How to make a torch in Minecraft

Aakrit Sharma
Torches in Minecraft

Torches emit light in Minecraft and are extremely beneficial during exploration and while setting up a base. Here’s a simple guide on how to make a torch in Minecraft.

As players progress in Minecraft, they are introduced to a ton of complex mechanics and items like redstone circuits and modded industrial builds. However, some items like torches are equally essential for beginners as well as veterans.

From stopping mob spawning to building staircases, torches can, directly and indirectly, help with a ton of things.

It’s never too early to make a torch, and here’s how to make one in Minecraft.

Colored torches in Minecraft.
Torchs are the simplest source of light.

How to craft a torch in Minecraft

You need a stick and some coal/charcoal to make a torch in Minecraft. To mine coal from natural resources, you also need a pickaxe and we’ll teach you how to get all these ingredients.

How to make a pickaxe in Minecraft

You can make a pickaxe in Minecraft with two wooden sticks and three iron ingots. Making a stick is quite easy, as you only need to add wooden planks to a crafting table or the default crafting grid (2×2) and it’ll drop sticks.

Iron ingots in Minecraft can be naturally obtained from Shipwreck treasures and buried treasures but it is better to make your own by smelting iron ore in a furnace (made from Cobblestone).

Iron ore is found in abundance in the Overworld and here’s the crafting recipe for a furnace:

Crafting recipe to make a furnace in Minecraft
Furnaces are the lifeblood of the early game sections of Minecraft.

After collecting iron ingots and sticks, use this crafting recipe to make a pickaxe:

An iron pickaxe recipe in Minecraft.
Iron pickaxes are arguably the best type of pickaxe to make in Minecraft.

How to get coal or charcoal in Minecraft

Coal is naturally generated as an ore in the following places in Minecraft:

  • Y=95 and Y=135 levels (you can check the level on the debug screen by pressing F3 on keyboard).
  • Stone biomes
  • Dungeons – 26% chance
  • Mineshafts – 27% chance
  • Igloos – 70% chance
  • Shipwrecks – 37% chance
  • Strongholds – 34% chance
  • Underwater ruins – 81%
  • Villages – 40% chance
  • Woodland mansions – 26% chance
  • Ancient cities – 46% chance

Mining coal ore with a pickaxe should drop 1 piece of coal. You can increase this output with the Fortune enchantment.

Charcoal is another fuel that you can use on torches. Simply smelt logs or wood in a furnace to get charcoal.

Crafting recipe for torches in Minecraft

After collecting sticks and coal/charcoal, just add a stick and a piece of coal to a crafting grid in this manner:

Recipe for a Torch in Minecraft.
Torches are simple to craft and easier to use in Minecraft.

By following this guide, you should never run out of torches in Minecraft. You can directly use them or create lanterns that are an even better source of light.


For more Minecraft guides, check out thew following:

How to get a saddle in Minecraft | How to make a lectern in Minecraft | How to grow mushrooms in Minecraft | How to make a compass in Minecraft | How to change Minecraft username | How to make a bed in Minecraft | How to dye leather armor in Minecraft | How to cure a Zombie villager in Minecraft | How to make and use a beacon in Minecraft

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About The Author

Aakrit is a games writer with over 2000 published articles for EssentiallySports, Sportskeeda, FortniteINTEL, and CharlieINTEL. Currently, he writes guides on Minecraft, Roblox, Pokemon games, Genshin Impact, and Brawlhalla. Aakrit loves playing shooter games and in his free time, you can find him queued up in Valorant, Fortnite, Apex Legends, or Halo Infinite. You can contact Aakrit at [email protected].