7 Pro-Gamer Secrets To Finding Buried Treasure In Minecraft (Java & Bedrock)

Finding Buried Treasure in Minecraft has been a core part of the game’s exploration since the massive Update Aquatic, but as of the latest game updates in late 2025, the mechanics for pinpointing that elusive 'X' have become razor-sharp, provided you know the pro-gamer secrets. For many players, the treasure hunt involves aimless digging across entire beaches, a massive waste of time and shovel durability. This guide cuts through the confusion, offering you the absolute fastest, most reliable, and most up-to-date methods for both Java Edition and Bedrock Edition to claim the legendary loot, most importantly the rare Heart of the Sea.

The key to success in the current version of Minecraft (1.21+) is not just finding the map, but understanding the precise mathematics of where the chest must spawn within a given chunk, a trick that has been refined by the speedrunning community. By following these seven steps and using the secret coordinate trick, you can go from finding a Treasure Map to holding a Conduit in minutes, not hours.

The Essential Buried Treasure Hunter's Profile

Before embarking on your epic quest for the Heart of the Sea, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental mechanics and entities involved. Knowing the source, the location, and the ultimate reward provides the topical authority needed to master this challenge. This is the complete profile of the Buried Treasure system, which was introduced in the Aquatic Update.

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• Primary Source (The Map): The Buried Treasure Map is almost exclusively found in a Shipwreck or a Ruin Portal, specifically within the "Map Chest" or "Treasure Chest" of these structures.
• Secondary Source (The Dolphin): Feeding a Dolphin either Raw Cod or Raw Salmon will cause it to swim toward the nearest Shipwreck, Ocean Ruin, or Buried Treasure chest, acting as a living compass.
• Spawn Location: Treasure chests always spawn in a Beach Biome, Snowy Beach Biome, or sometimes under the shallow ocean floor, typically under Sand, Gravel, or occasionally a thin layer of Stone.
• Unique Loot: The Heart of the Sea is the one item guaranteed to spawn in every Buried Treasure Chest. This is the *only* way to obtain this item, which is essential for crafting a Conduit.
• Other Loot Entities: Other valuable items include Diamonds, Iron Ingots, Gold Ingots, Emeralds, TNT, Prismarine Crystals, and the extremely rare Enchanted Golden Apple (formerly known as the Notch Apple).

7 Steps to Pinpoint Buried Treasure (No More Random Digging)

The standard method is to follow the white pointer on the map to the ‘X’ and then dig. The pro method involves a simple coordinate check that eliminates 99% of the guesswork.

Step 1: Secure Your Buried Treasure Map

The hunt begins with the map. The most reliable way is to find a Shipwreck, which is a common structure in Ocean Biomes. Look for the ship’s hull partially submerged. Once inside, you are looking for one of the three possible chests: the Supply Chest, the Treasure Chest, or the Map Chest. The Treasure Map will be in one of them.

Pro Tip: If you are near an ocean and can't find a shipwreck, find a Dolphin. Hold Raw Cod or Raw Salmon in your hand and feed it to the dolphin. It will immediately swim toward the nearest structure or treasure. Follow it closely.

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Step 2: Navigate to the 'X' Mark

Hold the Buried Treasure Map in your hand. Your player icon (a small white dot or pointer) will appear on the map. The goal is to move your player icon until it is perfectly centered over the red 'X' mark. As you get closer, your player icon will grow larger, eventually becoming a large white circle that completely covers the 'X'.

Crucial Detail: The treasure chest is located at the *northwest* corner of the block your player is standing on when the pointer is centered over the 'X'.

Step 3: The Secret F3/Coordinate Check (Java Edition)

This is the most critical step for Java Edition players. Once your player icon is completely covering the 'X', press F3 to open the debug screen. Look for the "Chunk" coordinates, which are usually displayed as Chunk: X/16 Y/256 Z/16 (the first and third numbers are what you need). The two crucial numbers are your X and Z position *within* the current chunk (0-15).

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• The Rule: The Buried Treasure Chest is always generated at the internal chunk coordinates X=9 and Z=9.
• The Action: Move your character until the chunk coordinates on the F3 screen read 9 for both the X and Z axes. This means you are standing directly over the chest.

Step 4: The Secret Coordinate Check (Bedrock Edition)

For Bedrock Edition players (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Mobile), you cannot access the F3 screen in the same way, but the internal chunk coordinate rule still applies, with a slight difference. You must enable "Show Coordinates" in your world settings.

• The Rule: The Buried Treasure Chest in Bedrock Edition is always generated at the internal chunk coordinates X=8 and Z=8.
• The Action: Use the visible coordinates to position yourself precisely. Since you don't see the chunk coordinates, you must rely on the map's centering and then dig a 3x3 or 5x5 area around the center block. However, the precise 8,8 location means the chest is at the center of the block you are standing on when the map is centered.

Step 5: Digging Down to the Chest

Once you are standing on the precise coordinate (9,9 for Java, 8,8 for Bedrock), it's time to dig. The chest is usually buried very shallowly, typically between Y-level 80 and Y-level 90, and is often covered by no more than 5-10 blocks of Sand, Gravel, or Dirt.

Shovel Choice: Use a Diamond Shovel or a Netherite Shovel with the Efficiency V enchantment and Unbreaking III to maximize your digging speed and durability. This is a massive time-saver when clearing the sand blocks. The chest will often be one block below the surface level of the beach.

Step 6: Dealing with Underwater Treasure

If the 'X' is underwater, the process is the same, but the environment is more challenging. You will need a Water Breathing Potion or a Respiration III helmet enchantment to stay underwater longer. Alternatively, you can place Torches or Doors to create temporary air pockets while you dig up the Gravel or Sand surrounding the chest.

Step 7: Claiming the Heart of the Sea

Once you break the block covering the chest, open it immediately. The most important item is the Heart of the Sea. You will need eight of these, along with a Nautilus Shell, to craft a Conduit. The Conduit is an underwater beacon that grants Water Breathing, Night Vision, and Haste, making subsequent ocean exploration and treasure hunting much easier.

The Ultimate Loot: Why the Heart of the Sea is Worth the Dig

The primary reason to engage in the Buried Treasure hunt is the guaranteed Heart of the Sea. This rare item is the core component for crafting a Conduit, which is arguably one of the most powerful utility blocks for any player focused on ocean exploration or building underwater bases.

A properly activated Conduit provides the "Conduit Power" effect to all players within its range. This effect combines three essential buffs: Water Breathing, Night Vision, and Haste (increased mining speed). To activate the Conduit, you must construct a 3x3, 4x4, or 5x5 frame around it using Prismarine Blocks, Dark Prismarine, Prismarine Bricks, or Sea Lanterns.

Beyond the Conduit, the treasure chest's secondary loot is also highly valuable. Finding an Enchanted Golden Apple (which has a very low spawn chance) is a massive win, as they are no longer craftable. The generous amounts of Diamonds, Emeralds, and Iron Ingots also provide a significant boost to early-to-mid-game players, instantly upgrading your gear and resources.

Mastering the F3 chunk coordinate trick is the key to elevating your treasure hunting from a tedious chore to a quick, rewarding activity. By focusing on Shipwrecks, following the Dolphin, and using the precise 9,9 or 8,8 coordinate rule, you can ensure that every 'X' marks the spot for a successful, first-try dig.