The ‘How Did We Get Here?’ achievement in Minecraft is one of the most complex and challenging goals that players can pursue. Unlike other advancements in the game that focus on exploration or defeating bosses, this particular achievement requires players to have every single status effect applied to them at once. Accomplishing this feat is not only time-consuming but also requires a deep understanding of game mechanics, potion brewing, and mob interaction. For players looking to truly test their skills and dedication, unlocking this advancement is the ultimate badge of honor in the world of Minecraft survival gameplay.
What is the ‘How Did We Get Here?’ Achievement?
Overview and Purpose
‘How Did We Get Here?’ is a hidden advancement under the ‘Adventure’ category in Minecraft: Java Edition. To unlock it, the player must have every possible status effect applied at the same time. These effects include both positive and negative ones, from common potion buffs to rare and dangerous debuffs.
The achievement is often considered a culmination of a player’s mastery over multiple aspects of Minecraft, such as brewing, mob capturing, resource gathering, and strategic planning. Achieving this requires careful setup and timing, especially in survival mode.
Why It’s Difficult
The sheer number of effects needed many of which involve hostile mobs or rare potions makes this advancement incredibly tough. The player needs to manage effects that only come from specific mobs, such as the Shulker’s Levitation or the Elder Guardian’s Mining Fatigue. Some effects, like Bad Omen, even require preconditions like raiding an outpost.
Complete List of Required Status Effects
All Effects for the Achievement
To complete the ‘How Did We Get Here?’ advancement, the player must simultaneously have all of the following 27 status effects applied:
- Absorption
- Bad Omen
- Blindness
- Conduit Power
- Dolphin’s Grace
- Fire Resistance
- Glowing
- Haste
- Hero of the Village
- Hunger
- Instant Damage
- Instant Health
- Invisibility
- Jump Boost
- Levitation
- Mining Fatigue
- Nausea (via Suspicious Stew)
- Night Vision
- Poison
- Regeneration
- Resistance
- Saturation
- Slow Falling
- Slowness
- Speed
- Strength
- Water Breathing
- Weakness
- Wither
Note: The list may vary slightly depending on the game version. Always refer to the current version’s list when attempting the achievement.
Preparation Before Attempting
Gathering Materials
Before attempting the challenge, players should spend a considerable amount of time gathering all required resources. This includes brewing ingredients, suspicious stew components, and setting up areas where mobs like Shulkers and Elder Guardians can be safely accessed.
- Potions and brewing stands for common effects
- Suspicious stews crafted with specific flowers
- Leads, name tags, and boats for mob transportation
- A conduit for Conduit Power
- A dolphin and flowing water nearby for Dolphin’s Grace
- Access to a pillager outpost for Bad Omen
Choosing a Location
Many players build a dedicated room or area where they bring all the necessary components together. Underwater areas with conduits are common, as they allow easy access to effects like Water Breathing and Dolphin’s Grace. The area must be large enough to safely contain hostile mobs without risking your life or theirs prematurely.
Dealing with Mob-Based Effects
Mining Fatigue Elder Guardian
The Elder Guardian is essential for gaining the Mining Fatigue effect. Typically, players trap one in a structure near the activation area. Because it’s hard to transport an Elder Guardian, many choose to attempt the advancement near or inside an ocean monument. Be sure to avoid accidentally killing the Guardian while setting up.
Levitation Shulker
Levitation can only be triggered by getting hit with a Shulker’s projectile. One of the more complicated effects to get, this usually involves transporting a Shulker using portals or leading them across long distances to your setup. Alternatively, the End dimension itself can be used if all other conditions are met there.
Bad Omen and Hero of the Village
To obtain Bad Omen, defeat a Pillager Captain (found at outposts). Start a raid in a nearby village, then defeat it to get Hero of the Village. You’ll need to keep this effect active until the challenge, so timing is critical. Many players isolate a villager and end the raid quickly to maintain control.
Dolphin’s Grace
Lead a dolphin into a small enclosure with water and ensure you swim near it. Be cautious not to suffocate the dolphin. Use Soul Speed boots for better underwater movement if necessary.
Timing and Strategy
Stacking Effects Properly
Not all effects have the same duration. Some last mere seconds, others several minutes. Begin by applying long-lasting potions and effects first. Save the shortest ones like Nausea from suspicious stew for last.
Have a checklist and assign each effect to a numbered step. Use dispensers, potions, and mobs in the correct order to avoid mistakes. Having a friend assist you in multiplayer mode can make the process smoother, especially when triggering effects like Dolphin’s Grace or mob attacks.
Practice Runs
Test your setup multiple times. Ensure that each mob is properly contained and that each effect can be reliably triggered. In survival mode, testing is essential to avoid accidentally killing mobs or yourself mid-attempt.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Mob Despawning
Always use name tags or keep mobs within close proximity to prevent despawning. This is especially important for Shulkers and dolphins.
Effect Overlap or Cancellation
Certain effects may cancel out or override each other. Be cautious when applying effects like Regeneration, Instant Health, or Wither. Know the mechanics to prevent one effect from replacing another crucial one.
Lag and Server Issues
On multiplayer servers, lag can prevent effects from applying correctly or mobs from responding as expected. For best results, attempt this challenge in a stable single-player world or on a well-optimized private server.
Final Words and Rewards
Unlocking the ‘How Did We Get Here?’ achievement is not for the faint of heart. It is one of the rarest and most technically demanding advancements in Minecraft. However, the feeling of accomplishment upon completing it is unmatched. It demonstrates not only your knowledge of the game but also your ability to plan, execute, and adapt to complex challenges. For players who enjoy long-term goals, detailed planning, and bragging rights, this advancement represents the pinnacle of Minecraft survival gameplay.
Whether you’re tackling it alone or with friends, remember that patience and precision are your best tools. Good luck in your pursuit of this legendary achievement!