Where to Find the Best Loot in the Redesigned Ancient City

The overhauled city rewards exploration far more than vanilla did, but the good stuff is tucked into the new compact structures rather than sitting in the open.

Prioritize the New Structures

Search the smaller houses first — they are denser with chests than the old sprawling buildings. The ice box structure is worth checking for its contents, and the amethyst-related additions often hide valuables nearby. Because rewards now include iron and gold ingots, diamonds, and iron and diamond armor, a single good house can fully kit you out. Do not skip a chest just because the room looks plain.

Dig for Buried Treasure

One of the biggest changes is that the ground itself is rewarding. Dig through the city floor rather than only looting surface chests — you can find ancient fragments and other valuable items buried beneath the streets. Bring a good pickaxe and clear floors methodically, room by room, so you do not miss a buried cache. Since the layout is claustrophobic, dig in short bursts and watch for sculk blocks that might trigger shriekers. Carry a stack of wool to place over sensors before you start excavating a promising patch.