Blowing up things in Minecraft and creating explosions is undoubtedly one of the most fun parts of the game. TNT is incredibly popular amongst players and is used extensively in traps and cannons. It is also used to anger and irritate other players in the multiplayer mode, and for mining, although it isn’t particularly effective since explosions cannot be controlled. Regardless of if you enjoy making traps, or just blowing up mountains for fun, this guide will help you learn how to make TNT in Minecraft.
What You Need to Make TNT in Minecraft
In order to make TNT, you require the following items in addition to a Crafting Table.
- 5 Gunpowder
- 4 Sand or Red Sand
How to Make TNT in Minecraft Step-By-Step
Step 1 – Gather Gunpowder.
Gunpowder is not an item that you can craft from scratch. The only way to obtain TNT is by killing certain types of enemies and looting them, or from chests. Defeating Creepers and Ghasts gives you a 2/3 chance of finding Gunpowder. Dungeon chests and Desert Temple chests have a 58% and 59% chance of containing anywhere from 1 to 8 pieces of Gunpowder respectively.
Step 2 – Gather Sand
Sand is much easier to find than Gunpowder. Either Red Sand or regular Sand, or a combination of the two can be used to make TNT. Sand can be found most commonly in the Mesa, Riverbank, Desert, and Beach areas.
Step 3 – Open Crafting Menu
Go to a Crafting Table and select it to bring up the Crafting Menu with the 3×3 grid. You must now place items in a very specific pattern on the grid to make TNT. In the top row, place Gunpowder in the first and third slots, and Sand in the second slot. In the middle row, place Sand in the first and third slots, and Gunpowder in the second slot. The bottom row is exactly like the first row.
Step 4 – Move to Inventory
If you have placed the items in the correct pattern, TNT will now appear on the right side of the Crafting Menu. Move it to your inventory.
Video Guide: How to Make TNT in Minecraft
How to Blow Up TNT
Flint and Steel
The easiest way to light a TNT is to use flint and steel. Equip it in your hand and light it up. The TNT will begin to flash when it is activated.
Flaming Arrow
A safer way to set off the TNT is to use a flaming arrow, with the help of an enchantment. Alternatively, it is possible to light an arrow by shooting it through fire or lava before it hits the TNT block.
Fire Charge
Fire Charges act very similar to Flint and Steel, but they lose charge with every throw. Aim the charge towards the TNT and throw it,
Detonate with another TNT explosion
TNT that is caught in the explosion radius of other TNT explosions will also explode. Note that TNT that is set off by another TNT explosion has a much shorter detonation time than usual.
Fire and Lava
If Lava flows anywhere near TNT, it will be set off as soon as it makes contact. This is also true if the Lava does not directly come into contact with TNT. The same idea is applied when there is a fire around TNT.
Redstone Circuit
Step 1 – Collect Redstone Dust
You need Redstone Dust to create Redstone Circuits that can be used to trigger TNT. Even for a basic circuit, you need up to 15 Redstone Dust blocks, Redstone Ore is fairly easy to find, but you must mine up to 15 layers below ground. You need a Diamond or Iron pickax to obtain Redstone Dust from the ore.
Step 2 – Create a Switch Mechanism
You can create a switch mechanism using a pressure plate, a level, or a button. Buttons can be placed on the side of a block and provide power to the Redstone Circuit when pushed. Levers can be placed on top of any solid surface and can be used to toggle power as required. Pressure plates are triggered when a player stands on them. It is perfect for traps since enemies can also trigger pressure plates and set off the trap.
Step 3 – Create Circuit
Use Redstone Dust to create a circuit or a trail that leads from the switch mechanism all the way to a TNT block. Ensure that the TNT block is at the same level as the trail of Redstone Dust, and also adjacent to it.
Step 4 – Activate Circuit
Use the switch mechanism to trigger the Redstone Circuit. You will see the TNT light up and detonate in 4 seconds.