The anticipation for the Minecraft Fall 2025 update is palpable, and one of the most exciting additions is the revamped copper lineup. With new items like the Copper Golem and oxidized lightning rods, there’s a lot to explore. The lightning rod, in particular, plays a vital role in Redstone mechanics and provides a safe way to redirect lightning strikes. In this guide, you’ll discover how to craft a lightning rod and uncover its various uses in the game.
Items Required to Craft a Lightning Rod in Minecraft
To craft a lightning rod, you’ll need just three copper ingots. First, head into the overworld and mine some copper ores to collect raw copper, which you then smelt in a furnace to produce the ingots. Additionally, ensure you have a crafting table at hand to combine these materials.
How to Make a Lightning Rod in Minecraft
Once you gather all the necessary items, follow these easy steps to create your lightning rod:
- Right-click on your crafting table to open its interface.
- Fill the center column of the 3×3 grid with the three copper ingots.
- The lightning rod will appear in the right cell of the crafting table.
- Drag it to your inventory to complete the process.
How to Use a Lightning Rod in Minecraft
The lightning rod can be placed on ground surfaces or solid blocks. To remove it, simply break it with a pickaxe. One notable feature is its transparency, which allows mobs to pass through without obstruction. Here are the primary uses of the lightning rod in Minecraft:
1. Redirecting Lightning
When you position a lightning rod, it will attract lightning during a thunderstorm or when struck by a Trident with the channeling enchantment. Notably, in the Bedrock edition, if a transparent block is directly above it, the rod can still attract lightning strikes. This feature can be creatively utilized to obtain mob heads; by creating an enclosure with a lightning rod, you can generate charged creepers and then trigger explosions to collect mob heads.
2. Redstone Mechanics
Just like in real life, copper effectively conducts electricity; similarly, the lightning rod in Minecraft interacts with Redstone to transmit signals. When lightning strikes the rod, it can emit a Redstone signal strength of up to 15, equivalent to that of a Redstone torch. However, keep in mind that this signal only lasts for 8 game ticks and is ineffective without a thunderstorm. Still, this can be useful in crafting detectors that activate during storms.
3. Oxidative States of Lightning Rod
The default crafting recipe yields a new lightning rod in a rusty orange color, unoxidized at the start. However, with the upcoming Minecraft Fall update, you can expect this to change. The recent snapshots indicated that the lightning rod will feature four oxidative states, transitioning to a greener shade over time. You can remove the oxidation using an axe if desired.
Have you built any Minecraft structures where a lightning rod could be particularly useful beyond just detecting thunderstorms? Share your experiences in the comments below!
How can I craft a lightning rod in Minecraft? You only need three copper ingots and a crafting table to make a lightning rod.
What does a lightning rod do in Minecraft? A lightning rod attracts lightning strikes during storms and works with Redstone to emit signals.
Can I pick up a lightning rod after placing it? Yes, you can pick up a lightning rod by breaking it with a pickaxe.
Does a lightning rod have different states in Minecraft? Yes, with the upcoming update, a lightning rod will have four oxidative states, just like other copper blocks.
What’s the best way to collect mob heads using a lightning rod? Position a lightning rod in an enclosed space during a thunderstorm to create charged creepers and collect mob heads when they explode.
Stay curious and continue your Minecraft journey by exploring more related content. For additional tips and insights, check out Moyens I/O.