Create a renewable lava pool by setting up a system where lava drips from a source block into cauldrons using pointed dripstone.
An infinite lava source allows you to collect lava in cauldrons over time without needing to mine it directly or travel to dangerous locations repeatedly. This method utilizes the unique properties of dripstone to create a steady supply of lava.
Setting Up Your Infinite Lava Source
This process involves building a structure to hold a lava source block above cauldrons, with pointed dripstone directing the lava flow.
Required Materials
To build a basic infinite lava source system, you will need:
- Cauldrons: As many as you want collection points.
- Building Blocks: Stone, cobblestone, or any non-flammable block for the structure.
- Lava Bucket(s): At least one bucket of lava to start the process. More lava buckets mean more lava source blocks above, potentially filling cauldrons faster.
- Pointed Dripstone: Obtained from Dripstone Caves. You need one pointed dripstone for each cauldron you want to fill with dripping lava.
- Dripstone Blocks: Blocks that pointed dripstone can hang from. These are also found in Dripstone Caves.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to build your infinite lava source, incorporating the methods mentioned in the reference:
- Place Cauldrons: Begin by placing as many cauldrons as you need collection points. Leave a one-block space between them if you plan a large, spread-out collection area, or place them adjacent for a compact design.
- Build Support Structure: You need a level of blocks approximately two blocks above your cauldrons to serve as the floor for the lava source layer. The reference suggests a method: build two blocks high next to where the upper floor should be, then break the bottom block. This leaves a temporary block to build off of, roughly two blocks above the cauldron level.
- Place Blocks Above Cauldrons: Extend the blocks from your support structure so that they are placed directly over the cauldrons. These blocks will form the ceiling of the cauldron area and the floor of the lava source area. Ensure there is a solid block directly above each cauldron where you intend to place dripstone later.
- Create the Lava Reservoir Layer: Above the blocks you just placed (which are directly over the cauldrons), create a contained area or basin. This area is where you will place your lava source block(s).
- Place Pointed Dripstone: Go underneath the blocks that are directly over your cauldrons. Attach pointed dripstone to the bottom side of these blocks. Make sure each pointed dripstone is positioned directly above a cauldron.
- Add Lava Source(s): Place your lava bucket(s) into the contained area you built in Step 4. The lava needs to be a source block situated directly above the block that has the pointed dripstone hanging from its underside.
Once the lava source block is placed above the pointed dripstone, lava particles will start dripping from the tip of the dripstone below. Over time, these drips will fill the cauldron below it. Each cauldron will become a renewable source of lava that you can collect with a bucket.
Summary Table
| Component | Placement | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Cauldrons | Ground level | Collects dripping lava |
| Building Blocks | Over cauldrons (approx. 2 blocks high) | Forms floor for lava reservoir / ceiling for cauldrons |
| Lava Source Block | In a basin directly above the dripstone layer | The source of dripping lava |
| Dripstone Block | Above pointed dripstone | Supports the pointed dripstone |
| Pointed Dripstone | Hanging from Dripstone Block, above cauldron | Directs lava drip into the cauldron |
This setup creates a passive farm for lava, allowing you to gather significant amounts of lava over time simply by checking the cauldrons.
