Can Explosions Go Through Obsidian?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is no, explosions cannot go through obsidian in the context of Minecraft. Obsidian is renowned for its exceptional blast resistance, making it a virtually impenetrable barrier against most forms of explosive damage within the game. While the concept of an explosion “going through” something might suggest a more complex interaction, in Minecraft’s mechanics, the reality is that obsidian remains steadfast against blasts. This unique property has cemented obsidian’s role as a critical material for building explosion-proof structures, traps, and secure areas in the game.
Obsidian’s Incredible Blast Resistance
Obsidian’s impressive ability to withstand explosions stems from its high blast resistance rating. In Minecraft, each block has a specific resistance value against explosions, and obsidian sits at a notable 6,000. This number indicates the amount of explosive force a block can endure before it breaks. To put that into perspective, a single TNT explosion has a blast force that is significantly lower than obsidian’s resistance. This disparity means that no matter how many TNT blocks are set off, individually, the explosions won’t break through an obsidian wall.
It’s important to understand that blast resistance is not a linear measure of the explosive force required to destroy a block. Instead, Minecraft calculates the blast damage based on several factors, including the distance from the explosion and the type of block. This means that even a large number of TNT blocks exploding near obsidian won’t necessarily break it, because Minecraft calculates blast damage on an individual TNT-to-block basis. In theory, however, if you placed 562 blocks of TNT right next to an obsidian block, it would be destroyed, due to the game calculating the total force being applied.
The Limits of Explosive Force
While obsidian is incredibly tough, it’s not entirely indestructible in Minecraft. The only force in the game that can overcome obsidian’s defense is the Wither boss, which possesses the unique ability to destroy obsidian blocks. In addition, 562 blocks of TNT simultaneously exploding around an obsidian block will also destroy it, due to the game’s damage calculation. However, these scenarios are exceptional, and for most practical purposes, obsidian stands as a reliable barrier against the vast majority of explosions that players might encounter.
Understanding the Mechanics
The crucial point to remember is that Minecraft does not calculate blast damage cumulatively by the number of nearby explosions. Instead, each explosion is assessed independently against the block’s blast resistance. This is why many TNT explosions surrounding a single obsidian block will not destroy it, unless that amount is above 562. Instead, each explosion attempt simply falls short of the 6,000 resistance, making obsidian almost an unmovable object within the game’s mechanics.
Obsidian vs. Other Materials
It is helpful to understand the resistance of other materials to understand obsidian’s unique property. Other common building blocks in Minecraft, such as stone or cobblestone, have much lower blast resistance values. This makes them easily destroyed by TNT and other explosives. Compared to these, obsidian stands head and shoulders above the rest with its almost impenetrable protection. There is only one material that is superior in blast resistance, and that is bedrock, which boasts an enormous 18,000,000 resistance. However, this cannot be mined or harvested in normal survival play.
Frequently Asked Questions About Explosions and Obsidian
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the properties of obsidian and its resistance to explosions in Minecraft:
1. Can TNT break obsidian?
No, in normal scenarios, TNT cannot break obsidian due to its high blast resistance. Only the Wither boss or an extreme amount of TNT can break it.
2. What is the blast resistance of obsidian?
Obsidian has a blast resistance of 6,000. This is very high compared to most other blocks in the game.
3. Can creepers destroy obsidian?
No, creepers cannot destroy obsidian. They are simply not powerful enough.
4. Can the Ender Dragon break obsidian?
No, the Ender Dragon cannot break obsidian.
5. Are there any blocks that are more blast-resistant than obsidian?
Yes, bedrock has a blast resistance of 18,000,000, making it the most blast-resistant block in the game. Command blocks and End Portal Frames share the same value as bedrock.
6. Is crying obsidian blast proof?
Yes, crying obsidian also has a high blast resistance of 1,200 and is immune to most explosions.
7. Can lava destroy obsidian?
No, lava will not destroy obsidian. In fact, obsidian is one of the few items that is not destroyed by lava.
8. Is obsidian the hardest material in Minecraft?
While obsidian is very hard, it is not the hardest material in the game in a pure blast resistance sense. Bedrock is harder from a blast-resistance perspective. However, mining-wise, obsidian can only be collected with a diamond pickaxe.
9. How many explosions does it take to break obsidian?
Generally, obsidian is unbreakable by most explosions. However, 562 TNT blocks exploded simultaneously around it will break it. Otherwise, the Wither boss is the only force that can reliably break it through the boss’s mechanics.
10. Can Endermen pick up obsidian?
No, Endermen cannot pick up obsidian.
11. What are the most explosion-proof blocks in Minecraft?
Bedrock, command blocks, and End Portal Frames are the most explosion-proof blocks with a resistance of 18,000,000. Obsidian is next with 6,000.
12. Can you break obsidian with any pickaxe?
No, obsidian can only be mined using a diamond pickaxe or a netherite pickaxe. Other pickaxes will break it, but you won’t collect the obsidian block.
13. Is obsidian a good material for building blast-resistant structures?
Yes, obsidian is an excellent material for building blast-resistant structures due to its high blast resistance.
14. How long does it take to mine obsidian?
It takes approximately 10 seconds to mine obsidian with a diamond or netherite pickaxe.
15. Are there any blocks besides obsidian that are immune to TNT?
Yes. Blocks like Ancient Debris, Barriers, and Bedrock are completely resistant to TNT explosions.
Conclusion
Obsidian stands as a cornerstone of defense in Minecraft, offering unparalleled resistance to explosions. Understanding its properties and limitations, as well as other blocks’ strengths, will allow you to build effectively in the game. Whether you are securing a base from creepers or building a fortress against wither attacks, obsidian is a reliable material. Keep this information in mind as you explore and conquer the world of Minecraft!