Hey guys! Ever wanted to light up your Minecraft world with a powerful beacon? Beacons aren't just cool-looking light sources; they also give you awesome status effects like speed, jump boost, and strength! If you're ready to take your Minecraft game to the next level, follow this guide to learn how to create and use a beacon. Let's dive in!

Gathering the Necessary Resources

First, you'll need to gather the essential resources to craft a beacon. This involves venturing into the Nether and taking on some challenging foes, so gear up and get ready for an adventure!

1. Nether Star

The most crucial component is the Nether Star, which you get by defeating the Wither. The Wither is a tough boss, so be prepared for a fight. Here’s what you’ll need to summon and defeat the Wither:

• Soul Sand or Soul Soil: You'll need four blocks of either Soul Sand or Soul Soil. These are found in the Nether.
• Wither Skeleton Skulls: You need three Wither Skeleton Skulls. These are rare drops from Wither Skeletons in the Nether Fortresses. Increase your chances by using a sword enchanted with Looting.

To summon the Wither, place the Soul Sand or Soul Soil in a T shape (two blocks on the bottom, one on top), then place the Wither Skeleton Skulls on top of the three upper blocks. The Wither will spawn shortly after, so make sure you're in a safe, open area. Use enchanted diamond or Netherite armor, a powerful sword (Netherite is best), and healing potions. Bows with the Power and Infinity enchantments can also be helpful.

Defeating the Wither will reward you with the coveted Nether Star. This is a one-time drop, so make sure you collect it!

2. Glass

You'll need 5 blocks of glass. Glass is made by smelting sand in a furnace. Sand is commonly found near bodies of water, such as beaches and rivers. Place the sand in a furnace with any fuel source (coal, wood, charcoal, etc.) to create glass. Once you have your glass, you're one step closer to crafting your beacon.

3. Obsidian

You need 3 blocks of Obsidian. Obsidian is created when water flows over lava. The easiest way to get Obsidian is to find a lava pool (either in the Overworld or the Nether) and pour water over it. Mine the Obsidian with a diamond or Netherite pickaxe; otherwise, it will break without dropping anything. Mining Obsidian takes a while, so be patient!

Crafting the Beacon

Once you've gathered all the necessary materials—the Nether Star, Glass, and Obsidian—you're ready to craft the beacon. Open your crafting table and place the items in the following configuration:

• Place the Nether Star in the center square.
• Place Glass blocks in the top row and the two middle squares on either side of the Nether Star.
• Place Obsidian blocks in the bottom row.

If you've placed everything correctly, you'll see the beacon appear in the output slot. Drag it into your inventory, and you're now the proud owner of a beacon!

Setting Up the Beacon

Okay, you've got your beacon, but it won't do anything just yet. You need to place it on a pyramid made of specific blocks to activate it. These blocks can be Iron, Gold, Emerald, Diamond, or Netherite. The bigger the pyramid, the more powerful the beacon's effects.

1. Creating the Pyramid

The pyramid must be built directly beneath the beacon. Here’s how the pyramid tiers work:

• Tier 1 (Base Level): A 3x3 square of blocks (9 blocks total).
• Tier 2: A 5x5 square of blocks (25 blocks total). This layer goes on top of the 3x3 base.
• Tier 3: A 7x7 square of blocks (49 blocks total). This layer goes on top of the 5x5 layer.
• Tier 4 (Maximum): A 9x9 square of blocks (81 blocks total). This is the largest and most powerful pyramid.

You can use any combination of Iron, Gold, Emerald, Diamond, or Netherite blocks in your pyramid. However, using a single type of block is usually the most straightforward approach. For the maximum effect, go for the 9x9 base!

2. Placing the Beacon

Once your pyramid is complete, place the beacon directly on top of the center block. The beacon will activate with a beam of light shooting into the sky. If it doesn't activate, double-check that your pyramid is correctly built and made of the right materials.

Using the Beacon

With the beacon activated, it’s time to choose your desired effects. Right-click on the beacon to open its interface. Here’s how to navigate it:

1. Primary Power Selection

The first row of icons represents the primary powers. The available options depend on the size of your pyramid:

• Tier 1: Speed or Haste.
• Tier 2: Resistance or Jump Boost.
• Tier 3 or 4: Strength (available only at these higher tiers).

Click on the icon of the power you want. Note that Haste is incredibly useful for mining, while Speed helps you move faster around your base or during exploration. Resistance can be a lifesaver during battles, and Jump Boost allows you to scale obstacles with ease.

2. Secondary Power Selection (Regeneration)

If you have a Tier 4 pyramid, you can also select a secondary power: Regeneration. This provides constant health regeneration, making it invaluable for extended adventures or battles. Click the regeneration icon after selecting your primary power to activate it.

3. Payment

To activate the selected powers, you need to pay with an Iron Ingot, Gold Ingot, Emerald, Diamond, or Netherite Ingot. Place the required ingot in the bottom slot, and then click the checkmark to confirm. The beacon will now grant you and any nearby players the selected status effects within its range.

Maximizing Your Beacon's Potential

To get the most out of your beacon, keep these tips in mind:

• Location, Location, Location: Place your beacon in a central location where its effects can benefit you the most, such as your main base or a frequently visited area.
• Range Matters: The beacon's range depends on the size of the pyramid. A larger pyramid means a greater effective area. The ranges are:
  • Tier 1: 20 blocks
  • Tier 2: 30 blocks
  • Tier 3: 40 blocks
  • Tier 4: 50 blocks
• Multiple Beacons: You can use multiple beacons to cover a larger area or provide different effects. Coordinate their placement to optimize coverage.
• Creative Designs: While functionality is key, don't be afraid to get creative with your beacon setup. Incorporate it into your base design or create a visually striking monument.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to resolve them:

• Beacon Not Activating: Ensure your pyramid is made of the correct blocks (Iron, Gold, Emerald, Diamond, or Netherite) and that it’s built in the correct tiered structure. Also, make sure nothing is blocking the beacon’s beam.
• No Status Effects: Double-check that you’ve paid the activation cost with the appropriate ingot and that you’ve selected the desired effects in the beacon’s interface. Also, ensure you're within the beacon's range.
• Wither Too Difficult: If you’re struggling to defeat the Wither, consider using the following strategies:
  • Fight the Wither underground to limit its movement.
  • Use Potions of Healing and Regeneration to stay alive.
  • Bring friends to help you in the battle.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Crafting and using a beacon in Minecraft is a rewarding endeavor that can significantly enhance your gameplay. From gathering the necessary resources to setting up the pyramid and selecting your desired effects, each step is a testament to your dedication and skill. Now go forth and light up your world with the power of the beacon! Happy crafting, and may your adventures be filled with speed, strength, and endless possibilities! Have fun playing, guys!