Lightning Rod

For the artifact in Minecraft Dungeons, see MCD:Lightning Rod.
This article needs to be updated.
 
Please update this page to reflect recent updates or newly available information.
Reason: BE images in gallery, infobox, and invicons; whether it needs sky access to divert lightning or not, is needed.
Lightning Rod

Lightning Rod (U).png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Java Edition

Lightning Rod (U) BE.png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Bedrock Edition

Exposed Lightning Rod (U).png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Java Edition

Exposed Lightning Rod BE1.png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Bedrock Edition

Weathered Lightning Rod (U).png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Java Edition

Weathered Lightning Rod BE1.png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Bedrock Edition

Oxidized Lightning Rod (U).png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Java Edition

Oxidized Lightning Rod BE1.png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Bedrock Edition

Powered Lightning Rod (U).png: Infobox image for Lightning Rod the block in Minecraft

Invicon Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Lightning RodInvicon Exposed Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Exposed Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Exposed Lightning RodInvicon Weathered Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Weathered Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Weathered Lightning RodInvicon Oxidized Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Oxidized Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Oxidized Lightning RodInvicon Waxed Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Waxed Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Waxed Lightning RodInvicon Waxed Exposed Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Waxed Exposed Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Waxed Exposed Lightning RodInvicon Waxed Weathered Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Waxed Weathered Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Waxed Weathered Lightning RodInvicon Waxed Oxidized Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Waxed Oxidized Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Waxed Oxidized Lightning RodInvicon Lightning Rod BE.png: Inventory sprite for Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Lightning Rod
Renewable

Yes

Stackable

Yes (64)

Tool
Blast resistance

6

Hardness

3

Luminous

No

Transparent

Yes

Waterloggable

Yes

Flammable

No

Catches fire
from lava

No

Map color (JE)


 15 COLOR_ORANGE

A lightning rod is a block that diverts lightning strikes. Getting struck by lightning causes it to emit a redstone signal and, if it is not waxed, also reduces its level of oxidation.

Obtaining

Breaking

A lightning rod must be mined with a stone pickaxe or better, or else it drops nothing.

Block Lightning Rod
Hardness 3
Tool
Breaking time (sec)[A]
Default 15
BlockSprite oak-planks.png: Sprite image for oak-planks in MinecraftWooden 7.5
BlockSprite cobblestone.png: Sprite image for cobblestone in MinecraftStone 1.15
ItemSprite copper-ingot.png: Sprite image for copper-ingot in MinecraftCopper 0.9
ItemSprite iron-ingot.png: Sprite image for iron-ingot in MinecraftIron 0.75
ItemSprite diamond.png: Sprite image for diamond in MinecraftDiamond 0.6
ItemSprite netherite-ingot.png: Sprite image for netherite-ingot in MinecraftNetherite 0.5
ItemSprite gold-ingot.png: Sprite image for gold-ingot in MinecraftGolden 1.25
Legend
  • incorrect tool, drops nothing
  • correct tool, drops nothing or something other than the block itself
  • correct tool, drops the block itself
  • italicized can be instant mined
  1. These durations ignore other influential factors (e.g., Mining Fatigue) and are measured in seconds. For more information, see Breaking § Speed.

Crafting

Name Ingredients Crafting recipe
Lightning Rod Copper Ingot
Invicon Copper Ingot.png: Inventory sprite for Copper Ingot in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Copper Ingot with description: Copper IngotInvicon Copper Ingot.png: Inventory sprite for Copper Ingot in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Copper Ingot with description: Copper IngotInvicon Copper Ingot.png: Inventory sprite for Copper Ingot in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Copper Ingot with description: Copper Ingot
Invicon Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Lightning Rod
Waxed Lightning Rod Matching Unwaxed Lightning Rod +
Honeycomb
Invicon Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Lightning RodInvicon Exposed Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Exposed Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Exposed Lightning Rod with description: Exposed Lightning RodInvicon Weathered Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Weathered Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Weathered Lightning Rod with description: Weathered Lightning RodInvicon Oxidized Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Oxidized Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Oxidized Lightning Rod with description: Oxidized Lightning RodInvicon Honeycomb.png: Inventory sprite for Honeycomb in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Honeycomb with description: Honeycomb
Invicon Waxed Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Waxed Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Waxed Lightning Rod with description: Waxed Lightning RodInvicon Waxed Exposed Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Waxed Exposed Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Waxed Exposed Lightning Rod with description: Waxed Exposed Lightning RodInvicon Waxed Weathered Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Waxed Weathered Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Waxed Weathered Lightning Rod with description: Waxed Weathered Lightning RodInvicon Waxed Oxidized Lightning Rod.png: Inventory sprite for Waxed Oxidized Lightning Rod in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Waxed Oxidized Lightning Rod with description: Waxed Oxidized Lightning Rod

