Totem of Undying
Held item dropped by Evokers that triggers automatically on fatal damage, resetting health and granting brief regeneration and absorption to survive death.
Description
Evokers are the only source, appearing in Woodland Mansions and as raid wave captains. Each Evoker drops exactly one totem on death. During raids players can collect multiple totems from successive wave Evokers, making the character effectively death-proof for extended sessions.
The totem is essential for high-risk activities: Wither or dragon fights, lava traversal, fall traps, and PvP. Many players hold it in the off hand alongside a shield, keeping both death prevention and blocking active simultaneously. Its single-slot footprint makes carrying several practical for long expeditions through hostile territory.
Survival Guide
How to use the Totem of Undying in Minecraft
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1
Defeat an Evoker
Find an Evoker inside a Woodland Mansion or as a raid wave captain. Each Evoker drops exactly one Totem of Undying on death.
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2
Hold it in a hand
Move the totem into your main hand or off hand. Keeping it in the off hand lets you wield a sword or shield at the same time.
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3
Take the fatal hit
When damage would otherwise kill you, the totem activates automatically, sets your health to one, and is consumed.
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4
Use the recovery window
Regeneration II heals you for 45 seconds while Absorption II adds temporary hearts. Retreat, eat, or finish the fight safely.
Since Java Edition 1.11 the totem also grants Fire Resistance for 40 seconds, so it can save you from a lethal lava hit, not just melee damage.
Frequently asked questions
Can you craft a Totem of Undying?
No. The totem is not craftable. The only source is killing an Evoker, which drops exactly one totem on death.
Where do you find a Totem of Undying?
Evokers carry it. They spawn inside Woodland Mansions and as captains during village raids in both Java and Bedrock Edition.
Does the totem work in the off hand?
Yes. It activates from either the main hand or the off hand, so you can hold a shield or weapon and stay protected at the same time.
What effects does the Totem of Undying give?
On activation it sets health to one, then grants Regeneration II for 45 seconds, Fire Resistance for 40 seconds, and Absorption II for 5 seconds.
Is the Totem of Undying renewable?
Yes. Evokers keep spawning in raids, so you can farm several totems from successive raid waves to keep a stockpile.
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