Sculk Shrieker is a reactive sculk block found in the deep dark biome, especially within ancient cities. When triggered, it emits an eerie “shriek” sound, accompanied by a unique particle effect. It activates either when a player steps directly on it—sneaking or not—or when a nearby sculk sensor detects a vibration caused by a player within an 8-block radius.

Only naturally generated sculk shriekers can summon wardens or inflict the Darkness effect. These “can_summon” shriekers track player warning levels individually, with a warden spawning after four activations, even if different shriekers are used. If a warden is successfully summoned, the player’s warning level doesn't reset, allowing multiple wardens to appear over time. Shriekers placed by players or generated from catalysts are inert and cannot summon wardens.

Sculk shriekers drop themselves only when mined with a Silk Touch tool—otherwise, they drop 5 experience. Hoes are the fastest tool for breaking them. They also interact with redstone: their activation can be detected by observers, making them useful for player-triggered contraptions or spooky redstone builds.