Table of Contents
Who this is for: Minecraft players wanting to upgrade from torches to more versatile and attractive lighting options.
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Crafting a Basic Lantern
Making a lantern in Minecraft requires just two simple ingredients: one torch and eight iron nuggets. Place the torch in the center slot of your crafting table, then surround it completely with iron nuggets in all eight remaining slots. This creates one lantern that provides excellent lighting for your builds.
Getting Iron Nuggets
Iron nuggets come from smelting iron ingots in a furnace, which breaks each ingot into nine nuggets. You can also find nuggets by killing iron golems or breaking down iron tools and armor in a crafting table. Since you need eight nuggets per lantern, you’ll use most of one iron ingot for each light source.
Lantern vs Torch Comparison
| Feature | Lantern | Torch |
|---|---|---|
| Light Level | 15 | 14 |
| Placement | Hanging or standing | Wall/floor only |
| Water Resistance | Yes | No |
| Cost | 8 iron nuggets + torch | Coal + stick |
Placement and Design Tips
Lanterns can hang from blocks above or sit on solid surfaces below, making them incredibly versatile for decoration. They work underwater and won’t break from water flow, unlike torches. Try hanging them from fence posts, tree branches, or cave ceilings to create atmospheric lighting. You can also place them on top of fence posts for street lamp effects.
Soul Lantern Variant
Replace the regular torch with a soul torch to craft soul lanterns, which emit blue light at level 10. These create a spookier atmosphere and are perfect for nether-themed builds or haunted areas. The crafting recipe stays identical except for the torch type.
Whether you’re lighting up your base or adding ambiance to outdoor areas, lanterns offer superior functionality compared to basic torches. For more creative building ideas and gameplay tips, explore our comprehensive collection of Minecraft content.
TL;DR
Craft lanterns using 8 iron nuggets surrounding 1 torch in a crafting table. They provide level 15 light, work underwater, and can hang or stand.