Usage

Diverting lightning

Lightning rods can be oriented in different directions. Lightning rods that are the highest block in the column redirect lightning strikes within a spherical volume having a radius of 128 blocks in Java Edition and 64 blocks in Bedrock Edition. The block emits particles during thunderstorms as an indicator. If multiple lightning rods are in range, the closest to the original location of the strike is chosen.

A lightning rod can be struck by lightning when hit by a trident enchanted with Channeling during thunderstorms. In Bedrock Edition, this can happen even if there are solid blocks above the lightning rod blocking rainfall, as long as all the blocks are fully transparent (do not block sky light).

Lightning rods do not divert lightning created by a Channeling trident thrown at an entity, or lightning summoned by commands.

Unlike in real life, a lightning rod doesn't require a direct connection to ground in order to work.

Lightning strikes on lightning rods cannot summon skeleton trap horses.

The area where the lightning rod spreads fire is a 2-block radius sphere.The middle of the sphere is the air block right on top of the lightning rod. Inside the sphere, only two blocks never catch on fire - the lightning rod itself and the block on which it's placed. A flammable block placed anywhere else within the sphere has a chance to catch on fire.
A Cross-section wool block model showing safe flammable block placement around the lightning rod. Java Edition 1.21.5

A lightning rod emits a redstone pulse, and strongly powers the block it's attached to, at level 15 for 8 game ticks (0.4 seconds) when struck by lightning.

Lightning diverted by a lightning rod inflicts lightning damage on mobs within a 6×12×6 volume centered 4 blocks above the bottom center of the lightning rod block (that is, extending 2 below and 9 above).

When a lightning rod is struck by lightning, the lightning has a chance to set fire to the surrounding blocks. in Java Edition, the lightning tries to set fire to a 3×3×3 volume around the air block directly above the lightning rod. Then, fire spawning conditions apply: The block itself must be air and is either on top of a block with a solid full top or is adjacent to a flammable block.

This creates a danger zone of a 2-block radius sphere around the air block directly above the lightning rod (this sphere is all the blocks adjacent to the 3×3×3 volume and the volume itself). However, two blocks within this sphere are never set on fire by the lightning - the lightning rod itself and the block on which it's placed.

Oxidation

Main article: Oxidation

Non-waxed lightning rods have four stages of oxidation (including the initial normal state). Lightning bolts and axes can remove the oxidation on lightning rods. They can be waxed with honeycomb to prevent oxidation from progressing.

As the block begins to oxidize (exposed), it gets discolored and green spots begin to appear. As the oxidation continues (weathered), the block is a green color with brown spots. In the last stage (oxidized), the block is teal with several green spots.

Sounds

Generic

Java Edition:

BlockSprite block-of-copper.png: Sprite image for block-of-copper in Minecraft copper sound type
SoundSubtitlesSourceDescriptionResource locationTranslation keyVolumePitchAttenuation
distance
​Block brokenBlocksOnce the block has brokenblock.copper.breaksubtitles.block.generic.break1.00.816
​Block placedBlocksWhen the block is placedblock.copper.placesubtitles.block.generic.place1.00.816
​Block breakingBlocksWhile the block is in the process of being brokenblock.copper.hitsubtitles.block.generic.hit0.250.516
​Something falls on a blockEntity-DependentFalling on the block with fall damageblock.copper.fallsubtitles.block.generic.fall0.50.7516
​FootstepsEntity-DependentWalking on the blockblock.copper.stepsubtitles.block.generic.footsteps0.151.016

Bedrock Edition:

BlockSprite block-of-copper.png: Sprite image for block-of-copper in Minecraft copper sound type
SoundSourceDescriptionResource locationVolumePitch
BlocksOnce the block has brokendig.copper1.00.8-1.0
BlocksWhen the block is placeddig.copper1.00.8-1.0
BlocksWhile the block is in the process of being brokenhit.copper0.30.5
PlayersFalling on the block with fall damagefall.copper0.41.0
PlayersWalking on the blockstep.copper0.31.0
PlayersJumping from the blockstep.copper0.121.0
PlayersFalling on the block without fall damagestep.copper0.221.0

