Over the years, Minecraft has continuously evolved and been equipped with new features. One thing players frequently wish for is new light sources. While torches, glowstone, and lava were the only options in the past, you can now choose from dozens of blocks! The right light not only provides clarity but also keeps monsters away. There are many interesting ways to incorporate light sources into your world.
Understanding the Basics of Light in Minecraft
First, let’s give you a quick crash course on light in Minecraft, as this will help you better understand the following recommendations. One of the largest light sources is, of course, the sun, which shines down from above. During the day, it emits a constant light level of 15, which is also the maximum level that some other blocks can emit. When it’s completely dark, the level is 0. In Java, you can check the light level in your F3 menu.
While the sun shines constantly and illuminates all blocks, light sources work differently. They always emit a certain level (with a few exceptions), but the strength decreases with each block of distance. So, if you’re 16 blocks away, the light level from a block with a level of 15 becomes 0.
You should also know about some blocks that allow light to pass through. Glass is naturally the most obvious candidate, but carpets are also practical for covering light sources. Leaves, water, ice, slime blocks, and honey blocks also allow light to pass through. Paintings also let light through.
Selecting the Best Light Sources for Creative Projects
Let’s take a look at some of the various blocks and items that emit light and brighten your Minecraft world. We can’t list them all, but we’ve picked the best light sources you can use for your building projects. We’ll categorize the blocks based on how much light they emit. Sometimes, a little less light can be very beautiful and create a pleasant ambiance for your structures.
High Light Output for Impressive Illumination
Sea Pickle: Sea pickles are super practical because they not only have a stationary light level but can also be individually adjusted. The number determines how bright the pickle is. However, they can only be placed underwater, which doesn’t make them very versatile. But for underwater constructions, they are indispensable!
Candles: The “dry” counterpart to sea pickles are candles, which work the same way and also vary depending on the number. They emit only 12 light, but they can be coloured. You can craft candles from beeswax and a string and then colour them individually.
Campfire: If you enjoy being in the great outdoors, you should craft a campfire. It is not only an excellent and atmospheric light source but also perfect for grilling. You can place up to four uncooked food items around the campfire and enjoy them afterwards.
Froglights: You can obtain these lights by having a frog eat a magma cube. You can learn more about this in our guide to a farm (Discover Frog Varieties and Build an Automatic Frog Light Farm in Minecraft) . They come in three colours and offer a more modern appearance.
Lanterns: One of the coolest light blocks, perfect for medieval castles! They can be placed both standing and hanging and connect with chains. This allows for really great designs!
Glow Berries: Glow berries are primarily found in lush caves, where they grow from the ceiling. They emit a high light level and are therefore perfect as natural decoration. The vines themselves don’t glow, so berries must always regrow.
End Rod: This fits perfectly with modern settings, as it resembles one of the LED lamps you can buy in the real world. You can craft them from a blaze rod and a popped chorus fruit from the End. They can be placed both horizontally and vertically, making them extremely versatile.
Average Light Level for Balanced Decoration
Soul Light Blocks: Campfires, torches, regular fire, and lanterns also come in a variant with blue fire. These are less intense (only level 11) but look extremely cool! They are best suited for mysterious chambers or spooky places. To craft them, you need soul sand or soul soil from the Nether.
Redstone Ore: You may have noticed that redstone ore starts to glow when you walk over it. The light doesn’t last, but it emits a light level of 9. It’s perfect for creating magical pathways! The same effect occurs with deepslate ores.
Enchantment Table: Yes, the table for your enchantments also emits some light, which you usually don’t notice directly. It’s super practical if you want to build a mysterious enchantment room that isn’t fully lit.
Ender Chest: Interestingly, the ender chest also emits a light level of 7, which most players don’t notice. Thanks to its unique texture and compact design, it can be well hidden and serve as an indirect light source.
Glow Lichen: Lichen grows on cave walls and is a wonderful block to bring light into the darkness. You’ll probably notice that it emits a dim light. Perfect for placing light on walls.
Redstone Torch: Redstone torches are a moderate light source that create a spooky atmosphere. They can be used in redstone mechanisms, too. They’re handy for rail systems in mines (Ultimate Guide: Rail Systems and Minecarts in Minecraft) .
Low Light Level for Subtle Effects
Amethyst Cluster: A fully grown amethyst bud emits a light level of 5, which isn’t much, but it can still create an atmospheric effect. You can mine the clusters with Silk Touch and place them on almost any other block as decoration. This makes these blocks extremely versatile!
Magma Block: Although you might think the magma block is very bright, it only lights up three blocks. Still, it’s a great block for decorations, especially underwater. There, it creates a water column that pulls you down.
Glow Berry Bush: This new natural block is probably one of the best decorations for your world. It has only a light level of 2 but looks incredibly beautiful! The small, glowing glow berries are something many fans have wanted for a long time.
Brown Mushroom: Yes, the brown mushroom also emits a minimal light of one block. Why, we wonder too. You’ll probably only notice when you stumble across mushrooms in a really dark cave.
Effective Lighting Conclusion for Minecraft Projects
Light sources are not only important for keeping monsters away but also contribute to the ambiance of your constructions. Thankfully, there are now significantly more glowing blocks that you can use as decoration. Rent your own server for Minecraft with us and try out some of the blocks presented here to bring some light into the darkness. Try to adapt your projects with the appropriate lighting to make them even better!
