Since the game was released in 2011, Minecraft has evolved to become one of the best-selling video games of all time surpassing taking over the topmost position held by Tetris. Over the years, Minecraft has evolved to become one of the most popular household names when it comes to survival video game titles.
Speaking of survival, the world of Minecraft is a hostile place that requires a combination of wits and skills to overcome. If you already have both attributes, then, all you need is a basic knowledge of all the elements in the game. With that said, welcome to the simplified version of the Minecraft Survival Guide.
What is the Simplified Version of the Minecraft Survival Guide?
The simplified version of the Minecraft Survival guide is a combination of both infographics and description mashed together to create a buffed up manual for the game. Unlike other guides, this version aims to contain all of the most essential elements or details related to Minecraft on a single page. All of this is possible through the combination of general descriptions and images of each character and elements the player will encounter while playing the game. So if you are new to Minecraft who needs a little guidance, then, feel free to check out the guide below.
Like any survivor, the first thing you need is a sturdy set of tools to ensure or up your survival rate. This means that the more familiar you are with the tools offered in the game, the better your chances of surviving. That said, shown in the image is the list of tools you can craft in the game.
Pickaxes
The pickaxe is the most important tool in Minecraft as these items are essential in harvesting materials used to craft other items. There are six types of pickaxes in Minecraft, each of them are crafted using the methods below. (do take note that crafting this tool requires you to place the main material on top of the 3×3 grid and the two sticks in the middle except for the Netherite Pickaxe).
- Wooden Pickaxe (Durability 59) – Craft by placing 3 wood planks (oak, spruce, birch, jungle, acacia, dark oak, crimson, warped) and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to Enchant this Item. The wooden pickaxe can inflict +2 damage with an average of 2.4 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon.
- Stone Pickaxe (Durability 131) – Craft by placing 3 stones (cobblestones or blackstones) and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. The stone pickaxe can inflict +3 damage with an average of 3.6 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon.
- Iron Pickaxe (Durability 250) – Craft by placing 3 Iron Ingots and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. You can use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. Iron Pickaxe can inflict +4 damage with an average of 4.8 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon.
- Golden Pickaxe (Durability 32) – Craft by placing 3 Gold Ingots and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. You can use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. Golden Pickaxe can inflict +2 damage with an average of 2.4 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon. Also, the golden pickaxe allows players to mine blocks at a faster rate.
- Diamond Pickaxe (Durability 1561) – Craft by placing 3 Diamonds and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapiz Lazuli to enchant this item. Diamond Pickaxe can inflict +5 damage with an average of 6 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon.
- Netherite Pickaxe (Durability 2031) – Craft by placing 1 Netherite Ingot and 1 Diamond Pickaxe in the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to craft enchant this item. Netherite Pickaxe can inflict +6 damage with an average of 7.2 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon. Unlike other pickaxes, this one is not renewable.
Swords
Swords are also one of the most essential tools in Minecraft, although it’s not as important as the pickaxe (in terms of harvesting resources), however, knowing how to craft each of the sword variants in the game is essential in ensuring your survival in Minecraft. This is because swords are effective in fending off enemies. Not to mention that you can rename these items according to your preferences. Do take note that unlike the pickaxes’ “T” crafting arrangement, sword crafting is basically a straight line or “I”.
- Wooden Sword (Durability 52) – Craft by placing 2 wood planks (oak, spruce, birch, jungle, acacia, dark oak, crimson, warped) and 1 stick on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. Wooden Swords can inflict +4 damage with an average of 1.6 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, however, the Wooden Sword comes with higher durability (60) and higher damage (+6).
- Stone Sword (Durability 131) – Craft by placing 2 cobblestones or 2 blackstones (or a combination of each one) and 1 Stick on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. Stone Sword can inflict +5 damage with an average of 8 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, Stone Sword has +6 damage and 132 durability.
- Iron Sword (Durability 250) – Craft by placing 2 Iron Ingots and 1 Stick on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. An Iron Sword can inflict +6 damage with an average of 9.6 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, Iron Sword comes with a +7 damage and 251 durability.
- Golden Sword (Durability 32) – Craft by placing 2 Gold Ingot and 1 Stick on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Golden Sword can inflict +4 damage with an average of 6.4 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, the Golden Sword has 5 damage and 33 durability.
- Diamond Sword (Durability 1561) – Craft by placing 2 Diamonds and 1 stick on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Diamond Sword can inflict 7 damage with an average of 11.2 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Diamond Sword has 8 damage and 1562 durability.
- Netherite Sword (Durability 2031) – Craft by placing 1 Diamond Sword and 1 Netherite Ingot on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Netherite Sword can inflict +8 damage with an average of 12.8 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Netherite Sword has 9 damage and 2032 durability.
