Minecraft wiki entry for Combat, associated text: The main strategy to defeating shulkers relies on protecting against the bullets they shoot. The player can punch the bullet, which will break it. A shield can block the bullet entirely. Since the bullet turns in right angles, the player can place blocks in the path of the bullet, which will break it. They have 30 health units. If a shulker shell is closed, bows will not work on them, but a sword with Fire Aspect will work.