How to Make a Drowned in Minecraft (Zombie Conversion)

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Keep a zombie's head underwater for 30 seconds. It starts shaking, and 15 seconds later it becomes a drowned at full health. The conversion cannot be stopped once it starts. Drowned also spawn naturally in rivers, oceans and dripstone caves.

What you need

A zombie
Water at least 2 blocks deep

Step by step

Get a normal zombie. Only normal zombies convert: zombie villagers and zombified piglins do not.
Lead or lure it into water deep enough to cover its head. Submerging only its legs does not count.
Keep its head submerged continuously for 30 seconds.
When it begins shaking, the conversion has started and cannot be stopped.
Wait 15 more seconds. It becomes a drowned with full health, even if the zombie was damaged.
A converted drowned can drop rotten flesh and may drop a copper ingot, but conversion does not give it a new trident. Use naturally spawned, trident-wielding drowned or trial chamber vaults if you want a trident.

Java vs Bedrock

In Bedrock Edition, an item held or worn by the zombie when it converts is dropped at 100% chance at full durability. In Java Edition the drowned keeps its equipment.

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

Frequently asked questions

How long does a zombie take to become a drowned?

Its head must stay underwater 30 seconds, then 15 more seconds of conversion.

Can zombie villagers become drowned?

No. Only normal zombies can, and husks turn into zombies first.

Do drowned drop tridents?

Naturally spawned drowned holding a trident can drop it when killed by a player or tamed wolf. Without Looting the chance is 8.5% in Java and 25% in Bedrock; with Looting III it is 11.5% and 28%. Zombie conversion does not generate new tridents.

Where do drowned spawn naturally?

In rivers, oceans and dripstone caves, in water that is at least 2 blocks deep (Java Edition).