What is a Name Tag?
A name tag is an item that allows you to assign a name to most mob NPCs in Minecraft. However, they cannot be used on other players or the Ender Dragon. Name tags are stackable and reusable if you wish to change the name. Since name tags are rare, it’s important to use them thoughtfully.
Effects of Using a Name Tag
When you use a name tag, the NPC will never despawn. They will stay in the same area even as you explore other parts of the world. However, wandering merchants will still disappear after some time, though they will keep their name while they’re around. Keep in mind, the named NPCs can still die, and if they do, you will lose the name tag.
Where To Find a Name Tag
The reason name tags are so rare is that they cannot be crafted. Because of this, you have to explore the world and search for name tags. There are only three ways to get a name tag:
1. Chest Drops
Chests found in various locations have a decent chance of containing a name tag. Each chest drops exactly one name tag, although the chances vary between the Java and Bedrock Editions of Minecraft. Here is a table showing where to find chests that may contain a name tag in the Java Edition: Similarly, here’s a table showing where to find chests that may contain a name tag in Bedrock Edition:
2. Fishing
If you prefer not to travel too far, you can try fishing. Fish in nearly any body of water without wandering too much. However, be ready to spend some time here, as there’s only a small chance to catch a name tag through fishing. Name tags fall under the Treasure category. These have a 5% chance of being caught. Since name tags aren’t the only Treasure item, the chance is 0.167%. To improve your chances, consider using the Luck of the Sea enchantment, which increases your success in catching Treasure items.
3. Trading
Trading is the final, and most costly option. If you have extra emeralds, you can buy a name tag from a Master Librarian in a village for 20 emeralds. This option is the most expensive but the easiest.
How To Use a Name Tag in Minecraft
Using a name tag involves more than just clicking on an NPC. You first need to assign a name to it before applying it to a character.
1. Assigning a name to the name tag
To name a name tag, you’ll need an anvil. You can find anvils in villages or craft one using a Crafting Table. To make an anvil, you’ll need 6 iron blocks and 1 iron ingot, as shown in the recipe below. Once you’ve crafted the anvil, follow these steps to assign a name to a name tag:
2. Using the name tag on an NPC
With your newly named tag, follow these steps to apply it to your chosen NPC:
Unique Effects of Name Tags
In certain cases, name tags can trigger special effects on an NPC, depending on the name you choose. Below are the unique effects that name tags can have:
