How to Find a Frozen Ice Cave

Ice caves generate as frozen cavern systems beneath cold and snowy surface biomes. You won't find them under warm or temperate land, so first get to the right surface area.

Pick the Right Spot on the Surface

1. Travel until you reach a cold, snow-covered biome. Snow on the ground and frozen water are the easiest signs.

2. Bring a stack of torches, food, a water bucket and a good pickaxe. Wear armor, because the caves have their own hazards.

3. Mark the location in your coordinates (F3) so you can find your way back.

Dig Down and Recognize the Caves

1. Dig a staircase down rather than straight down. This lets you stop the moment you break into an open space.

2. Watch the walls as you go. Ice cave walls are layered, mixing regular stone, pale calcite and slick ice. If you start seeing calcite bands and ice in the stone, you are close.

3. When you break through, look for snowy floors, hanging icicles on the ceiling and crystals growing from the ground. Together, these confirm you've found an ice cave.

4. Look up before stepping into the opening. Icicles can fall and hurt you, especially while you are digging nearby.

If one cold area turns up nothing, try another part of the snowy biome. The caverns sit underground, so natural ravines and existing cave openings in snowy terrain are also worth exploring.