Beacon

What is a Beacon?

A Beacon is a powerful utility block in Minecraft that provides status effects such as Speed, Haste, Strength, Jump Boost, Resistance, or Regeneration to nearby players. It serves as both a functional buff source and a striking visual landmark, emitting a beam of light into the sky that is visible from great distances. Beacons are commonly used in bases, mining operations, and large builds, offering gameplay advantages and decorative value.

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Where Can Beacons Be Found?

Beacons do not generate naturally and must be crafted by players. To craft a Beacon, players need three Obsidian, five Glass blocks, and one Nether Star. The Nether Star is obtained by defeating the Wither, making Beacons a late-game reward for experienced players.

After crafting a Beacon, it must be placed on a pyramid base made from Iron, Gold, Emerald, Diamond, or Netherite blocks. The pyramid size determines the strength and range of the effects, with larger pyramids offering multiple buff choices and extended range.

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What Can Players Do with a Beacon?

Beacons provide powerful buffs to players within their radius. The effects depend on the pyramid’s size and can be activated using Iron Ingots, Gold Ingots, Emeralds, Diamonds, or Netherite Ingots. The available status effects include:

• Speed – Increases movement speed.
• Haste – Speeds up mining and attack speed (essential for efficiency mining).
• Resistance – Reduces incoming damage.
• Jump Boost – Increases jump height and reduces fall damage.
• Strength – Boosts melee attack damage.
• Regeneration (only available on full pyramids) – Gradually restores health.

Beacons are often used in large-scale mining projects, as Haste II combined with an Efficiency V pickaxe allows instant block breaking, making resource collection significantly faster. They also serve as base markers, since their beam can be seen from thousands of blocks away, helping players navigate large worlds.

Beacons are customizable, as stained glass placed above them changes the beam’s color, allowing for decorative effects and personalized beacon displays.

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The History of Beacons in Minecraft

Beacons were introduced in Minecraft Java Edition 1.4.2, as part of the “Pretty Scary Update.” This update also introduced the Wither, making the Beacon a reward for defeating one of Minecraft’s toughest bosses. Over time, updates added beam color customization and improved pyramid mechanics, making Beacons an even more versatile and sought-after item.

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Interesting Fact or Real-Life Connection

Beacons in Minecraft are inspired by real-world lighthouses, signal towers, and GPS navigation systems, which serve as guides for travelers and points of reference. The concept of a magical beacon providing buffs also resembles fantasy and RPG mechanics, where powerful relics grant enhanced abilities to those nearby.

For more details on Beacons, pyramid setups, and status effects, visit the Rusty Ingot knowledge base to explore the Beacon & Status Effects Guide.