In Minecraft, /kill removes the entities selected by its target argument, but @e means all entities—not just mobs. For a mobs-only cleanup, use /kill @e[family=mob] in Bedrock Edition; Java Edition has no generic mob selector, so target a specific type such as /kill @e[type=minecraft:zombie].
Use commands only when you have the required permissions, and choose a narrow selector: broad targets can remove players, items, projectiles, vehicles, armor stands, and experience orbs as well as mobs.
How the Minecraft kill command works
The command syntax is /kill [target] in Bedrock and /kill [<targets>] in Java. The target is optional; if omitted, the command affects its executor. In Bedrock, the command requires cheats and the Game Directors permission level.
The command removes selected entities in loaded simulation areas; it does not select entities in unloaded chunks throughout an unlimited world. It removes currently selected entities, but does not permanently stop natural spawning. The command kills living targets directly, bypassing ordinary protection such as high-level Resistance and a Totem of Undying.
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Choose a target safely
| Goal | Bedrock Edition | Java Edition | What it selects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Every entity | /kill @e | /kill @e | All selected entities, including players and non-mob entities. |
| Entities other than players | /kill @e[type=!player] | /kill @e[type=!minecraft:player] | Non-player entities, including items and projectiles—not mobs only. |
| Mobs | /kill @e[family=mob] | No generic mob selector | Bedrock entities in the mob family. In Java, target desired mob types individually. |
| Hostile mobs | /kill @e[family=monster] | No equivalent generic mob-family selector | Bedrock entities in the monster family. |
| A specific mob | /kill @e[type=zombie] | /kill @e[type=minecraft:zombie] | Zombies only. Java uses namespaced entity IDs. |
Run a scoped kill command
- Confirm your edition and permissions. Bedrock requires cheats and Game Directors permission for /kill. Make sure you have permission to run commands in your world or server.
- Pick the narrowest target that fits. In Bedrock, use family=mob for mobs or family=monster for monsters. In Java, specify mob types with namespaced IDs, such as type=minecraft:zombie.
- Enter the command in chat and review the selector before running it. Do not use @e if you intend to spare non-mob entities. Java does not support type=mob as a generic entity ID.
- Limit the area if needed. For example, Bedrock’s /kill @e[type=chicken,rm=2,r=6] targets chickens from 2 to 6 blocks from the command’s execution position. Here, rm is the minimum radius and r is the maximum radius.
Selector exclusions and repeated cleanup
Selector arguments go in square brackets immediately after the selector, with multiple arguments separated by commas. Negation with ! can exclude a type or tag. For example, Bedrock’s /kill @e[tag=!protected] selects entities that do not have the protected tag. An exclusion such as /kill @e[type=!player] still selects non-player items, projectiles, and other entities.
To repeat a purge, put the command in a command block configured as Repeat and Always Active. This continually kills matching entities rather than performing a one-time cleanup, so use a carefully scoped selector.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.FAQ
Does /kill @e kill only mobs?
No. @e targets all entities, which can include players, dropped items, projectiles, vehicles, armor stands, and experience orbs. Use a narrower selector when you want mobs only.
How do I kill all mobs in Bedrock Edition?
Use /kill @e[family=mob] to target entities in the mob family. For hostile mobs in the monster family, use /kill @e[family=monster].
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Can Java Edition use /kill @e[type=mob]?
No. Java does not have a generic mob entity ID for that selector. Specify an entity type, such as /kill @e[type=minecraft:zombie], instead.
Does /kill stop mobs from spawning again?
No. It removes entities selected at that time; normal spawning may continue afterward unless another setting, command, add-on, or mob-cap condition changes it.
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Can I kill entities only near me?
Selectors can limit targets by distance. In Bedrock, for example, /kill @e[type=chicken,rm=2,r=6] targets chickens between 2 and 6 blocks from the command’s execution position.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Microsoft Learn: Bedrock /kill command reference
- Bedrock Wiki: selectors
- Minecraft Wiki: /kill command
- Minecraft How: killing mobs and Java/Bedrock selector differences
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