Smelting is a key aspect of Minecraft, and this guide will discuss everything you need to know about smelting to get started.
Unlike other survival games, smelting is a key factor in Minecraft, and there is a depth mechanic that you need to understand if you want to become a master smelter.
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While you may be satisfied with the basic furnace and transforming unused materials, once you start to get creative with it, you will be able to see raw materials turn into useful and unique items.
That is what I will try to showcase in this guide and describe everything you need to know about smelting in Minecraft. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details, shall we?
Understanding Smelting
Smelting isn’t limited to just ore. In Minecraft, you can throw various items into the furnace to unlock their potential. Commonly mined ores like iron can be transformed into ingots for crafting. However, the versatility of smelting goes beyond mining; it includes cooking food to satisfy hunger, turning sand into glass, refining stones, and even dismantling armor pieces.
Furnace Types
There are three types of furnaces we have access to in Minecraft. They are:
- Standard Furnace
- Blast Furnace
- Smoker
The standard furnace is the most common and used by most players. It will take care of your basic smelting needs.
But the blast furnace is for niche works. It also operates faster than the traditional furnace and can only be used for specialized ores.
On the other hand, the smoker focuses exclusively on food, providing a quick cooking alternative.
Understanding the differences in these furnaces allows you to optimize your smelting strategy.
Fuels for Smelting
Coal and charcoal are standard fuels for smelting, but Minecraft surprises us with an extensive list of alternative fuel sources. From different wooden blocks to wool and gold nuggets, your furnace can run on various materials.
Keep in mind that not all fuels will be as effective as the others. Lave will be more effective while wool is less. Make sure to tinker around and find out the effectiveness of each fuel type!
Smelting Also Provides Experience and Achievements
Beyond its practical uses, smelting in Minecraft contributes to your character’s experience points. Every time you retrieve a freshly smelted item, you gain valuable XP. It’s a straightforward way to level up without the need for elaborate farms or fishing setups. Attend to your smelting needs, and watch your experience points grow.
For achievement and trophy hunters, smelting offers a variety of tasks to accomplish.
Things You Should Keep in Mind When Smelting
The Furnace Stops If You’re Too Far Away
Smelting isn’t something that you will get done passively. This means you must be close to the furnaces. Otherwise, the action will be canceled.
So, if you venture too far away, you will see the furnace shutting down until you return to it. Therefore, stay close to keep the flames burning.
Real-Time Effect Only Sleeping Doesn’t Make Smelting Go Faster
While sleeping in Minecraft alters the time of day, it doesn’t affect the smelting process. If you hope to skip the lengthy burning period by taking a nap, think again. To expedite smelting, consider setting up multiple furnaces simultaneously to maximize efficiency.
An In-Use Furnace Can Be Used As A Temporary Light Source
In the early stages of the game, resources for lighting might be scarce. Furnaces can help with this situation as a temporary light source. It will emit a subtle glow in dark caves. The light won’t be that bright, but will get the job done.
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