The Nether in Minecraft is a wild place packed with all sorts of biomes, each with its own stuff to grab and dangers to dodge. One of those spots is the Soul Sand Valley, added back in the 1.16 Nether Update.

It’s got this creepy blue fog, tons of soul sand, and these huge basalt pillars that make it stand out. It’s a go-to spot for picking up soul sand, soul soil, and other goodies, but tracking it down can be a hassle if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here’s how to find one fast.

Why Even Bother With Finding Soul Sand Valley?

Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why you’d want to find this place. Soul Sand Valley is loaded with soul sand, which you need for growing Nether wart to brew potions or to spawn the Wither. It’s also the only spot where soul soil naturally shows up—great for making soul torches, campfires, or setting up some soul fire. You’ll also stumble across Nether fossils, these cool bone block setups, and it’s a solid place to run into ghasts if you’re after their tears.

If you’re on Bedrock Edition, checking out all the Nether biomes, including this one, gets you an achievement. Plus, with the Soul Speed enchantment that only works on soul sand and soil, it’s a handy spot to test out zooming around with enchanted boots.

Method 1: Cheat Your Way There (Java Edition)

The easiest way to find a Soul Sand Valley is with the /locate biome command in Java Edition. You’ll need cheats turned on, so it’s perfect for creative mode or if you don’t mind flipping that switch in survival. Here’s the deal:

  • Pop open the chat by hitting T (or whatever key you’ve got set).
  • Type in /locate biome minecraft:soul_sand_valley and hit Enter.
  • The game spits out coordinates for the closest Soul Sand Valley—like, “It’s at [X, Y, Z], about 500 blocks away.”
  • Jot those numbers down and head over, whether it’s through a Nether portal, flying with an elytra, or just hoofing it. The Nether’s a mess, so bring some cobblestone or something to make bridges over lava if you have to.
  • This skips all the wandering around and gets you there fast. Just heads up—it kills achievements in survival unless you’re cool with that.

Method 2: Roam the Nether Like a Pro

If cheats aren’t your thing or you’re on Bedrock (where that command isn’t a thing as of 1.20), you’ve got to explore the old-fashioned way. Soul Sand Valleys pop up pretty often in the Nether, but you’ll need to prep and plan. Here’s how to pull it off:

Get ready

Grab some fire resistance potions, a solid bow, and armor—bonus points if it’s got Fire or Blast Protection. Pack some cobblestone or other blocks for paths, plus food, a shield, and a pickaxe for whatever you find.

Jump into the Nether: Use a portal you’ve got or make one with obsidian and flint and steel.

Spot the signs

Look for that cyan-blue fog and loads of soul sand and soul soil.

Keep an eye out for those giant basalt pillars going floor to ceiling—they’re a dead giveaway.

Listen for ghasts wailing; they show up here more than most spots (except Basalt Deltas).

Move smart

Head straight out from your portal into new territory. The Nether’s 1:8 block ratio with the Overworld means you cover ground quick.

If you’ve got Soul Speed boots already, or a boat and blue ice, use them to zip over soul sand.

Drop torches or blocks to mark where you’ve been so you don’t get turned around.

Check your spot

Hit F3 in Java or turn on “Show Coordinates” in Bedrock to see where you are. In Java, the debug screen will say “minecraft:soul_sand_valley” when you’re there.

It takes more time and you might deal with ghasts or lava spills, but it’s satisfying if you like doing things the hard way.

Method 3: Portal Hopping (Bedrock and Java)

Want a faster way without cheats? Use how Nether portals work to your advantage. One block in the Overworld is eight in the Nether, so a little trip topside can fling you far in the Nether. Here’s the trick:

  • Start in the Overworld: Write down your portal’s coords (say, X: 100, Z: 100).
  • Move a bit: Walk or ride 125-250 blocks in any direction (like to X: 225, Z: 100).
  • Set up a new portal: Light it up and step into the Nether.
  • Check it out: That short trip jumps you 1,000-2,000 blocks in the Nether, boosting your odds of landing near a Soul Sand Valley.
  • Keep doing this, spreading out your portals, until you see that blue fog and soul sand everywhere. It’s a nice mix of speed and survival vibes.

Handy Tips

  • Soul Speed boots: If you’ve snagged these from piglins or bastions, they’ll help you move fast over soul sand.
  • Look for fossils: Those bone block piles only show up in Soul Sand Valleys, so they’re a sure sign you’re there.
  • No piglins or hoglins: These guys don’t spawn here naturally, so if they’re gone, you might be close.
  • Elytra trick: If you’ve been to the End and have an elytra, flying around with fireworks is a quick way to scout, though it’s a late-game move.

Wrapping It Up

How fast you find a Soul Sand Valley depends on how you play and what version you’re on. Java folks can just use the command and call it a day. Bedrock players or survival fans can wander around or try the portal hop to cover more ground. With its spooky vibe and useful loot, it’s worth tracking down—whether you’re messing with potions, building a Wither, or ticking off that Bedrock achievement. Good luck out there!