Structure Void

What is a Structure Void?

A Structure Void is a technical block in Minecraft that is used to preserve air spaces when saving and loading structures with a Structure Block. Unlike regular air, which is replaced when a structure is loaded, Structure Voids allow empty spaces to remain untouched, making them essential for custom world-building, map-making, and structure preservation.

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Where Can Structure Voids Be Found?

Structure Voids do not generate naturally and must be obtained using commands. Players can get one by entering:

/give @p minecraft:structure_void

Since Structure Voids are invisible and intangible, they can only be seen when holding a Structure Void block in hand. Unlike solid blocks, players and mobs can pass through them, making them useful for defining boundaries without visible barriers.

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What Can Players Do with a Structure Void?

Structure Voids are primarily used with Structure Blocks to ensure that certain air spaces are not replaced by surrounding terrain when a structure is loaded. This is particularly useful when copying structures into caves, underwater areas, or dense forests, where natural generation might otherwise interfere.

Some common uses include:

• Preserving doorways, windows, and openings in structures, ensuring they are not filled with solid blocks when pasted.
• Creating hidden pathways where players can walk through but blocks remain visually undisturbed.
• Allowing natural terrain to merge with custom builds while preventing unwanted block replacement.
• Designing adventure maps and command-based mechanics, where invisible walkways or void areas can add mystery and challenge.

Since Structure Voids do not interact with Redstone or physics, they serve as purely functional placeholders rather than active components in builds.

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The History of Structure Voids in Minecraft

Structure Voids were introduced in Minecraft Java Edition 1.10, alongside Structure Blocks, to improve custom structure placement and world-building capabilities. This update helped map makers and builders create seamless, detailed environments without unintended block placement issues.

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Interesting Fact or Real-Life Connection

Structure Voids function similarly to “No-Overwrite Zones” in software and 3D modeling, where specific areas are marked to remain untouched when applying new data. In real-world architecture, blueprints often include negative space or preserved areas, ensuring that certain features remain intact during renovations or reconstructions—a concept mirrored by Structure Voids in Minecraft.

For more details on Structure Voids and advanced map-making, visit the Rusty Ingot knowledge base to explore the Structure Blocks & World Editing Guide.