Axes
Axes, as the name suggests, are vital for harvesting wood materials for crafting. This tool is also an effective weapon that can inflict a decent amount of damage to the enemy. Like most axes in a video game, the version featured in Minecraft comes with a slow attack speed to compensate for its damage stats. Do take note the crafting this item requires a “P” or reverse “P” crafting arrangement with the main ingredients on the upper part and the sticks at the bottom.
- Wooden Axe – Craft by placing 3 wood planks (oak, spruce, birch, jungle, acacia, dark oak, crimson, warped) and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Wooden Axe can inflict +7 damage with an average of 5.6 DPS (damage per second) in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Wooden Axe has +3 damage without a cooldown.
- Stone Axe – Place 3 cobblestones or 3 blackstones (or a combination of both) and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Wooden Axe can inflict +9 damage with an average of 7.2 DPS (damage per second) in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Wooden Axe has +4 damage without a cooldown.
- Iron Axe – Make by placing 3 Iron Ingots and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Wooden Axe can inflict +9 damage with an average of 8.1 DPS (damage per second) in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Wooden Axe has +5 damage without a cooldown.
- Golden Axe – Craft by placing 3 Gold Ingots and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Wooden Axe can inflict +7 damage with an average of 7.0 DPS (damage per second) in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Wooden Axe has +3 damage without a cooldown.
- Diamond Axe – Craft by placing 3 Diamonds and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Wooden Axe can inflict +9 damage with an average of 9.0 DPS (damage per second) in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Wooden Axe has +6 damage without a cooldown.
- Netherite Axe – Craft by placing a Diamond Axe and a Netherite Ingot on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Wooden Axe can inflict +10 damage with an average of 10.0 DPS (damage per second) in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Wooden Axe has +7 damage without a cooldown.
Hoes
Hoes in Minecraft are used in farmlands. This tool is can till and harvest soil including grass blocks. Hoes also function as sickles or scythes and can also be used to break other plant-based blocks. Similar to the previous tools mentioned above, there are various types of hoes that you can make in the game. Do take note that crafting a hoe requires you to place or position the materials in an inverted “L” with the main elements on top.
- Wooden Hoe (Durability 59) – Craft by placing 2 Wood Planks (oak, spruce, birch, jungle, acacia, dark oak, crimson, warped) and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Wooden Hoe can only inflict +1 damage when used as a weapon in Java Edition and +2 in Bedrock Edition.
- Stone Hoe (Durability 131) – Make by placing 2 cobblestones or 2 blackstones (or a combination of both) and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Stone Hoe can only inflict +1 damage when used as a weapon in Java Edition and +2 in Bedrock Edition.
- Iron Hoe (Durability 250) – Create by placing 2 Iron Ingots and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. An Iron Hoe can only inflict +1 damage when used as a weapon in Java Edition and +2 in Bedrock Edition.
- Golden Hoe (Durability 32) – Craft by placing 2 Gold Ingots and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. Golden Hoes can only inflict +1 damage when used as a weapon in Java Edition and +2 in Bedrock Edition.
- Diamond Hoe (Durability 1561) – Place with 2 Diamonds and 2 sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. Diamond Hoes can only inflict +1 damage when used as a weapon in Java Edition and +2 in Bedrock Edition.
- Netherite Hoe (Durability 2031) – Craft by placing 1 Diamond Hoe and 1 Netherite Ingot on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Netherite Hoe can only inflict +1 damage when used as a weapon in Java Edition and +2 in Bedrock Edition.
Shovels
Shovels in Minecraft are used to collect dirt and other blocks. This tool can also be used as a weapon when you have no other tools in your inventory. Crafting a shovel requires you to place the materials in an “I” position.
- Wooden Shovel (Durability 59) – Place 1 Wood Plank and 2 Sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Wooden Shovel can inflict +2.5 damage with an average of 2.5 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Wooden Shovel has +2 damage.
- Stone Shovel (Durability 131) – Craft by placing 1 cobblestone or 1 blackstone and 2 Sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Stone Shovel can inflict +3.5 damage with an average of 3.5 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Stone Shovel has +3 damage.
- Iron Shovel (Durability 250) – Make by placing 1 Iron Ingot and 2 Sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. An Iron Shovel can inflict +4.5 damage with an average of 4.5 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, an Iron Shovel has +4 damage.
- Golden Shovel (Durability 32) – Create by placing 1 Gold Ingot and 2 Sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Golden Shovel can inflict +2.5 damage with an average of 2.5 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Golden Shovel has +2 damage.
