Wither Skeleton is a tall, black variant of the skeleton that spawns exclusively in Nether fortresses. It is equipped with a stone sword and inflicts the Wither effect on its targets, making it more dangerous than regular skeletons. Wither Skeletons are also the only source of Wither Skeleton Skulls, which are used to summon the Wither boss, and they are the only renewable source of coal.

Wither Skeletons drop 1 bone and have a 33.33%–66.67% chance to drop 1 coal upon death. They also have a 2.5% chance (up to 5.5% with Looting III) to drop a Wither Skeleton Skull, which is required to summon the Wither boss. If killed by a player, they drop 5 experience.

Wither Skeletons cannot be bred and spawn only in Nether fortresses. Unlike regular skeletons, they do not burn in sunlight and only appear in the Nether.

Wither Skeletons are hostile mobs that attack using melee combat. Their stone sword applies the Wither effect, which drains health over time, turning the player’s hearts black and preventing natural regeneration. They move faster than regular skeletons, making them harder to outrun. Since they spawn in Nether fortresses, they often appear alongside Blazes, making fortresses one of the most dangerous places in the Nether. Their skulls are essential for summoning the Wither, making them a key target for players looking to obtain Nether Stars.