Minecraft wiki entry for Combat, associated text: Hostile: Hostile iron golems are one of the most dangerous threats in the game. They have the highest base damage in the game, and, aside from boss mobs, is tied for the most health in the game with the Ravager at 100 × 50. Add on the fact that they take no Knockback, yet deal massive Knockback to the player, taking one down requires end-game gear if they are faced head on. The situation the player is most likely to anger an iron golem is in a village, where they attack a player who attacks a villager, or the golem itself. If this is the case, it is best to just run away, as depending on how much damage was done to the villagers, the golem may become passive again. If the player wants to fight the golem, then enchanted diamond/netherite gear is recommended, as well as a shield to block the golem's attacks. Golden apples and potions can also help. Alternatively, if the player uses a bow from afar, the golem can be killed without even seeing the player. However, note that killing a village's iron golem will lower the player's reputation there, causing future iron golems to become hostile automatically.