Basics of survival in Minecraft: Building a campfire in the game

If you're just starting to master the basics of survival in Minecraft, learning how to light a campfire is one of the most essential skills you'll need from the very first days. Far from being just a decorative element, as some new players might assume, a campfire serves multiple crucial functions in the game.

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A campfire in Minecraft is not only a source of light but also an excellent tool for cooking food and warding off enemies. In this article, we'll explore how to create one, the materials you'll need, and how to maximize its potential in your gameplay.

Table of Content ---

• What is it?
• How to create?
• Main functions of the fire
• Extra features and life hacks
• What is the difference between a campfire and a soul campfire?
• How to effectively use a campfire in survival?

What is it?

A campfire is a versatile block in Minecraft that serves multiple purposes: it illuminates the area, cooks food, acts as a signal fire, and can be used in mechanisms and for decoration. Unlike other light sources, it doesn't require fuel, and its smoke can rise high into the sky, making it an effective landmark.

You can walk through a campfire without taking damage, as long as you don't stand directly on it. However, it does inflict damage on mobs and players who linger on it. In addition to the standard campfire, there's also the soul campfire, which has a blue flame, repels piglins, and emits slightly less light.

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You can extinguish a campfire with water or a shovel and relight it using flint and steel, lava, or fire arrows.

How to create?

Creating a campfire in Minecraft is simpler than surviving your first night amidst creepers. You'll need three logs, three sticks, and one piece of coal or charcoal. The type of log doesn't matter—spruce, birch, or any other will do.

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To craft a campfire, open your crafting table, place the logs in the bottom row, arrange the sticks in a triangle above them, and position the coal in the center. Voila! You now have a cozy source of light and heat that doesn't require fuel, won't be extinguished by rain, and is always ready to crackle warmly.

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Unfortunately, Minecraft doesn't allow you to start a fire by rubbing sticks together, so it's best to gather the necessary materials in advance.

Main functions of the fire

A campfire in Minecraft is far more than just a decorative element; it's a multifaceted survival tool. Here are its key functions:

• Lighting and Mob Protection: It emits light similar to a torch, helping to keep zombies, skeletons, and other mobs at bay. However, creepers can still approach, so consider adding fences for extra security.

• Cooking: Unlike a furnace, a campfire allows you to cook up to four pieces of meat at once without needing coal. Be vigilant, though, as cooked food drops to the ground and can be lost if not collected promptly.

• Signal Fire: The smoke from a campfire can be seen from a distance. Placing hay above it increases the smoke's height, making it an excellent way to mark your location or signal to friends.

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• Mob Trap: Standing on a campfire causes damage over time. Use this to create traps for mobs or playful pranks on friends.

• Decoration: Campfires add a rustic charm to medieval villages, campsites, or fireplaces. Extinguish one with a shovel to use its texture for a cozy hearth.

Don't underestimate this small but mighty block; it enhances your Minecraft experience by making survival easier and more atmospheric.

Extra features and life hacks

Beyond its primary uses, a campfire offers several clever tricks to enhance your gameplay:

• Smoke Beacon: Place hay above a campfire to make the smoke rise up to 25 blocks high, creating a visible landmark across vast landscapes.

• Safe Honey Harvesting: Position a campfire under a beehive to calm bees, allowing you to collect honey or honeycombs without getting stung. This works even with an extinguished campfire.

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• Decorative Extinguished Campfire: Use a shovel to extinguish a campfire, turning it into a decorative element for sidewalks, fireplaces, or minecart tracks.

• Automatic Mob Trap: Since a campfire deals 1 damage per second without destroying items, it's perfect for mob traps. Use it in enclosures to slowly kill mobs like chickens or cows, preserving their drops.

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• Safe Fire: Unlike lava or fire, a campfire won't ignite trees or buildings, making it safe for use in wooden structures.

• Controllable Fire: Extinguish a campfire with a shovel, water, or water bottle, and relight it with flint, fire arrows, or lava for controlled use in your designs.

What is the difference between a campfire and a soul campfire?

While they may appear similar, campfires and soul campfires have distinct differences. The soul campfire features a blue flame, which not only looks different but also has unique properties. It emits slightly less light than a regular campfire but repels piglins, making it invaluable in the Nether.

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Soul campfires are not just decorative; they can be integrated into mechanisms and used with specific mobs. They're ideal for creating trap systems or special effects with other blocks. For general use and brighter light, the regular campfire is preferred for cozy camps or village fireplaces, while the soul campfire adds a mystical touch, perfect for Nether-themed structures or darker atmospheres.

How to effectively use a campfire in survival?

A campfire can be your reliable ally in Minecraft if used strategically. Here's how to make the most of it:

Strategically place your campfire near your camp or at the center of your base to illuminate the area and deter mobs. While it won't stop creepers, surrounding it with a fence or wall can add an extra layer of protection.

Use the campfire for cooking when coal is scarce. You can cook meat, fish, or potatoes directly on it without any fuel, and it can handle up to four pieces at once. Just remember to collect your food before it burns.

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If you're dealing with bees, place a campfire under their hive to safely collect honey without provoking them. This method works even with an extinguished campfire.

For decoration, campfires can create a cozy atmosphere in campsites or homes. The crackling sound adds realism, and multiple campfires can make your world feel warmer and more inviting.

Lastly, leverage the campfire's defensive properties by incorporating it into mob traps. Enclose zombies or skeletons in a pit with a campfire at the bottom to deal damage over time. This is particularly useful for setting up farms or having a bit of fun with friends.

In conclusion, a campfire in Minecraft is not just a decorative element but a versatile tool that enhances survival, illuminates the area, cooks food, and protects against mobs. Its functions significantly expand your gameplay possibilities, especially when used creatively and strategically. Whether you're building a cozy camp or setting up traps for enemies, the campfire will always be a guardian of your comfort and safety.