Minecraft Lantern: How to Make & Use It
Last updated: Mar 31, 2025 • 5 min readEven though the Minecraft world is full of fun places, the players of this game need to be cautious once the night falls. Lots of mobs will try to attack you, and if there’s not enough light, you might end up falling prey to creepers or zombies.
Fortunately, you can create a lot of different light sources in the crafting menu. Still, if you are an experienced player, then you know the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality.
So, don’t surround yourself with torches - make a Minecraft Lantern instead!
Lanterns can fill up your home with a high light level and wonderful looks. That’s why today we bring you a detailed guide about the following topics:
- What’s a lantern in Minecraft and what can you use it for;
- How to make a lantern in Minecraft in the crafting grid;
- Different types of lanterns to have in your inventory.
What’s a Lantern in Minecraft?
A Lantern is a block that provides light to this games’ environment. In the beginning, torches were the main block used for this purpose, but that changed over the years.
Did you know?
The lantern was added to every Minecraft Version in the Village & Pillage update. Since then, these blocks have become the first choice of Minecraft players to light up their structures!
What Can You Use a Lantern in Minecraft For?
You can use these items in the same way you use other lighting blocks.
Nevertheless, a couple of things must be pointed out to understand the importance of lanterns in Minecraft.
Lanterns Are An Amazing Light Source in Minecraft
Lanterns emit a light level of 15 regardless of the Minecraft version you are playing.
So, unlike torches which only have a lighting level of 14, you can actually have more light around you!
Pro tip
Campfires are also capable of emitting a light level of 15. So, even if they don’t look as cool as lanterns for decoration purposes, you can still use them. Read our Campfire Minecraft Guide to learn more about them!
Decorate Without Limits
You can have a house filled with lanterns and it will still look amazing.
Lanterns can be placed on walls, on the ground, and almost wherever you want! Forget about old-fashioned torches: lanterns are the ultimate decoration lighting block.
Besides, if you combine your new house with this item and Concrete Blocks in Minecraft, the result will undoubtedly surprise you.
Torch vs. Lantern: The Differences
Now, we could also compare lanterns with glowstone or sea lanterns, but, typically, torches and lanterns are the two main options of players out there.
So, it’s fundamental to point out their differences so you can craft the one that better suits your needs.
How to Make a Lantern in Minecraft
It’s time to make a Lantern! We’ll show you all the required materials to craft this item faster than lighting.
Natural Generation
There are two places where you can find naturally generated lanterns:
- Snowy tundra villages;
- Bastion Remnants in the Nether.
Making a Regular Lantern
To make regular lanterns, you need to follow a quick crafting recipe. First, you need to find these materials:
Ingredients to Craft a Regular Lantern
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8 Iron Nuggets: Iron Nuggets are obtained with Iron Ingots.
Bring a stone pickaxe to mine iron ore, take the iron ore to a furnace, and the magic is done - the iron ingot will turn into 9 iron nuggets just by putting it on the crafting table!
-
1 Torch: All you need is some coal and one stick under it.
Craft Iron Nuggets, Find a Torch and Go to The Crafting Grid
Once you’ve got the ingredients to make a Lantern, arrange them as shown below:
As you can see, the first row is full of iron nuggets, the second row has a torch in the middle, and the third row is full of nuggets again.
Move the item to your inventory and you are ready to go!
How to Make a Soul Lantern
Soul lanterns are a variation of standard lanterns introduced in the Nether Update. They emit blue light with a lower level than common lanterns.
In order to make a soul lantern on the crafting table, you will first need to find a Soul Torch.
Make a Soul Torch
A Soul Torch is very similar to standard torches, but the light they emit is blue. If you are looking to make a soul torch, the first thing you need to do is find some Soul Sand or Soul Soil.
In the middle column, just put the coal in the first box, the stick in the second box, and the Soul Sand or Soul Soil in the third box.
Take the Iron Nuggets and the Soul Torch to the Crafting Grid
Once you’ve got the Soul Lantern, all you need to do is make the exact same lantern procedure as previously shown. The iron nuggets must surround the Soul Torch.
The result? A beautiful Soul Lantern at your disposal!
If you liked this blog post, don’t forget to check the other Minecraft Guides we’ve uploaded on our website.
And remember, shine your light and let the whole world see!
FAQ
What Is the Light Radius of Lanterns in Minecraft?
A lantern can emit light up to 12 blocks away. This is especially useful during nighttime. Therefore, make your calculations, so you don’t end up walking in the dark!
Do Soul Lanterns Melt Ice?
No, they don’t. Sadly, their level of light is just 14 - a level of 10 is the minimum required to melt these items.
Do Lanterns Keep Mobs Away in Minecraft?
No. The mobs will still attack you; all the lantern will do is to prevent them from spawning. So, they won’t spawn if the lantern emits light, but if they are already there, prepare yourself for combat.