Minecraft Survival: What to Do First
Survival mode's open-ended nature is part of the appeal, but it can also leave new players unsure where to even start. Knowing a rough order for your first day makes the whole thing much less intimidating.
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Step one: punch some trees
Gathering wood by hand is where every survival world begins. Wood is the base material for a crafting table and basic tools, so it's worth grabbing more than you think you'll need.
Make a crafting table and basic tools
Turn wood into planks, planks into a crafting table, and then craft wooden versions of a pickaxe, axe, and hoe. Tools are what let you gather other resources like stone and dirt efficiently.
Get somewhere safe before nightfall
Hostile mobs appear once night falls, so it's important to dig into a hillside or wall yourself into a simple shelter before the sun goes down on your first day.
Move on to stone tools and a furnace
Once you're safe, mine stone to craft sturdier stone tools and build a furnace so you can cook food and smelt ores. From there, the path into mining and better gear follows naturally.
FAQ
Do I have to avoid monsters at night?
Early on, yes -- it's safer to avoid them while your gear is still weak. Once you have proper tools and armor, fighting them for resources becomes a normal part of the game.
Does my first shelter need to be big?
Not at all. A small space that simply keeps mobs out is enough for day one; most players expand it gradually as they gather more resources.