In *Minecraft*, there are numerous reasons you might want to eliminate mobs, and using commands is the most straightforward method. The /kill command is your go-to tool, but it requires a bit of finesse to use effectively. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to use the /kill command to target all mobs in *Minecraft*.
How To Use the Kill Command to Kill All Mobs in Minecraft
Before diving into the commands, ensure you're playing on a world where cheats are enabled. If you're unsure how to activate cheats, skip to the next section for detailed instructions.
The /kill command is simple to execute; just type /kill into the chat box. However, this command will only result in your own demise, which isn't the goal here. To target specific entities, you'll need to add some syntax before the /kill command.
To kill all mobs, use the following command:
/kill @e[type=!minecraft:player]
Here, @e represents all entities, and the brackets specify that players should be excluded from the kill command.
If you want to target a specific type of mob, such as chickens, the command would be:
/kill @e[type=minecraft:chicken]
You can also limit the command's range. To kill all mobs within 15 blocks, use:
/kill @e[distance=..15] – Java Edition
/kill @e[r=10] – Bedrock Edition
For targeting a specific mob within 15 blocks, the commands are:
/kill @e[distance=..15, type=minecraft:sheep] – Java Edition
/kill @e[r=10, type=minecraft:sheep] – Bedrock Edition
Both versions of *Minecraft* will autocomplete these commands, so you don't need to memorize them. With a couple of tries, you'll master the /kill command.
There are other selectors besides @e that target different entities:
- @p – the nearest player
- @r – a random player
- @a – all players
- @e – all entities
- @s – yourself
How To Turn On Cheats/Commands in Minecraft
To use the /kill command, you must be in a *Minecraft* world with cheats enabled. Here's how to activate cheats in both Java and Bedrock editions.
Java Edition

In Java Edition, load your world, press Esc, and select "Open to LAN." Enable the "Allow Commands" option. Note that you'll need to repeat this process each time you open your world. For a permanent solution, create a new world with cheats enabled:
- From the main menu, select Singleplayer.
- Choose your world and click "Re-create" at the bottom.
- In the new menu, enable "Allow Commands."
Bedrock Edition

In Bedrock Edition, enabling cheats is straightforward:
- Navigate to your worlds.
- Click the pencil icon next to the world you want to modify.
- In the new menu, find the "Cheats" option at the bottom right.
- Toggle "Cheats" to On.
With these steps, you're now equipped with the knowledge to effectively use the /kill command to manage mobs in *Minecraft*. Enjoy your gameplay on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC, or mobile!