How to Get a Totem of Undying in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Evokers always drop 1 totem of undying when killed, and Looting does not change that. They spawn in woodland mansions and raids. Hold the totem in your main hand or off-hand to survive otherwise fatal damage.

What you need

Sword and armor for the fight
Milk or totems for raid waves (optional)

Step by step

Kill an evoker: it is the only source of totems of undying and always drops exactly 1, unaffected by Looting.
Find evokers in woodland mansions or in raids.
Hold the totem in your main hand or off-hand. It does not work in the hotbar unless selected.
When it activates, it prevents the death and you get Absorption II (5 seconds), Regeneration II (45 seconds) and Fire Resistance I (40 seconds).
A totem works once and disappears when activated.
It does not prevent death from void damage or the /kill command.
It prevents a game over in Hardcore mode the same way as a normal death in other difficulties.

Java vs Bedrock

In Java Edition, a totem does not stop an arrow of harming that kills the holder with only its physical damage, because the Instant Damage effect applies after the totem activates. In Bedrock Edition, the Regeneration II duration was raised from 40 to 45 seconds in 1.21.80 to match Java Edition.

Versions: Describes the current Java and Bedrock releases. See the edition note above for differences.

Frequently asked questions

How do you get a totem of undying in Minecraft?

Kill an evoker. Evokers spawn in woodland mansions and raids and always drop exactly 1 totem, unaffected by Looting.

Does the totem of undying work in the inventory?

No. It must be held in your main hand or off-hand; in the hotbar it only works if selected.

Can a totem save you from the void?

No. It does not prevent death from void damage or the /kill command.

Is the totem of undying reusable?

No. It works once and disappears when it activates.