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The Compass in Minecraft is one of the only true navigational tools that will help you get your bearings when exploring the Overworld. Compasses can help orient the player and points them directly towards the spawn point, making it especially useful for co-op play.
By default, the Compass does not function in the Nether. Utilizing a lodestone can allow the player to get a better idea of where they are in the Nether. This is done by converting the Compass to a Lodestone compass.
Maps can also be created from Compasses, which allows the player to literally chart their course through the Overworld. Getting lost is always a danger in Minecraft until one obtains a Compass or Map!
To craft a Compass in Minecraft, you will need the following:
If the player has already gone mining in caves, it’s likely that you will already have the necessary materials required for this item.
Redstone Dust is the product of mining Redstone Ore.
Place four iron ingots, at the far left, far right, top and bottom of the crafting grid. Place one Redstone Dust in the center to craft your Compass.
All the player needs to do to activate the Compass is to equip it in your active slot. The player will automatically hold the compass up, allowing for directional navigation without distractions.
For an example of the Compass in action, look below:
A compass, pointing straight ahead
Compasses are useful navigation tools but Maps provide an upgraded navigation experience as it shows both your current position and any area that your character has already charted. For more on maps, please check out this detailed guide on Maps. You will need many, many maps during your time in Minecraft, so don’t throw away any paper or Compasses in your storage.
Q. How do you craft a Lodestone Compass?
Lodestone Compasses are not crafted. Instead, simply interact with a Lodestone while holding a Compass to convert it to a Lodestone Compass. Beware as it can no longer be used in crafting Maps.
Q. Will I find a compass while exploring biomes in the Overworld?
Absolutely! There are several places that Compasses naturally spawn, and as a commonly generated item, it may be frugal to save your iron until you find one through adventuring. Premade structures such as Villages, Strongholds, and Shipwrecks can contain chests with Compasses inside!
Q. What other uses does a compass have?
They are very useful for tracing your steps to the world spawn, allowing you to create a welcome mat for co-op play, or any other scaffolding for your world’s spawn point.
Compasses serve as a beginner’s navigation tool. They can be created early in the game, as soon as the player discovers iron and redstone. However, once the player moves on to more precise technology like Maps, you will still need to utilize Compasses as a crafting ingredient. They may seem frivolous, but hang on to any Compasses you discover and your patience will be rewarded.
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