Desert Pyramids are sandstone structures that generate in desert biomes and resemble ancient tombs. They feature a large central chamber with colored terracotta patterns, including a blue terracotta block at the center. Beneath this block is a hidden chamber containing four loot chests, protected by a stone pressure plate connected to nine TNT blocks. Triggering the plate detonates the trap, destroying the chests and potentially killing the player.

Desert Pyramids may also include a buried side room accessible through collapsed stairs. This room contains suspicious sand, which can be brushed to uncover archaeological loot such as emeralds, diamonds, pottery sherds, or TNT.

Loot from the four chests may include bones, rotten flesh, gunpowder, string, enchanted books, emeralds, saddles, gold and iron ingots, diamonds, horse armor, golden apples, and the Dune Armor Trim. There is also a rare chance to find an enchanted golden apple.

The top of the Desert Pyramid is often visible even when buried in sand, and it can be accessed through a window at the peak. Desert Pyramids are useful for gathering early-game loot and rare archaeological items.