Crafting for Survival: Essential Materials to Gather in Minecraft
29th July, 2021
Minecraft is a game renowned for its creative potential and open-ended gameplay. However, at its core, Minecraft is also a survival game where players must gather essential materials to thrive and conquer the challenges of the blocky world. Whether you're a seasoned player or just starting your Minecraft adventure, understanding the importance of gathering key materials is crucial for survival. In this article, we will explore the essential materials you should gather to ensure your success in the world of Minecraft.
Wood
Wood is the fundamental building block of your Minecraft survival journey. With wood, you can craft tools, weapons, and basic shelter. It's abundant and easily accessible, making it an essential material to gather as soon as you begin your adventure. Punching trees or using an axe to collect wood logs will provide you with a renewable resource that can be transformed into various items.
Stone
Stone serves as a durable alternative to wood and allows you to craft stronger tools and weapons. You can find stone by mining stone blocks underground or by smelting cobblestone, which is obtained by mining stone with a pickaxe. Stone tools and weapons are more efficient and longer-lasting, making them a vital upgrade for your survival journey.
Coal
Coal is a valuable resource in Minecraft as it serves as a fuel source for furnaces and torches. It is commonly found underground and can be mined with a pickaxe. Coal allows you to smelt ores, cook food, and light up your surroundings, providing warmth and security during the night or in dark caves. Ensuring a steady supply of coal will greatly aid your survival efforts.
Iron
Iron is a game-changer in Minecraft as it opens up a plethora of possibilities for crafting advanced tools, armor, and machinery. It is a versatile material that significantly increases your efficiency and protection. Iron is found underground and must be mined with a stone or better pickaxe. Make it a priority to gather enough iron to craft iron armor and tools for enhanced durability and combat capabilities.
Diamonds
Diamonds are among the most coveted resources in Minecraft due to their rarity and versatility. They are used to craft the most powerful tools, armor, and enchantment tables. Diamonds are typically found deep underground and require an iron or diamond pickaxe to mine. Be prepared for a challenging mining expedition to uncover these precious gems, as they can greatly enhance your survivability and progress in the game.
Food
Survival in Minecraft also requires sustenance, and gathering food is essential for maintaining your health and hunger levels. Hunt animals, such as cows, chickens, and pigs, for their meat, or grow crops like wheat, potatoes, and carrots. Additionally, fishing in bodies of water is an excellent way to gather food. Ensure a renewable food source to sustain yourself during your exploration and crafting endeavors.
Redstone
Redstone is a unique material in Minecraft that serves as a power source for various contraptions and redstone circuits. It enables the creation of automated farms, hidden doors, traps, and more. Mining redstone ore with an iron or diamond pickaxe will yield redstone dust. Collecting redstone early on will allow you to experiment with redstone mechanics and create intricate systems to automate tasks and enhance your survival experience.
Obsidian
Obsidian is an incredibly durable material that is crucial for crafting a Nether portal. It is formed by pouring water over lava, and mining it requires a diamond pickaxe. Creating a Nether portal opens up a new dimension filled with unique resources and challenges. Gathering enough obsidian to build a portal will enable you to explore the Nether and expand your survival opportunities.
Lapis Lazuli
Lapis Lazuli may seem less essential, but it plays a vital role in enchanting your tools, weapons, and armor. It is found underground and can be mined with a stone pickaxe or better. By combining lapis lazuli with enchantment tables and experience points, you can enhance your gear with powerful enchantments, increasing your chances of success in combat and resource gathering.
Emeralds
Emeralds are a valuable and versatile currency in Minecraft, allowing you to trade with villagers for various goods, including enchanted books, rare items, and even enchantment table upgrades. Emerald ore is found exclusively in mountain biomes, and mining it with an iron or diamond pickaxe will yield emeralds. Gathering emeralds expands your options for obtaining valuable resources and acquiring unique items through trading.
Gathering essential materials is a fundamental aspect of Minecraft survival. Wood, stone, coal, iron, diamonds, and food are crucial for your basic needs and initial progression. Redstone, obsidian, lapis lazuli, and emeralds provide opportunities for advanced crafting, automation, enchantments, and trading. Understanding the importance of these materials and prioritizing their collection will ensure your survival and open up a world of possibilities in the vast and exciting universe of Minecraft.
