Minecraft: 10 things you should never do

With over 15 years of history, it’s no surprise that plenty of Minecraft no‑gos have taken root over time—things you simply shouldn’t do. Sometimes it’s because they’re dangerous, other times because the game’s mechanics don’t work the way you might expect. A list like this is especially helpful for new players, but even veterans and returning players may pick up a tip or two. In the end, play however you like—but it never hurts to keep a few of these rules in mind.

1. Never dig straight down or straight up in Minecraft

The oldest and most important rule in Minecraft still holds true today. It’s tempting to dig into a mountain or sink a mine shaft as quickly as possible—but going straight there isn’t always wise. One wrong block and you could die to fall damage, land in lava, or get overwhelmed by mobs.

Instead, build a staircase. You can dig straight down in steps, or carve a spiral staircase. The latter works especially well if you dig a 2x2 shaft and step down one block at a time. Alternatively, dig a 1x2 tunnel and use ladders to climb safely.

2. Don’t attack villagers and protect your trading

Villagers are the only naturally peaceful inhabitants you can trade with directly. Don’t scare them by attacking them. Beyond being, well, unkind, villagers share gossip, your reputation in the village drops the worse you treat them, and you can end up with worse trade prices. The more you mistreat them, the more expensive their offers become.

3. Never travel without a compass, map, and coordinates

Minecraft worlds are vast, and once you set off on an adventure, it can be hard to find your way back to your base. You might travel thousands of blocks and then need to return home. Your normal sense of direction rarely suffices.

Use coordinates via the F3 menu, a compass, or maps to navigate. Signposts can also help. If you want to learn more about navigation, we’ve got a full guide: (Effective Navigation in Minecraft: Using Compass and Map) .

4. Beds explode in the Nether and the End—don’t try to sleep there

This one often surprises new players—violently. In the Overworld, beds are great for skipping the night and setting your spawn. But in the Nether and the End, beds explode the moment you try to sleep. In the Nether, use a Respawn Anchor instead to set your spawn. In the End, there’s currently no way to respawn. Some players do, however, use beds to defeat the Ender Dragon.

5. Safeguard key tools and rebind the Q key

A niche tip that can save your life in a pinch. By default, pressing Q drops items from your hotbar—handy for sharing or binning clutter. But it can also spell disaster, especially mid‑fight.

In combat, you might accidentally hit Q and toss your sword. If a creeper explodes nearby, there’s a chance it blows up the item. That’s heartbreaking if you lose a well‑enchanted sword or pickaxe. Tip: rebind Q to a different key.

6. Always set out with enough food

It sounds obvious, but unless you’re on Peaceful, you should always carry enough food—especially on long journeys or caving trips. Food not only fills your hunger but also heals you after a tough fight. Top choices include cooked meats, stews, and golden carrots.

7. Get better enchantments with books and an anvil, not just the table

Enchanting can be confusing for newcomers and veterans alike. There are many ways to create the perfect tool. Don’t rely only on the Enchantment Table—use other methods too.

Enchanted books are often better because they let you control exactly which enchantments your tools get. Later, combine them on an anvil. Books can hold multiple enchantments that you can apply as needed.

8. Always use a shield in combat

If you’re coming back after years away, you’ll notice changes to the combat system. The shield, worn in your off‑hand, is essential nowadays. It’s crucial for blocking damage, stopping arrows, and even surviving creeper explosions.

9. Never summon the Wither near your base

The Wither is one of Minecraft’s toughest bosses. Fortunately, you can choose when, where, and how to fight it. Summon it in a secure cave far from your base. As soon as it spawns, it explodes.

The fight itself is also highly destructive if done normally. Its projectiles explode and scar the terrain around you. Play it safe. Learn more in our dedicated guide: (Defeating the Minecraft Wither – How to Conquer the Toughest Boss!) .

10. Don’t underestimate Silk Touch—mine key blocks correctly

Finally, Silk Touch lets you collect blocks themselves. For some blocks, it’s essential—without it, you get nothing back. Glass, glass panes, ice, and campfires are classic examples you’d destroy without Silk Touch. You can also pick up bookshelves intact without losing the wood. Most importantly, it’s vital for Ender chests—otherwise you only get obsidian back and lose the Eye of Ender.

Conclusion: Know the key Minecraft rules

Minecraft is a game of endless possibilities, but there are still plenty of things to watch out for. Some rules are obvious, others less so. Whether you’re new or returning, we hope a few of these tips spare you an untimely death. There’s always more to learn in Minecraft, and mistakes are a great way to avoid future mishaps.

Rent one of our Minecraft servers and put these pointers into practice for the smoothest possible start. You can, of course, play with friends and share some of these tips with them too.