Minecraft: Essential Survival Guide

At first glance, Minecraft may look like a simple block-based sandbox game, but it’s actually a vast, immersive world filled with adventure, challenges, and endless creative possibilities. While it leaves goals open-ended, there are key actions every player should take—not only to survive, but to thrive. Here, we explore some of the deeper, more rewarding activities you can dive into to make the most of your Minecraft experience.

Punch Trees (But with a Purpose)

Your first priority when starting in a new world is gathering wood. It's essential for crafting tools, building shelters, and creating workbenches. But don't stop at a few logs—devote your first day to collecting at least a full stack of wood (preferably oak or birch) to set yourself up for success. Convert some into planks and sticks to craft tools, then focus on laying a solid foundation for your base.

Explore the Nether with a Portal!

The Nether is a hazardous dimension, but visiting it is essential for completing the game and accessing advanced resources like blaze rods, nether quartz, and ancient debris. Once you’ve mined diamonds and crafted a diamond pickaxe, gather obsidian to build a portal (minimum frame size: 4×5 blocks). Before entering, gear up with iron armor, bring a bow, ample food, building blocks for bridges, and gold armor to ward off piglins. Always mark your exit—and carry flint and steel to relight your portal if needed.

You can also enjoy Minecraft on a larger screen using BlueStacks on your PC or laptop, with the added comfort of keyboard and mouse controls.