Minecraft 1.21+
Java & Bedrock

How to Cure a Zombie Villager

Transform zombie villagers back into normal villagers using Weakness potions and Golden Apples. Unlock permanent trade discounts that stack for ridiculously cheap prices.

2-5 min cure
Stackable discounts
Permanent effect
Zombie Villager
Zombie Villager
Splash Potion of Weakness
Weakness Potion
Golden Apple
Golden Apple
Emerald
Profit!
What You Need
Splash Potion of Weakness
Splash Potion of Weakness
Applies Weakness effect—required first step
Golden Apple
Golden Apple
Starts the curing transformation
Boat
Blocks or Boat
For safe containment
Name Tag
Name Tag (Optional)
Prevents mob from despawning
Java Edition: Speed Up Curing

In Java Edition, you can reduce cure time from 2-5 minutes down to ~30 seconds!

Iron Bars
Iron Bars
Surround in 9x9x9 area
Bed
Bed
Place within 2 blocks
Workstation
Workstation
Any profession block nearby
Step-by-Step Curing Process
1

Find & Trap a Zombie Villager

Zombie villagers spawn during zombie sieges in villages or when regular villagers are killed by zombies. Trap one using blocks, a boat, or minecart to keep it contained.

Important: Keep it shaded from sunlight (zombies burn) and away from threats. Well-lit area prevents additional mob spawns.
2

Throw Weakness Potion

Throw your Splash Potion of Weakness at the zombie villager. Purple particles confirm the Weakness effect is now active (lasts 1:30).

💡 Alternative: Arrows of Weakness also work if you have them.
3

Use Golden Apple

Right-click (Java) or interact (Bedrock) with the weakened zombie villager while holding the Golden Apple. Red particles and shaking indicate the cure has started!

The Weakness effect must be active before feeding the apple.
4

Wait for Cure (2-5 Minutes)

The zombie villager shakes and emits red particles during curing. Time varies randomly but usually completes within 2-5 minutes.

⚡ Java Speed Boost
Iron bars + bed/workstation nearby = ~30 second cure time
🎮 Bedrock
Standard 2-5 minute wait—no optimization available

Enjoy Your Discounts!

Cured villagers show purple swirls and grant permanent trade discounts. Place a workstation nearby to assign them a profession and start trading at reduced prices.

Pro Strategy: Cure the same villager repeatedly to stack discounts—get items for as low as 1 emerald!
Brewing StandBrewing Splash Potion of Weakness
Water Bottle
Water Bottle
+
Fermented Spider Eye
Fermented Spider Eye
=
Potion of Weakness
Potion of Weakness
Potion of Weakness
Potion of Weakness
+
Gunpowder
Gunpowder
=
Splash Potion of Weakness
Splash Potion
Advanced Options: Add Dragon's Breath for a Lingering Potion (area effect), or use Tipped Arrows of Weakness for ranged application.
Advanced Tips & Strategies

Discount Stacking

Each cure reduces prices further. Cure the same villager 3-5 times to reach minimum prices:

Example: A Librarian's Name Tag might drop from 20+ emeralds to just 1-2 emeralds after multiple cures!

Common Mistakes

Problem: Zombie burns in daylight
Solution: Build a roof or cure underground/at night
Problem: Villager despawns during cure
Solution: Use a Name Tag immediately after trapping
Problem: Golden Apple doesn't work
Solution: Apply Weakness effect FIRST, then use the apple
Frequently Asked Questions

What do you need to cure a zombie villager?

Splash Potion of Weakness and a Golden Apple are required. Optional: Name Tag, iron bars (Java), bed, and workstation for faster curing.

How long does curing take?

2-5 minutes normally. Java Edition players can reduce this to ~30 seconds with iron bars and a nearby bed/workstation.

Are the trade discounts permanent?

Yes! Discounts are permanent. Stack multiple cures on the same villager for ultra-low prices (some trades reach 1 emerald).

Why won't my zombie villager cure?

Ensure Weakness is active before using the Golden Apple. Keep it loaded, protected from sun, and named to prevent despawning. Check you're not on Peaceful.

Can I use a regular Potion of Weakness?

No, you need the Splash variant. Brew Potion of Weakness first, then add Gunpowder to convert it to Splash.

What's different between Java and Bedrock?

Java Edition allows cure time optimization with iron bars, beds, and workstations. Bedrock curing is straightforward but lacks speed boosts.

Can I cure multiple zombie villagers at once?

Yes! Each needs its own Weakness potion and Golden Apple. Prepare potions in advance for batch curing efficiency.