Troubleshooting: Compass Not Pointing or Structure Missing

The Compass Spins Forever

If the needle never settles, the structure type you selected likely does not exist in your current dimension or your world. Open the selection screen and pick a different structure, or travel to the correct dimension (Nether for fortresses, End for End cities) and try again. A compass that spins in the Overworld for a Nether-only structure is behaving correctly.

The Structure Is Not in the List

Only structures that are registered in your world's structure registry appear in the search screen. If a modded structure is missing, check that the mod adding it is installed and that its structures are enabled in the world's datapack configuration. Some structures are also biome-locked and simply may not generate in your current world seed.

The Distance Is Not Decreasing

A few things can cause this:

• You are walking away from the target — turn around and watch the number.
• The structure is in a different dimension; the compass cannot cross dimensions.
• You are moving parallel to the target because of terrain, so the straight-line distance barely changes. Adjust your heading toward the needle.

The Compass Points Underground or Underwater

This is normal for strongholds, mineshafts, and ocean monuments. The compass gives horizontal direction only. Once the distance reads near zero, dig down or dive to find the entrance.