How to Get Clay in Minecraft

Last updated: Mar 31, 2025 • 5 min read
 
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There are many things, items, blocks and tools that can be found in the Minecraft world, and clay is surely one of them.

Players can’t directly create Minecraft clay in the game - they need to look for it, find it, and mine it.

If you are interested in learning more about clay in this game, then it’s worth noting that you can’t trade it or get it crafted by any means - mining it is the only way to get it.

Worry not - we know how to find clay in Minecraft, and in this post, we are going to show you everything to know about it.

Let’s pull this off! Continue reading this educational blog post about clay in the Minecraft game to learn more about:

  • How to get clay in Minecraft;
  • What can you do with Minecraft clay?;
  • Can you get clay created in Minecraft?

What is Minecraft Clay?

Minecraft clay is a block that can be used for a wide variety of purposes, but it’s mainly used as an ingredient.

It can be easily found in Minecraft Java Edition, Education Edition, Bedrock Edition, and practically all versions, including Wii U, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Pocket Edition for mobiles, and more.

Of course, Minecrafters who play on Survival Mode need to find clay in Minecraft by exploring the world, which might be tiresome.

Pro Tip

After you find clay in your Minecraft version, you can use it as decoration or reinforcement blocks for Cool Minecraft Survival Builds!

Nonetheless, clay balls and clay blocks are not as resistant as other materials. If you are interested in learning more, check out the previously mentioned post.

What Can You Use Clay For?

So, why would someone want a clay block or clay balls? Well, there are a couple of things that clay in Minecraft can be useful for.

What’s more, it is safe to mention that the main form of clay are clay balls.

Therefore, being clay balls the primary ingredient, you need to get them in order to make the following items.

1. Make Clay Blocks

Clay blocks can be crafted using 4 clay balls, which will be dropped after destroying a clay block on the ground with your shovel.

A clay block isn’t really as resistant as other materials, but it still has its charm.

2. Craft Terracotta

Terracotta is the main star of the show here. We all want to make Terracotta! In order to make terracotta, you will need to make a clay block first.

This clay block needs to be melted on a furnace so a terracotta block appears.

At first, terracotta was known as hardened clay.

What’s more, users can also make dyed terracotta, glazed terracotta, and so on.

Learn more about glazed terracotta and its uses with clay by checking out Minecraft Official Wiki.

3. Make Brick Blocks on a Furnace

Clay bricks are on the menu as well! With bricks, you can make flower pots, bricks constructions, a brick block, and more.

Bricks are one of the most useful blocks in the Minecraft game, so don’t sleep on them!

You can craft pretty much anything using bricks, which makes them a powerful ally.

How to Get Clay in Minecraft

So, let’s see how we can find clay.

Worry not - the process should be as straightforward as they get, but you still need relevant information before adventuring yourself.

Read Also

Does Looting Give More XP in Minecraft? Will enchantments provide you with more XP in your journey?

Learn the answers to these questions by taking a quick look at our related guide!

Step 1: Look for Watery Areas

Clay can be found mainly near rivers and other water bodies.

It’s highly unlikely to find clay in locations where no water is around, regardless of the Minecraft version you play.

Open your map, look for a river or a lake, and go there with your shovel.

Step 2: Use a Shovel to Mine Clay

Once you have located clay near water bodies, take out your shovel and start mining.

Although pickaxes can also be used for this purpose, using a shovel will give you better results.

You can use a wooden shovel or a regular shovel - they work the same way.

Keep in mind that clay is gray, and it will drop four clay balls (round shape) that you need to pick up from the ground.

Step 3: Pick Up the Clay Balls Dropped

Destroying the clay blocks will drop the previously mentioned balls. Each block drops 4 balls, regardless of the version you use.

Now, pick them up, and you have got your precious clay! You can now go to the Crafting Table in Minecraft and craft bricks, terracotta, or blocks made of clay easily.

Alternatively: Get Clay from a Mason Villager

Some Minecrafters obtain clay by having the Hero of the Village effect active after a raid in desert villages.

Nonetheless, this is considerably harder than looking for them near water bodies.

In any case, if you happen to have this effect active and find mason villagers as well, then go for it!

That’s how you get clay in your Minecraft version.

Minecraft is, undoubtedly, one of the most complete games out there!

For more Minecraft guides, check our content here, at Hypenoon.

How to Get Clay in Minecraft FAQ

Can I Make a House Using Only Clay Block?

Yes, you could make a Minecraft House using clay blocks, but this isn’t advisable.

We highly recommend you choose terracotta or brick instead - they are way more resistant and nice looking!



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