In the world of Minecraft, lanterns are not only effective light sources but also a very stylish way to decorate interiors, pathways, or even underground structures. They are much brighter than torches and look more realistic. You can hang them under blocks or place them on surfaces, which offers more decorative possibilities. In addition to the regular version, there is also a special variant: the Soul Lantern. This is a slightly darker version of the lantern that emits blue light and has the added function of repelling Piglins – aggressive creatures that inhabit the Nether. Because of this, it’s not just a decorative item but also a practical protective element!
How to craft a Lantern in Minecraft
Creating a Lantern in Minecraft is simple, but you’ll need a few basic materials:
- 1 Torch
- 8 Iron Nuggets
Once you have the items, open the Crafting Table and place the torch in the center slot. Then, surround it with 8 iron nuggets in the remaining slots of the 3×3 grid. That’s it – your lantern is ready!
There are two main ways to get Iron Nuggets:
- Break down an Iron Ingot
- Place an iron ingot into the crafting grid to get 9 iron nuggets.
- Smelt iron items
- You can smelt old iron items, like armor, tools, or chains in a furnace.
This method is less efficient, but still works if you’re short on ingots.
- You can smelt old iron items, like armor, tools, or chains in a furnace.
If you don’t already have a torch, you can easily craft one using:
- 1 Stick
- 1 Coal (or Charcoal)
In the crafting table, place the coal above the stick – this recipe gives you 4 torches.
How to craft a Soul Lantern in Minecraft
The Soul Lantern is a darker version of this light source that glows with a blue flame and, most importantly, repels Piglins, making it perfect for use in the Nether. Crafting it is very similar to making the regular version: you’ll need 1 Soul Torch and 8 Iron Nuggets.
The recipe only differs by the type of torch, which you can easily craft using:
- 1 Stick
- 1 Coal
- 1 Soul Soil or Soul Sand
In the crafting table, place the coal above the stick, and below them, add the soul sand or soul soil. Once placed correctly, you’ll receive a Soul Torch, which glows with blue light.
In Minecraft, everything starts with survival – but over time, most players begin to build for pleasure: houses, towns, castles, temples, or villages. And in all of these places, lanterns truly start to shine – both literally and figuratively. Though they may seem like a small detail, they can completely transform the atmosphere of a build.
Unlike regular torches, which look rough and temporary, lanterns give a sense of permanence – as if your base is truly lived-in and thoughtfully designed. Hang them on chains under the roof of a tavern, place them along your garden fence, or set them by the entrance to a mine – the effect is instantly noticeable.
Want to build something more mysterious, moody, or dark? That’s where Soul Lanterns come in. Their cool, blue glow is perfect for graveyards, ruins, dungeons, fortresses, or secret laboratories. You can combine them with stone, basalt, or Nether blocks to create a truly unique and atmospheric look.
