapulted this level to stardom. The image right below that is a large overhang -- one of many overhangs found on this level.

There are two shots of the Nether in that section. First is one of the few views that I was able to find to demonstrate the size of the primary chamber. As you can see, it's small compared to the average Nether. The second Nether image was taken right as I emerged from the underground labyrinth where my portal deployed. You can see how close to the ceiling I am and you can literally walk up and take the glowstone like picking apples off a tree. This is the only benefit of this Nether.

The final three images are a shot of a medium curved land bridge, a seriously shaded overhang that leaks gravel from the ceiling and births a creeper or two, and finally a pair of complimentary overhangs that almost bridge the gap between these two desert islands. If you take the time to connect them, you can cut the time it takes to travel from one to the other in half.

Seed & Map: cipie=-1

Special Achievements

• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• Expert
• ++ Suicidal Expert ++

Spawn and Version

Spawn: 3.68.7
Version: XBL 1.1.1 (equiv Beta 1.7.3)

Seed Score MH 6.9 DW 1.2 C 5.3 W 2.2 SP 1.8 VR 4.9 AF 8.1     30.4

Etymology

This seed is part of the math-inspired seed series. The actual equation "e*i*pi=-1" failed me, so I re-branded it "cipie=-1" and came up with a much better seed. In mathematics, this famous equation was put together by a Swiss mathematician named Leonhard Euler. It links the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter (e), pi, and the square root of -1 (i).

My Review

FYI, I don't care about giving Euler credit in this equation; it's all about finding a good X-box Minecraft seed. And I did. This seed is a frosty no-man's land. Almost the entire map is a complete frozen waste except for the very far north of the map where a few intrepid sprigs of grass have taken hold. Trees are as easy to find on this level as luggage at an airport in Cameroon. Don't even consider trying this level if you haven't got a degree in terraforming.

Caves

• [-237.71.324] shortcut cave
• [-303.64.62] small cave
• [-217.71.-289] deep cave
• [375.70.-278] deep cave
• [374.62.-211] deep cave
• [356.75.-242] small cave complex with iron and coal
• [-125.64.370] deep hole
• [311.69.209] deep hole

Overhangs

• [-343.71.-335] waterfall under overhang
• [-338.70.-335] massive overhang
• [-324.70.-135] two medium overhangs
• [-309.70.-276] really cool large overhang
• [-222.74.-153] large overhang
• [-236.72.-248] large overhang and large floater
• [-118.70.-123] massive overhang
• [-107.72.-385] small overhang
• [11.68.30] medium overhang
• [49.71.37] small overhang
• [41.82.9] large overhang and hidi-hole
• [332.74.-155] medium overhang and shortcut cave
• [365.71.-165] small overhang

Other Items of Interest

• [-212.78.310] floater
• [-367.65.226] medium hidi-hole
• [-291.71.-121] lava fall and water fall
• [-247.73.-103] medium floater
• [-235.91.-236] four small floaters
• [-207.80.-370] hidi-hole with coal
• [124.65.-294] large clay
• [301.83.-283] two small spires
• [336.65.284] frozen cove

Images

This mountain was the last thing I found as I was unlocking the map. It almost seems to smile at you if you squint. At right, sister spires stretch upwards towering over this shady overhang. You can find them at 301.83.-283. There's one tiny tree in the background -- good to know since it's the only one for kilometers.

Seed & Map: mal8762

Special Achievements

• Premium! This seed has scored higher than 40 out of 70 in the overall score.
• Rolling! Higher than 8 out of 10 in hills and mountains.
• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• ++ Expert ++
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn Coordinates

48.67.-23

Seed Score MH 8.1 DW 4.7 C 6.2 W 5.3 SP 6.9 VR 5.1 AF 8.6     44.9

My Review

This level is a beast! Absolutely gorgeous with plenty of scenic spots and so many floaters you'd think you were underwater. Without question, the highlight of all the landmark spots I found in this level is the massive floating island that looks like a battle cruiser from Star Wars just parked itself above the forest. This thing is so big that at night, even if you wall it all in, zombies will still spawn there if you don't put out some torches. Even though everyone should see this seed, it is definitely designed for experts. I found many wondering day-walkers and the forests are thick and mountains difficult to climb. This one is a challenge.

