Ominous Banner

An Ominous Banner is a special, uncraftable banner that can only be obtained from raid captains or found at pillager outposts. It is distinct from regular banners due to its pattern—composed of eight layers, making it impossible to craft, to copy, or to change in a loom. In Java Edition, the banner uses a white base with several layered patterns including cyan lozenge, black fess, and light gray roundel, among others. In Bedrock Edition, it exists as a separate banner type that also cannot be used in looms.

Ominous banners are most commonly dropped by raid captains such as pillagers or vindicators carrying them. These mobs always drop the banner upon death, and the banner itself can be broken quickly with or without tools—though axes are fastest. It also pops off as an item when the block holding it up is taken away.

In Java Edition, the Ominous Banner can be equipped as a helmet via commands, which is how raid captains wear them. In Bedrock Edition, captains wear them in the chestplate slot. They cannot be worn or equipped in Survival mode. They serve the same function as regular banners when placed in the world. In Java Edition they can mark a spot on a map; they also burn as furnace fuel, each one cooking 1.5 items, and a note block set on top of one plays the bass sound.

They can be applied to shields, and the original banner is consumed in the process. The shield's durability or enchantments remain unaffected. Additionally, in Java Edition, players can rename ominous banners using an anvil or commands, and the custom name persists even after the banner is placed and retrieved.

Overall, the Ominous Banner is a trophy-like item that marks a player’s encounter with a raid captain, and serves as a functional decoration with a striking and rare design.