Why Can’t Sticky Pistons Push Slime Blocks? The Sticky Truth Revealed!
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The short answer is: sticky pistons can push slime blocks. Your initial question seems to be based on a misunderstanding of Minecraft mechanics. Sticky pistons are perfectly capable of pushing slime blocks, and in fact, this is a very common and useful interaction in redstone contraptions. Perhaps you were encountering a specific scenario where the slime block appeared to not be pushed, but that was likely due to other factors at play, such as block limits, obstruction, or incorrect wiring. Let’s delve into the details to clarify and explore this fascinating aspect of Minecraft.
Understanding Piston Mechanics: Stickiness and Limits
The cornerstone of understanding piston behavior lies in grasping their fundamental capabilities and limitations. Pistons, whether regular or sticky, operate based on the application of a redstone signal. When powered, they extend, pushing blocks in front of them. When unpowered, they retract. The key difference is that sticky pistons also retract the block directly in front of them, hence the “sticky” designation.
The Push Limit: Twelve Blocks and No More
A crucial element to consider is the piston push limit. A piston, be it regular or sticky, can only push a maximum of twelve blocks in a single line. If you exceed this limit, the piston will fail to move the entire structure. This is a fundamental rule of Minecraft physics and applies regardless of the block types involved. So, if you have a line of blocks, including slime blocks, exceeding twelve, the piston will stall.
Obstruction is the Enemy of Movement
Another critical factor is obstruction. If the path of the blocks being pushed is blocked by an immovable block like obsidian, bedrock, or a fixed structure, the piston will retract without moving anything. Remember, the game tries to move all the blocks as a single unit, and if one block is immovable, the entire operation fails. Even non-movable blocks to the sides can prevent the piston from pushing.
Slime Blocks: The Sticky Situation
Slime blocks add another layer of complexity. They possess unique properties, notably their ability to stick to adjacent blocks. This is what allows them to be used to move multiple blocks simultaneously. However, there are exceptions. Slime blocks won’t stick to immovable blocks like obsidian or bedrock. Crucially, slime blocks and honey blocks will not stick to each other.
Bud-Powered Piston and Slime Block Confusion
The article mentioned “bud-powered” pistons. This refers to a complex redstone interaction where a piston is quasi-powered. It can be tricky and often unreliable, leading to inconsistent behavior. It is very difficult to determine if a piston will fire and move or not move when using bud powered pistons. This situation is usually to be avoided.
Common Scenarios and Troubleshooting
If you’re experiencing issues with a sticky piston pushing a slime block, consider these potential causes:
- Push Limit Exceeded: Count the blocks being pushed. Is it more than twelve?
- Obstruction: Is anything blocking the path, including blocks to the side that may be getting dragged along by the slime block’s stickiness?
- Incorrect Wiring: Is the redstone signal reaching the piston correctly and consistently? Use repeaters to help with the length of the circuit.
- Block Types: Are there any immovable blocks in the line, like obsidian or bedrock?
- Quasi-Connectivity (Bud Powering): Is the piston being powered in an inconsistent or unintentional way?
- Game Bugs: While rare, Minecraft can occasionally have bugs. Try restarting the game or rebuilding the mechanism in a different location.
Advanced Considerations: Zero-Tick Engines and More
Beyond the basics, advanced redstone contraptions can utilize slime blocks and pistons in intricate ways. Zero-tick engines, for example, involve rapid pulsing of power to pistons, enabling extremely fast and complex movements. These designs can be sensitive to timing and block placement, so precise execution is essential. Understanding the mechanics of piston update order can also be important for advanced builds. It is always worth researching the various clock circuits to find one that will work best for your purposes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Sticky Pistons and Slime Blocks
Here are some common questions and answers to further clarify how sticky pistons and slime blocks interact in Minecraft:
1. Can slime blocks be pulled by pistons?
Yes, slime blocks can be pulled by sticky pistons. This is a fundamental function of sticky pistons.
2. What blocks can sticky pistons not move?
Sticky pistons cannot move obsidian, bedrock, command blocks, or end portals.
3. Can you remove slime from a sticky piston?
No, you cannot remove the slime from a sticky piston to turn it back into a regular piston.
4. Why are slime blocks used in redstone?
Slime blocks are used in redstone because they stick to adjacent blocks, allowing pistons to move entire structures.
5. Are slime blocks and honey blocks the same in redstone?
No, slime blocks and honey blocks are different. While both are sticky, honey blocks also stick to entities (players and mobs), and slime blocks and honey blocks do not stick to each other.
6. How many slime blocks can a piston push?
A piston can push up to twelve blocks, including slime blocks, in a single line.
7. How many slime blocks can a sticky piston pull?
A sticky piston can pull the slime block it’s attached to, and that slime block can drag up to twelve blocks in a row.
8. Can crying obsidian be pushed by a piston?
No, crying obsidian cannot be pushed or pulled by pistons.
9. Will slime stick to obsidian?
No, slime blocks will not stick to obsidian.
10. Can a sticky piston pull 2 blocks?
Normally, a sticky piston can pull only one block. With slime blocks, however, it can effectively pull multiple blocks attached to the slime block.
11. What blocks cannot be pulled by pistons?
Blocks that cannot be pulled by pistons include obsidian, bedrock, command blocks, and end portals.
12. What is the strongest block in Minecraft that can be pushed by pistons?
“Strongest” is subjective. Netherite is highly blast-resistant and can be pushed/pulled. Anvils have unique pushing/pulling behavior depending on the Minecraft version.
13. Do slimes take fall damage?
No, slimes do not take fall damage.
14. Can sticky pistons pull hoppers?
In Java Edition, pistons cannot move hoppers or dispensers.
15. What doesn’t stick to slime?
Obsidian, bedrock, note blocks, chests, furnaces, dispensers, monster spawners, and already extended pistons do not stick to slime blocks. Honey blocks and terracotta blocks also do not stick to slime blocks.
Conclusion: Mastering the Piston and Slime Block Combo
While the initial assumption that sticky pistons cannot push slime blocks is incorrect, hopefully this detailed explanation has clarified the nuances of piston mechanics and slime block behavior. By understanding the push limit, the impact of obstructions, and the unique properties of slime blocks, you can effectively design and troubleshoot your redstone creations. Remember to consider these factors when working with pistons and slime blocks, and don’t be afraid to experiment!
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