Explore the depths of the Nether like never before with Minecraft’s groundbreaking Nether Update! This major overhaul introduces a plethora of new blocks, biomes, and mobs, transforming the once-familiar fiery landscape into an expansive realm filled with unique resources and challenges. From the eerie glow of Soul Fire to the sturdy Blackstone, players can now craft, build, and survive in ways previously unimaginable. Dive into this guide to uncover everything that’s new and exciting in the Nether, including how to harness the power of Netherite and navigate through treacherous terrains inhabited by Piglins and Hoglins. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, there’s a wealth of adventure waiting just beyond the portal!
Soul Campfire
The Soul Campfire is a distinctive addition to Minecraft’s Nether Update, offering players a new way to illuminate their surroundings with a unique aesthetic. Unlike traditional campfires, the Soul Campfire emits a haunting blue flame, created using soul soil and sticks. This block not only serves as a light source with a light level of 10 but also has the ability to cook food and provide smoke signals, making it both functional and atmospheric. The Soul Campfire is particularly useful in the eerie Soul Sand Valley biome, enhancing the mystical ambiance of the Nether while providing players with essential survival tools.
A new version of Bonfire. It has a light level of 10, while a normal bonfire has 15.
Crimson and Warped Fungi
Crimson and Warped Fungi are two distinctive types of mushrooms introduced in the Minecraft Nether Update, each thriving in their respective biomes: the Crimson Forest and the Warped Forest. Crimson Fungi, characterized by its vibrant red color, can be used to craft various blocks and items, including crimson planks and doors, while also serving as a light source when placed. On the other hand, Warped Fungi, with its striking blue and green hues, not only contributes to the aesthetic of the Warped Forest but also has functional uses such as crafting warped planks and serving as a food source for players when combined with a stick. Both fungi enhance the unique environment of the Nether, offering players new materials for building and crafting while enriching gameplay with their unique properties.
It appears in Crimson and Warped Forests, respectively.
Crimson and Warped Planks
Crimson and Warped Planks are two of the standout materials introduced in Minecraft’s Nether Update, adding vibrant colors and unique properties to the game. Crafted from their respective fungi, these planks cannot catch fire, making them ideal for building in the fiery Nether environment. Players can utilize these planks to create a variety of structures, including stairs, fences, doors, and trapdoors, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics in their builds. The introduction of these blocks not only expands the creative possibilities for players but also enriches the overall experience of exploring the newly revamped Nether biomes.
This material can’t burn. You can use them to craft plates, stairs, fences, gates, pressure plates, buttons, signs, doors and trapdoors.
Twisting Vines
Twisting Vines are a new plant introduced in the Minecraft Nether Update, found exclusively in the Warped Forest biome. These vines grow vertically from the ground, allowing players to climb them, adding a unique verticality to exploration in this vibrant biome. Unlike traditional vines, Twisting Vines can be harvested and replanted, providing players with a sustainable source of decorative foliage. Their striking blue-green hue complements the otherworldly aesthetic of the Warped Forest, making them an appealing choice for builders looking to enhance their creations with a touch of the Nether’s eerie beauty.
This plant occurs in the Warped Forest. It grows out of the ground and can be climbed.
Soul Soil
Soul Soil, introduced in the Nether Update, is a unique block found primarily in the Soul Sand Valley biome. This dark, earthy material serves as a key component in various crafting recipes and is notable for its ability to slow down players and mobs walking over it. When ignited, Soul Soil produces Soul Fire, which emits a blue flame, providing a distinct aesthetic and functional lighting source. Players can utilize Soul Soil to create Soul Torches and Soul Lanterns, enhancing their builds with both illumination and thematic depth. Its integration into the Nether ecosystem not only enriches gameplay but also adds to the immersive experience of exploring this treacherous dimension.
It appears in the Soul Sand Valleys.
Basalt
Basalt is a new block introduced in the Minecraft Nether Update, primarily found in the Basalt Deltas and Soul Sand Valleys biomes. This dark, solid block is formed when lava flows over soul soil adjacent to blue ice, creating striking basalt pillars that can be used for various building projects. Players can also craft polished basalt, enhancing its aesthetic appeal for construction. Its unique texture and color make basalt a popular choice for builders looking to add depth and contrast to their designs, further enriching the diverse landscape of the Nether.
Basalt pillars are made out of it. Appears in the Soul Sand Valleys and Basalt Deltas.
Blackstone
Blackstone is a distinctive block introduced in the Minecraft Nether Update, which significantly enhances the aesthetic and functional possibilities within the game. Found naturally in the Basalt Deltas biome, blackstone comes in various forms, including polished and brick variants, making it a versatile choice for builders seeking to create unique structures. Its dark texture contrasts beautifully with other materials, allowing for creative designs that stand out in both the Nether and the Overworld. Additionally, blackstone can be used to craft items such as blackstone slabs, stairs, and walls, further expanding its utility in gameplay.
It forms naturally in Basalt Deltas. It has many varieties that can be used for decorative purposes.