Items of Interest

Warning: the following list contains coordinates and descriptions of the majority of resources and other features in this seed. If you prefer to discover these things on your own, skip ahead to the final paragraph.

• [40.67.-13] sound of spiders
• [40.68.2] coal and underground lake
• [19.74.1] pumpkins
• [15.77.-25] floater
• [24.84.-88] large land bridge
• [72.79.-90] massive floating island
• [87.71.-9] medium floater
• [89.71.-7] large coal deposit
• [323.66.-338] medium clay
• [335.65.-305] iron
• [315.65.-106] small flatland
• [339.65.104] sugar
• [375.71.150] large exposed stone with coal
• [344.68.260] medium cave with nearby coal
• [367.65.353] sugar
• [85.72.261] medium floater, small floater, and a massive overhang
• [32.83.324] small overhang and coal
• [-163.68.336] massive overhang, two land bridges, and a deep cave
• [-399.81.393] large exposed stone with large coal and small iron deposits
• [-349.65.252] pink sheep
• [-327.63.148] small cave
• [-142.71.-277] large sand out of place, shortcut cave in cliff, tiny floater, and a small waterfall
• [47.66.-413] small clay
• [-59.71.-243] small iron
• [-127.66.-169] large cave complex with small lava fall
• [-173.70.-50] deep dead drop cave
• [-201.73.96] medium cave
• [-202.73.103] medium waterfall flowing into small lake
• [40.82.154] small land bridge with coal
• [126.72.141] deep pitfall cave

Images

This map is clearly best of the day for a reason. While it didn't generate as many photographs as the runner up, don't be fooled... this level has some truly impressive features.

At top, this is the massive spaceship-like island that is floating in the middle of the board. I plan to build my summer home here. At right (top), you'll find a large overhang supported by two land bridges. Below that, I shall henceforth refer to this formation as The Tortoise. This thing is a massive flat-bottomed, shade-making behemoth that generates day-walkers in droves.

Seed: dastardlybastard

Special Achievements

• Anseled! Higher than 8 out of 10 in awesome features.

Rating

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• ++ Expert ++
• Suicidal Expert

Spawn Coordinates

210.65.190

Seed Score MH 6.3 DW 6.2 C 3.1 W 3.7 SP 5.3 VR 2.1 AF 8.2     34.9

My Review

What makes this level amazing is the sheer number of heavy shadows that appear around the map. Not only are there large overhangs that create the shadows you would expect, but there are vaulted caves which house dozens of bad guys just itching to blow you up. Trees are rare and so are resources, plus getting through the mountains is incredibly difficult. I rate this as an expert level and though I think it would be fun for beginners to see it during the day, they should leave by nightfall.

Items of Interest

• [238.73.-185] cliff-side hidi-hole
• [223.71.-112] massive overhang
• [229.68.-41] a medium waterfall hides a creeper cave
• [224.67.-10] hidden cave and a massive overhang
• [388.72.-114] shortcut cave and nearby iron deposit
• [-106.65.-351] deep pitfall cave
• [-351.65.-130] small pitfall, iron, possible zombie spawn
• [-357.66.357] pack of wolves
• [-247.66.336] medium cave
• [-150.65.307] medium clay
• [136.72.380] deep pitfall cave, large coal
• [196.102.353] massive land bridge with pitfall

Images

At top, a small sandy overhang adds some shade to this otherwise scorching desert landscape. Beneath that, a very intense overhang that comes very close to qualifying as a hidi-hole. Beware the skeletons that live in its shadow. At right, if you look very carefully, you can see a creeper emerging from the shadows of this massive land bridge.

The final photograph (a late addition) is a massive vaulted cave I found beneath a mountain. It is completely shaded and full of day-walking baddies. I highly recommend bringing along a diamond sword if you plan on exploring this cave.