Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Zac Churchill. Zac Churchill is from Davidson, North Carolina, and currently attends Tufts University. He has played Minecraft for over eight years and has extensive knowledge on how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep.
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Iron is the next tier of tools and weapons, specifically swords, in Minecraft after stone. It is relatively common, making it an adequate and preferred material for tools and weapons. Not only that, but iron is used in many crafting recipes later in-game. Without iron, you cannot progress to the next tiers. Here is a simple guide on how to find iron in Minecraft.
Steps
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Get yourself a wooden pickaxe. The first pickaxe you will craft will be made out of wood, which will be used to mine stone.
Get yourself a stone pickaxe. The stone will be necessary to break the iron blocks down in order to get the material. To craft one, place three cobblestones (mined from stone with a wooden pickaxe) on the top row of the crafting table, and place 2 sticks below it, resembling the shape of a pickaxe.Advertisement
Get torches. You will need to bring some torches with you, as it can get dark and impossible to see. To do this, you place one stick on your crafting area/table and one piece of coal or charcoal above it.
Get a lot of dirt. You might not always need it, but if you're ever in a sticky situation while mining, you're going to need cheap and abundant dirt to get yourself out of it.
Find a suitable cave. Caves are the best way to find iron ores.[1] They usually appear in veins at a time. Stop wasting your time digging down from the surface, as this will only yield a small chance of success.
Investigate all blocks surrounding any iron you find. Iron occurs in veins, or groups, so if you find one, there is likely more nearby. Check diagonal blocks as well. The usual size of a vein is 2x2x2 blocks.- Iron looks like peach or pink-ish splotches on grey stone.
Place torches as necessary. Recover them when you can, but only if it's a one-time mining trip. Otherwise, keep it there or else monsters will spawn in the dark.
Mind your vertical level. Using your map or the debug mode, check out the "Y" axis: this indicates your elevation. Remember that iron ore only occurs from levels 1-63.
Use a furnace to turn the iron ore into ingots. Iron ore is almost of no benefit to you, and only the iron ingots are useful.
Use the iron to make better tools and armor. Enjoy!
Community Q&A
- QuestionWhy do I have to make an iron tool? Why can't I make armor instead?
Community AnswerArmor is usually made when you have a good amount of iron to spend, as armor needs a lot of Iron. Also, certain ores (such as the valuable diamond) need an Iron tool in order to be mined. - QuestionCan iron be found near lava with diamonds?
Community AnswerYes, iron can be found at Levels 1-63. It can therefore be found near lava with diamonds. - QuestionHow do I make a compass in Minecraft?
GerbilloverCommunity AnswerCraft it by placing a piece of redstone in the middle of your crafting table and iron at the sides, top and bottom (but not the corners).
Video
Tips
- Looking around in natural caves will give the highest chance of getting iron.Thanks
- Try not to start digging in sand or gravel, as it'll collapse on top of you and you'll eventually suffocate.Thanks
- Keep torches handy while mining.Thanks
Warnings
- Don't dig straight down, you might fall:Thanks
- down a cave, which have mobs inside
- into lava or drown in deep water.
- down a cave, and die from fall damage
- You may find many aggressive mobs in the cave.Thanks
References
About This Article
1.Get a wooden pickaxe.
2.Get a stone pickaxe.
3.Get some torches.
4.Get a lot of dirt.
5.Go to a cave and investigate blocks for iron.
6.Place torches as necessary.
7.Look for iron between levels 1-63.
8.Use a furnace to turn iron ore to ingots.
Reader Success Stories
"It actually worked! We found a lot of coal (which was good for getting iron ingots!), and then I found some iron. The other player and I were happy!"..." more
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