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Unveiling Minecraft’s Unbreakable: What’s Stronger Than Bedrock?

The bedrock layer in Minecraft is legendary for its impenetrability and serves as the ultimate boundary in the Overworld and Nether. But is it truly the strongest block in the game? Prepare to have your Minecraft universe recalibrated. While bedrock boasts immense durability, there’s a block with a marginally higher blast resistance: the barrier block. It has identical hardness to bedrock, making it unbreakable by conventional means, but surpasses it in blast resistance. Therefore, the barrier block is technically stronger than bedrock in Minecraft due to its higher blast resistance value, although the difference is incredibly minute.

Diving Deeper: Understanding Block Strength

Minecraft’s block strength is determined by two primary factors: hardness and blast resistance.

Hardness: This indicates how difficult it is to mine a block. Blocks with unlimited hardness, like bedrock and barrier blocks, are effectively unmineable in Survival mode.
Blast Resistance: This measures how well a block withstands explosions. A higher blast resistance means the block is less likely to be destroyed by TNT, creepers, or other explosive forces.

While bedrock has a blast resistance of 3,600,000, the barrier block clocks in at 3,600,000.8, giving it a fractional edge. Both blocks share the same hardness, and so are effectively unmineable in survival mode. The question of strength between the two blocks then boils down to blast resistance, which gives the barrier block a slight edge in strength.

The Curious Case of Command Blocks and End Portal Frames

While the barrier block technically surpasses bedrock in blast resistance, it’s crucial to acknowledge the other contenders in the realm of near-indestructible blocks. The command block and end portal frame also boast a blast resistance of 3,600,000, tying with bedrock. However, the barrier block’s slightly higher rating gives it the edge. All four blocks possess unlimited hardness, making them equally impossible to mine legitimately in Survival.

Practical Implications of Unbreakable Blocks

The fact that barrier blocks exist and slightly exceed bedrock in blast resistance might seem like a purely academic point. After all, players cannot obtain barrier blocks in standard gameplay without cheats or commands. However, understanding these nuances is vital for mapmakers, server administrators, and anyone looking to push the boundaries of Minecraft’s mechanics.

Barrier blocks are excellent for creating invisible walls, boundaries, and other structures that guide players without disrupting the visual aesthetic of the world. This is because, unlike bedrock which is a solid block, barrier blocks are only visible while held in hand. The other times they are invisible and allow entities to move through them, so long as they are not solid blocks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Minecraft’s Strongest Blocks

Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions regarding the strongest blocks in Minecraft, providing even greater insight into the intricacies of block strength and durability.

Is bedrock the most powerful block in Minecraft?

Not strictly. While bedrock is incredibly strong and unmineable in Survival mode, the barrier block has a fractionally higher blast resistance, making it technically stronger. Command blocks and end portal frames also tie with bedrock in blast resistance.
What is the strongest block in Minecraft besides bedrock?

The barrier block is the strongest block besides bedrock, based on its slightly higher blast resistance. Command blocks and end portal frames, while having equal blast resistance to bedrock, are also contenders for the title.
What is the strongest mineable block in Minecraft?

Obsidian is the strongest block that players can mine in Survival mode. It requires a diamond or netherite pickaxe and takes a significant amount of time to break, highlighting its durability.
Can TNT destroy obsidian?

No, TNT cannot destroy obsidian in a single explosion. Obsidian has a high blast resistance of 6000, which far exceeds the destructive force of a single TNT block. Repeated explosions, however, can eventually break obsidian.
What is the blast resistance of bedrock?

Bedrock has a blast resistance of 3,600,000.
What is the blast resistance of obsidian?

Obsidian has a blast resistance of 6000.
Can you break bedrock in Survival mode?

It is not intended to be broken in survival mode. However, using glitches and exploits, players have found methods to break bedrock. These methods are often patched in updates, so they might not always be reliable.
What tools are required to mine obsidian?

A diamond or netherite pickaxe is required to mine obsidian. Any other pickaxe will break without yielding the obsidian block.
What is the rarest block in Minecraft?

Determining the “rarest” block depends on the context. Some players would say ancient debris due to how hard it is to find. In terms of practical rarity for building, a block of netherite is incredibly rare due to the resources required to craft it.
Is crying obsidian stronger than regular obsidian?

Currently, crying obsidian has the same hardness and blast resistance as regular obsidian. Despite the implication that crying obsidian is a weathered form of obsidian, its in-game properties do not reflect this.
Can pistons push crying obsidian?

No, crying obsidian cannot be pushed or pulled by regular or sticky pistons.
How do you obtain crying obsidian?

Crying obsidian can be obtained by bartering with Piglins in the Nether. Piglins have a small chance of giving crying obsidian to the player in exchange for a gold ingot.
What is the real-world equivalent of bedrock?

In geology, bedrock refers to the solid, compacted rock that lies beneath the surface soil and loose materials. It’s more akin to Minecraft’s stone layer rather than the unbreakable barrier.
Why does crying obsidian “cry”?

The name and texture of crying obsidian suggest that it has been used extensively for Nether travel or is a remnant of damaged Nether portals. The “tears” are thought to be evidence of the block’s former use in connection with the Nether.
How can barrier blocks be obtained?

Barrier blocks can only be obtained through the use of commands or cheats. They are not available through normal gameplay. For instance, using the command /give @p minecraft:barrier will give a barrier block to the nearest player.

Beyond Bedrock: Exploring Minecraft’s Design Philosophy

The existence of blocks with seemingly identical or near-identical properties like bedrock, barrier blocks, command blocks, and end portal frames illustrates a core aspect of Minecraft’s design philosophy. The game thrives on intricate details, hidden mechanics, and opportunities for players to discover and experiment. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Minecraft, exploring the nuances of block strength and durability can unlock new possibilities for creativity and innovation. The Games Learning Society offers a vibrant community and resources to further explore these complex aspects of gaming and learning. Explore more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

What is stronger than bedrock in Minecraft?