Tips and Tricks - Minecraft Guide - IGN (2024)

Minecraft, in all its blocky goodness, is constantly being updated with new features. As all these updates pour in, it's easy to miss the little tips and tricks that aren't heavily announced.

Tips and Tricks - Things Minecraft Doesn't Tell you

Here are 10 of the most useful tricks in the game. If you already know them all -- congrats, you're an expert! Perhaps you have some tips you want to contribute?

1. Torches create Temporary air pockets underwater

Maybe you got too co*cky and swam too deep. Maybe you were mining and opened the floodgates. Whatever the case, you're stuck underwater and need air fast. By placing a Torch, the water is temporarily displaced allowing you to get a quick breath in. Make sure you're right up against the torch when you place it for it to work.

2. Torches break stacks of sand and gravel

This one is relatively well known. If you need to clear a stack of Sand or Gravel, take out the bottom block and quickly replace it with a Torch. The rest of the stack will collapse onto the torch and break apart.

3. Torches can hold up sand and gravel

Funny how the Torch can help destroy and help build. If you place a block of sand or gravel on top of a wall-mounted torch, it will not fall or break. If you for some reason only have Sand to build with and want to have floating sections, this trick will come in handy.

4. You can build off of torches

Aren't torches just the most useful tool around? A little known fact is that you can build off the sides of torches instead of having to place a new block. This could be used as a scaffolding tool and a way to use fewer blocks if you're running low.

5. Signs and ladders stop water and lava

Water can be annoying. Lava can burn. Both are usually undesirable. If there's a flow of water or lava getting in your way, toss up a Ladder or a Sign! Take that, nature! This is a great tool for building underwater as you can prevent leaks.

6. Blazes hate snowballs

Getting a Bow and plenty of arrows takes quite a few resources. If you've been hanging out in a snow biome, chances are you've collected a bunch of snowballs. The Nether is a dangerous place, but luckily these seemingly useless balls of snow can help you out. Toss a few of these at a Blaze to cool him off a little.

7. Soul Sand makes you sink

Soul_Sand has a bunch of uses. The main one being that it slows you down. But did you know that while standing on Soul Sand you actually sink into the ground a little? Because of this, if there is a block in front of you 3 blocks off the ground and Soul Sand in front of it, you will be unable to pass. This can be a cool way to make some traps.

8. In Creative Mode, Middle click gives you the object you're looking at

Somehow this one isn't as well known as it should be. In Creative Mode, clicking the scroll wheel of your mouse will put whatever you're looking at in your inventory. This even works on leaves, grass, and mobs!

9. You only need two buckets of water to create an infinite water source

By creating a small trench of 3 blocks and filling both sides using a Bucket of water, you will create an infinite water source. Only take out water from the middle or you'll accidentally destroy it. This is helpful for making a more desirable infinite water source.

10. Water makes a good lawn mower

Are you annoyed by the pesky Grass around your house or simply want to free up a large flat space for building? Use a Bucket of water on the grass. It will spread and take out any grass in its path.

Do you know any other neat tricks? Leave a comment below and share with your fellow Minecrafters!