- Diamond Shovel (Durability 1561) – Craft by placing 1 Diamond and 2 Sticks on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Diamond Shovel can inflict +5.5 damage with an average of 5.5 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Diamond Shovel has +5 damage.
- Netherite Shovel (Durability 2031) – Create by placing 1 Diamond Shovel and 1 Netherite Ingot on the crafting grid. Use 3 Lapis Lazuli to enchant this item. A Netherite Shovel can inflict +6.5 damage with an average of 6.5 DPS (damage per second) as a weapon in Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, a Netherite Shovel has +6 damage.
Crossbow
A Crossbow is a common projectile tool in Minecraft. This weapon can be used to fire arrows or fireworks towards the mob. To craft this item, you need to follow a specific pattern in placing the ingredients. On a 3×3 crafting grid, you need to place an Iron Ingot between two sticks on the topmost part. In the middle, you need to place a tripwire hook in the middle of two strings. At the bottom, you need to place a single stick in the middle while leaving the left and right slot blank.
The durability of a crossbow depends on the edition you are playing. For Java Edition, a crossbow has a durability of 326 and 464 in the Bedrock Edition. In terms of damage, a Crossbow in Java Edition can inflict a minimum of +6, a maximum of +11, and an average of +9. In Bedrock Edition, on the other hand, the Crossbow damage is always +9.
Trident and Bow
The last two items in our Minecraft tools are the melee-based Trident and the projectile-based Bow. First off is the Trident, which, unlike the aforementioned tools is not craftable in the game. The only way to acquire a Trident is by slaying a Drowned with a drop rate of 15% in Bedrock Edition and 6.25% in Java Edition. A Trident can inflict +9 damage (13 for critical) with an average of 14.3 DMS (damage per second) in the Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, the Trident has a fixed +9 damage
The last two items in our Minecraft tools are the melee-based Trident and the projectile-based Bow. First off is the Trident, which, unlike the aforementioned tools is not craftable in the game. The only way to acquire a Trident is by slaying a Drowned with a drop rate of 15% in Bedrock Edition and 6.25% in Java Edition. A Trident can inflict +9 damage (13 for critical) with an average of 14.3 DMS (damage per second) in the Java Edition. In Bedrock Edition, the Trident has a fixed +9 damage.
The Bow on the other hand is a common item that can be crafted using 3 sticks and 3 strings. Similar to the other tools, crafting a bow requires a specific ingredient placement on the 3×3 crafting grid which, in this case, is an opposite-facing “D.” Make sure that the middle of the grid is blank. The damage inflicted by the Bow depends on the charging time before you shoot the arrow i.e. 0.1 seconds = +1 damage, 0.2-0.9 seconds = +6 damage, 1+ second = +9 damage, and 1+ second = +10 for critical damage.
Mobs
Now that you have an overview of the basic tools in Minecraft, it’s time for you to know about the NPCs of the game called Mobs. Derived from the term “mobility,” Minecraft comes with two basic classifications of Mobs: Neutral and Hostile. That said, it is important to have an overview of the two basic mob groups to improve your survival chances in Minecraft.
Neutral Mobs
Neutral Mobs are living entities in Minecraft that attack players only when provoked. This means that encountering these types of creatures will not endanger your character unless you engage them first. Neutral Mobs are the same with Neutral Monsters that populate each biome in the game. Each one of the Neutral Mob drops useful items that you can use in crafting other materials in the game.
List of Neutral Mobs
- Polar bear
- Panda
- Trader llama
- Llama
- Iron golem
- Dolphin
- Wolf
- Bee
- List of Neutral Monsters
- Spider
- Cave Spider
- Enderman
- Zombie Pigman/Zombie Piglin
Hostile Mobs
cHostile Mobs is another group of entities found in Minecraft. As the name suggests, these creatures are aggressive and dangerous. This means that an encounter with these entities will endanger your character if not properly armed. Hostile Mobs have the ability to attack or detect your character within a 16 block up to a 100-block radius. Like the Neutral Mobs, Hostile Mobs also drops various items that you can use in crafting other items in the game.
List of Hostile Mobs
- Evoker
- Vindicator
- Pillager
- Ravager
- Vex
- Chicken Jockey
- Endermite
- Guardian
- Elder Guardian
- Shulker
- Skeleton Horseman
- Husk
- Stray
- Phantom
- Blaze
- Creeper
- Ghast
- Magma Cube
- Silverfish
- Skeleton
- Slime
- Spider Jockey
- Zombie
- Zombie Villager
- Drowned
- Wither Skeleton
- Witch
- Hoglin
- Piglin
Now that you know the basics, it’s time for you to go on and test your wits and skills in the world of Minecraft. Get to know each of the tools and entities in the game as they are crucial to your survival in the world of Minecraft.
