Minecraft has evolved continuously since its original release, introducing new mobs, mechanics, and materials that reshape how players interact with its blocky worlds. Among the many rumored and requested features over the years, few have generated as much curiosity as the Copper Golem. Players who follow Minecraft Live events or community discussions often ask a direct question: Did Copper Golems actually get added to Minecraft? The answer requires some context, history, and clarification.
TLDR: Copper Golems were not added to Minecraft’s main game. They were part of the 2021 Mob Vote but lost to the Allay, meaning they were never implemented in official survival gameplay. Although Mojang showcased a concept and functional description, the Copper Golem remains an unused mob idea. However, its design and mechanics continue to influence community mods and fan discussions.
The Origin of the Copper Golem
The Copper Golem was introduced during Minecraft Live 2021 as one of three candidates in that year’s Mob Vote. Each year, Mojang allows the community to vote on one of three new mob concepts, with the winner being developed and added to the game in a future update.
The three options for 2021 were:
- The Allay – A helpful flying mob that collects items for players.
- The Glare – A cave-dwelling creature that indicates low light levels.
- The Copper Golem – A small construct that presses copper buttons randomly.
The Copper Golem immediately captured attention because of its mechanical theme and its connection to the newly introduced copper blocks. It was presented as a utility mob that players could create—similar to how Iron Golems and Snow Golems are built. However, unlike those defensive mobs, the Copper Golem would focus on redstone interaction rather than combat.
What Was the Copper Golem Supposed to Do?
According to Mojang’s official description, the Copper Golem would spawn when a player placed a carved pumpkin on top of a copper block—mirroring the construction logic used for other golems. After spawning, it would:
- Randomly press copper buttons
- Wander around its environment
- Gradually oxidize over time, just like copper blocks
- Eventually freeze in place when fully oxidized
This mechanic tied directly into Minecraft’s oxidation system. Copper blocks naturally shift through four stages:
- Normal Copper
- Exposed Copper
- Weathered Copper
- Oxidized Copper
The Copper Golem would visually change across these same stages. If fully oxidized, it would stop moving entirely unless a player used an axe to scrape it back to an earlier state—a clever integration of existing mechanics into mob behavior.
Importantly, the Copper Golem would also introduce copper buttons, a new redstone component. These buttons were unique because they would have a longer press duration than stone buttons, opening potential for new redstone timing mechanisms.
Did the Copper Golem Win the Vote?
No. The Copper Golem did not win the 2021 Mob Vote.
After community voting concluded, The Allay emerged as the winner and was officially added to Minecraft in The Wild Update (1.19). As is customary with mob votes, only the winning mob proceeds to active development.
Mojang has consistently stated that mobs which lose the vote are not guaranteed to be added later. While the company occasionally revisits ideas, there has been no official confirmation that the Copper Golem is currently planned for a future update.
This means that, as of 2026, Copper Golems are not present in vanilla Minecraft. They do not spawn naturally, cannot be crafted, and do not exist in survival or creative mode unless installed through third-party modifications.
Why Do Some Players Think They Were Added?
There are several reasons for the confusion surrounding Copper Golems:
1. Public Presentation Looked Complete
The animated reveal during Minecraft Live showed a functional model, complete with movement, oxidation stages, and interaction with copper buttons. This level of polish made the concept feel finished and ready for release.
2. Mods and Add-ons
Many mod creators quickly developed Copper Golem mods after the vote. These additions often replicate Mojang’s original concept, allowing players to craft and use Copper Golems in modded gameplay.
As a result, players who use modpacks may encounter Copper Golems and assume they were implemented officially.
3. Continued Discussion by Developers
Mojang developers occasionally mention past mob vote candidates in interviews or social media posts. While this does not confirm development, it keeps the concept alive in community memory.
How Would Copper Golems Have Impacted Gameplay?
Although never added, it is worth analyzing how Copper Golems might have influenced Minecraft’s systems.
Redstone Innovation
Because Copper Golems were designed to press buttons randomly, they could have introduced new forms of automation and unpredictability in redstone builds. Potential uses might have included:
- Randomized item dispensers
- Mini-games requiring chance-based triggers
- Ambient mechanical environments for adventure maps
- Automated farms with variable timing systems
Minecraft already includes randomizers using droppers and comparators, but a mobile entity interacting with buttons would have added a dynamic layer to redstone contraptions.
Expanded Copper Utility
One recurring criticism after copper’s introduction was its limited functionality. Aside from lightning rods, telescopes, and decorative blocks, copper has fewer mechanical uses compared to iron or redstone.
The Copper Golem and copper buttons would have given players:
- A stronger incentive to mine copper in large quantities
- A reason to manage oxidation creatively
- New aesthetic builds centered around steampunk designs
Visual Storytelling
The oxidation-freezing mechanic could have enhanced environmental storytelling in custom maps. Builders might have intentionally left oxidized golems scattered in ruins, suggesting age and abandonment.
Could Copper Golems Still Be Added in the Future?
Mojang has never definitively stated that losing mobs are gone forever. In fact, certain past ideas have resurfaced in modified form. However, the studio has also emphasized that the Mob Vote carries real consequences—losing candidates are not queued automatically.
There are several possible futures for the Copper Golem:
- Direct Addition: Mojang might add them largely as originally designed.
- Redesigned Variant: The core idea could reappear with new mechanics.
- Copper Feature Integration: Copper buttons or oxidation-based mobs might be introduced separately.
At present, there is no official roadmap indicating Copper Golem development. Players should treat any claims of confirmed release dates with caution unless announced directly through Minecraft Live or official patch notes.
Community Reaction and Legacy
The Copper Golem remains one of the most fondly remembered losing mobs. Community polls and discussions frequently revisit the 2021 vote, debating whether the outcome would differ if held today.
The excitement surrounding the Copper Golem demonstrates several important aspects of Minecraft’s design culture:
- Players value automation and mechanical depth.
- Mob design tied to existing systems feels cohesive and immersive.
- Even unused ideas can shape community creativity.
Numerous datapacks and mods now allow players to experience Copper Golems in survival gameplay. In this sense, while Mojang never officially implemented them, the community has ensured their survival in another form.
Final Verdict: Were Copper Golems Added?
No, Copper Golems were not added to Minecraft. They were a 2021 Mob Vote candidate that ultimately lost to the Allay. Although their concept was well-developed and publicly showcased, they were never implemented in the base game.
However, the Copper Golem remains significant. It represents a design direction focused on environmental interaction, oxidation mechanics, and playful redstone unpredictability. Whether Mojang eventually revisits the concept remains uncertain, but its legacy continues through community creations and ongoing discussion.
For now, players seeking Copper Golems must turn to mods. In the official version of Minecraft, they remain an intriguing “what if” — a reminder that in the world of mob votes, not every well-loved idea makes it into the final build.