Should Mojang add sharks to Minecraft?

Misunderstood for a very long time, sharks have been considered a terrifying predator rather than than the vital creatures they are to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, including sharks in Minecraft would be a great move by Mojang. It would help shift the perception while adding a fresh layer of excitement to the game.

In response to the question of whether sharks should be added: Yes, adding sharks to Minecraft would enrich the ocean biome and educate players about their importance in the ecosystem.

Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the writer's opinion.

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Exploring the problems with adding sharks to Minecraft

The ocean could benefit from a new mob (Image via Mojang Studios)

Adding hostile mobs to Minecraft based on real-world animals can violate the unwritten rule of avoiding negative portrayals, as this may influence players' perceptions. If sharks were introduced as hostile mobs, it would reinforce stereotypes of them as dangerous creatures to be feared.

On the contrary, if sharks were added as friendly mobs, Mojang might inadvertently promote the idea that sharks are approachable in real life. This could lead to unsafe behavior among younger players who encounter sharks in the real world, as they might unwittingly misinterpret them as friendly and approachable, unaware of the associated dangers.

Given these challenges, a neutral mob behavior might be the best compromise.

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How sharks could be added to Minecraft

A bunch of sharks swimming could be both inspiring and terrifying (Image via Mojang Studios || MNO)

Sharks could be introduced as neutral mobs to Minecraft, attacking players only when provoked. This behavior aligns with real-world behavior, as most attacks occur only when they feel threatened. To balance the role of the shark mob in the game and offer utility, they could have drops and mechanics unique to Minecraft.

For example, sharks could be fed fish to pacify them, preventing them from becoming aggressive. Incorporating a natural shark characteristic, they could periodically drop shark teeth. These marine animals grow and shed new teeth throughout their lives. This mechanic could translate into the game, where sharks drop up to 50 teeth after being fed multiple times.

Shark teeth could then be used as a crafting material for a new weapon: the shark dagger. Crafted using three shark teeth and a stick, the shark dagger could be a throwable weapon in Minecraft, one that stacks in the inventory and also adds a tactical element to combat. Each dagger could deal two-to-three hearts of damage, offering a balanced, mid-tier weapon option.

The mob's design could be inspired by well-known species such as the great white shark, or focus on endangered ones like the hammerhead or the tiger shark. Even if added as a mob with no real use, a group of whale sharks could enhance the underwater atmosphere, showcasing their impressive patterns and size, and contributing to the overall beauty of Minecraft's ocean biome.