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Take on the Ender Dragon

Take on the Ender Dragon
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Build a cardboard Ender Dragon model and obstacle arena, then role-play strategy with friends to practice planning, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.

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Step-by-step guide to take on the Ender Dragon

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EASY TIPS To Beat The Ender Dragon | Minecraft Bedrock Guide 1.21 EP23

What you need
Adult supervision required, cardboard sheets, colouring materials such as markers or paint, glue, pencil, ruler, scissors, small boxes or cushions for obstacles, string or yarn, tape

Step 1

Gather all materials and bring them to a clear table or floor space so you can work easily.

Step 2

Use your pencil and ruler to draw big shapes for the dragon: head body wings tail and four legs on the cardboard.

Step 3

Carefully cut out each dragon shape from the cardboard using scissors and ask an adult for help with any tricky cuts.

Step 4

Arrange the cut pieces on the floor to check how the dragon will look before you stick anything together.

Step 5

Use tape or glue to attach the head tail and legs to the main body so your dragon holds its shape.

Step 6

Attach the wings using tape or string so they are secure and can move a little when you play.

Step 7

Decorate the dragon with your colouring materials to make it look fierce with eyes scales and Ender-style colors.

Step 8

Clear a play area and use small boxes and cushions to make an obstacle arena with a start line and a goal.

Step 9

Build extra arena obstacles by folding or stacking cardboard into towers pillars and tunnels and place them in the arena.

Step 10

Put your dragon model in the center of the arena or on a small box to make it the Ender Dragon boss.

Step 11

Choose roles with your friends by deciding who is the dragon who are the defenders and who will be the planners.

Step 12

Talk with your team for two minutes to make a simple plan or strategy to reach the goal while avoiding the dragon and obstacles.

Step 13

Act out one role-play round using your plan and follow the arena rules while staying safe and friendly.

Step 14

Talk with your team about what worked and change one thing to make your next round better.

Step 15

Take photos or a short video of your cardboard Ender Dragon and obstacle arena and share your finished creation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a large piece of cardboard for drawing and cutting the dragon shapes?

If you don't have large cardboard, tape together flattened cereal boxes or use poster board and then follow the 'draw big shapes for the dragon' step exactly as written.

The wings keep falling off—what troubleshooting can we try during the 'Attach the wings' step?

Reinforce the wing attachment by folding a small cardboard tab under each wing and securing it with strong tape or glue, or punch holes and tie the wings with string as suggested in the 'Attach the wings' step so they stay secure and can still move a little.

How can I adapt this activity for younger children or for older kids who want more challenge?

For younger kids, have an adult pre-cut the head, body and legs and simplify the arena to cushions and one tower, while older kids can use a ruler to draw precise shapes, add movable joints with string or brads, and create more complex obstacle layouts during the 'build extra arena obstacles' step.

How can we extend or personalize the dragon and obstacle arena after completing the basic build?

Enhance the project by decorating with paint or coloured paper as in the 'decorate the dragon' step, adding LED tea lights inside the body, making jointed legs or wings with brads for movement, and turning the arena into a scored game before you 'take photos or a short video' to share.

Watch videos on how to take on the Ender Dragon

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Defeating the Enderdragon is Easy in Minecraft

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Facts about cardboard crafts and teamwork for kids

📦 Cardboard is lightweight, strong, easy to cut, and widely recyclable — that's why makers love it for models and props.

🎮 Minecraft has inspired millions of real-world builds and role-plays where players recreate mobs and arenas with craft materials.

🤝 Teamwork helps groups finish tasks faster and teaches communication, role-sharing, and strategy — great skills for any quest.

🐉 The Ender Dragon is Minecraft's big boss who lives in The End dimension — defeating it is a classic game milestone.

🏃‍♀️ Obstacle courses help kids practice planning, balance, and quick problem-solving while having tons of active fun.

How do you take on the Ender Dragon with a cardboard build and role-play arena?

Start by planning the dragon and arena layout with simple sketches. Cut and assemble cardboard for the Ender Dragon body, wings, and head, using tape and glue to reinforce seams. Build obstacles—tunnels, towers, bridges—from boxes and smaller cardboard pieces. Paint and decorate when structures are dry. Assign roles (dragon, team leaders, builders) and set clear objectives and rules. Play a few timed rounds, then pause to discuss strategies and adjust the arena for better teamwork and problem-so

What materials do I need to build a cardboard Ender Dragon and obstacle arena?

Gather sturdy cardboard boxes, scissors and a box cutter (adults handle sharp tools), strong tape, white craft glue or hot glue (adult use), paint and brushes, markers, string, and a ruler. Add extras like colored paper, craft foam, LED battery lights, elastic bands, and safety goggles. Also have floor protection (drop cloth), clipboards or paper for plans, and small props for role roles. Keep a first-aid kit nearby for minor scrapes.

What ages is a cardboard Ender Dragon build and arena role-play suitable for?

This activity suits a wide age range: ages 6–8 enjoy simple cutting and decorating with adult supervision; ages 9–12 can lead construction, plan strategies, and refine obstacle design; teenagers can design complex arenas and run team challenges. For preschoolers, simplify by providing pre-cut pieces and focusing on role-play and basic building. Always adjust tool use and responsibilities by age and skill, keeping adult oversight for hot glue and box cutters.

What are the benefits and safety tips for a cardboard Ender Dragon role-play activity?

This game builds planning, teamwork, creativity, spatial reasoning, and communication skills through hands-on construction and strategy play. For safety, supervise use of box cutters, hot glue, and small parts; designate a cutting station for adults and wear safety goggles for vigorous building. Keep play spaces clear of trip hazards, set rules about dragon “attacks” to avoid rough play, and debrief after rounds to reinforce lessons and celebrate cooperative problem-solving.
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Take on the Ender Dragon. Activities for Kids.