Minecraft has continually evolved over the years, introducing new features. One thing many players have always desired is new light sources. While there used to be only torches, glowstone, and lava, you can now choose from dozens of blocks! The right lighting not only provides visibility but also keeps monsters away. There are many interesting ways to integrate 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, shining 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 is 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 emit a certain level (with a few exceptions), but the intensity decreases with each block of distance. So, if you are 16 blocks away, the light level from a block with a level of 15 will be 0.
You should also be familiar with some blocks that allow light to pass through. Glass is 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 allow light to pass as well.
Choosing the Best Light Sources for Creative Projects
Let’s take a look at some of the different blocks and items that emit light and make your Minecraft world appear brighter. We can’t list them all, but we’ve selected the best light sources for your building projects. We categorize the blocks based on how much light they emit. Sometimes, a little less light can also be very beautiful and create a pleasant atmosphere for your structures.
High Light Output for Impressive Illumination
Sea Pickles: Sea pickles are incredibly practical because they have not only a stationary light level but can also be individually adjusted. The number of pickles determines how bright they are. However, they can only be placed underwater, making them less versatile. But for underwater constructions, they are indispensable!
Candles: The “dry” counterpart to sea pickles is candles, which function similarly and also vary depending on the number. They emit only 12 light, but they can be color-customized. You can craft candles from beeswax and string and then dye them individually.
Campfires: If you enjoy the great outdoors, you should craft a campfire. It’s 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 afterward.
Froglights: You can obtain these lights by having a frog eat a magma cube. More about this can be found in our guide to a farm (Discover Frog Variants and Automatic Frog Light Farm in Minecraft) . They come in three colors 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 truly impressive 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 ideal as natural decoration. The vines themselves do not glow, so berries must always regrow.
End Rod: This fits perfectly into 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.
Moderate Light Level for Balanced Decoration
Soul Light Blocks: Campfires, torches, regular fire, and lanterns are also available in a blue flame variant. These are less intense (only level 11) but look extremely cool! They are best used in mysterious chambers or spooky places. To craft them, you need soul sand or soul soil from the Nether.
Redstone Ore: You might have noticed that redstone ore glows when you step on it. The light doesn’t last, but it emits a light level of 9. It’s perfect for creating magical-looking paths! The same applies to deepslate ores.
Enchanting Table: Yes, the table for your enchantments also emits some light, which is usually not immediately noticeable. However, it’s super practical if you want to build a mysterious enchanting room that isn’t fully illuminated.
Ender Chest: Interestingly, the ender chest also emits a light level of 7, which often goes unnoticed by most players. 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 might already notice that it emits a faint light. It’s perfect for placing light on walls.
Redstone Torch: Redstone torches are a moderate light source that creates an eerie atmosphere. They can, of course, be used in redstone mechanics. They are, for example, practical 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 a mood. You can harvest the clusters with Silk Touch and place them as decorations on almost any block. This makes these blocks extremely versatile!
Magma Block: Even though you might think the magma block is very bright, it only glows three blocks away. Nonetheless, it is a great block for decorations, especially underwater. There, it simultaneously creates a water column that pulls you down.
Glow Berry Bush: This new nature 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 long wished for.
Brown Mushroom: Yes, the brown mushroom also emits a minimal light level of one block. Why, we wonder too. You’ll probably only notice this if you stumble upon mushrooms in a really dark cave.
Effective Lighting Conclusion for Minecraft Projects
Light sources are not only essential for keeping monsters away but can also contribute to the atmosphere of your structures. Fortunately, there are now significantly more light-emitting blocks that you can use as decorations. 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 appropriate lighting to make them even more impressive!