Nether Gold Ore
Nether Gold Ore is a new block introduced in the Minecraft Nether Update, which significantly enhances the gameplay experience in the Nether dimension. This ore can be found in the Nether and, when mined with any pickaxe, yields 1 to 5 gold nuggets. Players can also smelt these nuggets to create gold ingots, making Nether Gold Ore a valuable resource for crafting and trading. Unlike regular gold ore found in the Overworld, Nether Gold Ore has a unique aesthetic that fits the fiery and vibrant environment of the Nether, adding both functionality and visual appeal to the game.
You can extract 1 to 5 gold nuggets using any pickaxe. You can melt it to get 1 gold ingot.
Crying Obsidian
Crying Obsidian is a unique block introduced in the Minecraft Nether Update, notable for its distinct purple hue and ability to serve as a respawn anchor. This block can be found naturally in ruined portal structures and as loot in bastion remnants, making it a valuable resource for players exploring the Nether. Unlike regular obsidian, Crying Obsidian emits a soft light and has a decorative quality, allowing players to incorporate it into their builds creatively. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in gameplay by enabling players to set their spawn points in the perilous Nether, enhancing survival strategies in this challenging environment.
It is naturally generated as part of ruined portal structures. You can get it:
- as loot in the chests of the bastion’s remains;
- by bartering with Piglins.
Ancient Debris
Ancient Debris is a crucial new resource introduced in the Minecraft Nether Update, serving as the primary material for crafting Netherite, the game’s most powerful tier of tools and armor. This rare block can be found deep within the Nether, typically between Y-levels 8 and 22, and is often surrounded by lava, making its extraction a perilous endeavor. Players must smelt Ancient Debris in a furnace to obtain Netherite Scrap, which can then be combined with gold ingots to create Netherite Ingots. This update not only enhances gameplay by introducing a more robust crafting system but also encourages exploration of the revamped Nether biomes filled with new challenges and resources.
What are the most exciting new blocks in the Nether Update
The Nether Update introduced a variety of exciting new blocks that enhance gameplay and aesthetics in Minecraft’s underworld. Here are some of the standout additions:
Notable New Blocks
- Soul Fire: A blue flame that inflicts double the damage of regular fire, found naturally in the Soul Sand Valley. It can only be lit on Soul Soil or Soul Sand, adding a spooky ambiance to the Nether5.
- Crimson and Warped Fungi: These new types of fungi grow in their respective biomes and can be used to craft unique wooden planks, doors, and other items, providing players with fresh building materials.
- Basalt: This block forms naturally in the Basalt Deltas and can be used for construction. Its striking appearance makes it a popular choice for builders looking to create dramatic landscapes.
- Blackstone: A versatile block that can be used for crafting various items and decorative purposes. It is found in the Basalt Deltas and offers a darker aesthetic compared to traditional stone.
- Crying Obsidian: This block can be obtained from bastion remnants or ruined portals. It has unique properties, including being used to craft a respawn anchor, allowing players to set their spawn points in the Nether.
- Nether Gold Ore: A new ore that drops gold nuggets when mined, adding a valuable resource for players exploring the Nether. It can be mined with any pickaxe and is essential for crafting various items.
- Ancient Debris: This rare material is crucial for creating Netherite, the highest tier of material in Minecraft. Players must smelt it to obtain Netherite scraps, which are then combined with gold to create Netherite ingots.
- Lodestone: A new block that allows players to create compasses that point towards it, making navigation in the confusing Nether landscape much easier5.
These blocks not only provide new gameplay mechanics but also enrich the visual diversity of the Nether, encouraging players to explore and build like never before.
What are the best ways to use the new Soul Lanterns
Soul Lanterns, introduced in Minecraft’s Nether Update, offer unique aesthetic and functional benefits. Here are some of the best ways to utilize them:
Creative Lighting Solutions
- Aesthetic Builds: Soul Lanterns emit a soft blue glow, making them ideal for creating atmospheric environments in builds like haunted houses, underwater bases, or mystical forests. Their distinct color can enhance the mood of any space.
- Hanging Decor: They can be hung from chains, adding a decorative touch to ceilings or outdoor areas. This versatility allows players to create intricate designs while maintaining a cohesive theme.
Functional Uses
- Mob Repulsion: One of the standout features of Soul Lanterns is that they repel Piglins. This makes them particularly useful for players building bases in the Nether, as they can help keep these aggressive mobs at bay while still providing light56.
- Low Light Level: While Soul Lanterns provide a light level of 10 (compared to 15 for regular lanterns), they can be used in combination with other light sources to create layered lighting effects without overwhelming brightness. This is especially useful in darker builds where a subtle glow is desired5.
Thematic Integration
- Nether Builds: Incorporate Soul Lanterns into Nether-themed builds or structures made from Blackstone and other new blocks from the update. Their design complements the darker aesthetic of the Nether, enhancing the overall look of your creations.
- Ice and Snow Areas: They are also effective in snowy biomes since they do not melt snow or ice, making them a great choice for winter-themed builds or igloos4.
By leveraging these unique properties and aesthetic qualities, players can effectively incorporate Soul Lanterns into their Minecraft worlds, enhancing both functionality and visual appeal.