Unique

Java Edition

Sounds
SoundSubtitlesSourceDescriptionResource locationTranslation keyVolumePitchAttenuation
distance
​Trident thunder cracksWeatherWhen a trident with Channeling strikes a lightning roditem.trident.thundersubtitles.item.trident.thunder5.01.016

Bedrock Edition: None[1]

Data values

ID

Java Edition:

NameIdentifierFormBlock tagsItem tagsTranslation key
BlockSprite lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for lightning-rod in Minecraft Lightning Rodlightning_rodBlock & Itemlightning_rods
mineable/pickaxe
needs_stone_tool
lightning_rodsblock.minecraft.lightning_rod
BlockSprite exposed-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for exposed-lightning-rod in Minecraft Exposed Lightning Rodexposed_lightning_rodBlock & Itemlightning_rods
mineable/pickaxe
needs_stone_tool
lightning_rodsblock.minecraft.exposed_lightning_rod
BlockSprite weathered-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for weathered-lightning-rod in Minecraft Weathered Lightning Rodweathered_lightning_rodBlock & Itemlightning_rods
mineable/pickaxe
needs_stone_tool
lightning_rodsblock.minecraft.weathered_lightning_rod
BlockSprite oxidized-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for oxidized-lightning-rod in Minecraft Oxidized Lightning Rodoxidized_lightning_rodBlock & Itemlightning_rods
mineable/pickaxe
needs_stone_tool
lightning_rodsblock.minecraft.oxidized_lightning_rod
BlockSprite waxed-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for waxed-lightning-rod in Minecraft Waxed Lightning Rodwaxed_lightning_rodBlock & Itemlightning_rods
mineable/pickaxe
needs_stone_tool
lightning_rodsblock.minecraft.waxed_lightning_rod
BlockSprite waxed-exposed-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for waxed-exposed-lightning-rod in Minecraft Waxed Exposed Lightning Rodwaxed_exposed_lightning_rodBlock & Itemlightning_rods
mineable/pickaxe
needs_stone_tool
lightning_rodsblock.minecraft.waxed_exposed_lightning_rod
BlockSprite waxed-weathered-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for waxed-weathered-lightning-rod in Minecraft Waxed Weathered Lightning Rodwaxed_weathered_lightning_rodBlock & Itemlightning_rods
mineable/pickaxe
needs_stone_tool
lightning_rodsblock.minecraft.waxed_weathered_lightning_rod
BlockSprite waxed-oxidized-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for waxed-oxidized-lightning-rod in Minecraft Waxed Oxidized Lightning Rodwaxed_oxidized_lightning_rodBlock & Itemlightning_rods
mineable/pickaxe
needs_stone_tool
lightning_rodsblock.minecraft.waxed_oxidized_lightning_rod

Bedrock Edition:

NameIdentifierNumeric ID FormItem ID[i 1]Block tagsTranslation key
BlockSprite lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for lightning-rod in Minecraft Lightning Rodlightning_rod567Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]
(Numeric: -312)
minecraft:is_pickaxe_item_destructible
minecraft:stone_tier_destructible
tile.lightning_rod.name
BlockSprite exposed-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for exposed-lightning-rod in Minecraft Exposed Lightning Rodexposed_lightning_rod1314Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]
(Numeric: -1059)
minecraft:is_pickaxe_item_destructible
minecraft:stone_tier_destructible
tile.exposed_lightning_rod.name
BlockSprite weathered-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for weathered-lightning-rod in Minecraft Weathered Lightning Rodweathered_lightning_rod1315Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]
(Numeric: -1060)
minecraft:is_pickaxe_item_destructible
minecraft:stone_tier_destructible
tile.weathered_lightning_rod.name
BlockSprite oxidized-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for oxidized-lightning-rod in Minecraft Oxidized Lightning Rodoxidized_lightning_rod1316Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]
(Numeric: -1061)
minecraft:is_pickaxe_item_destructible
minecraft:stone_tier_destructible
tile.oxidized_lightning_rod.name
BlockSprite lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for lightning-rod in Minecraft Waxed Lightning Rodwaxed_lightning_rod1317Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]
(Numeric: -1062)
minecraft:is_pickaxe_item_destructible
minecraft:stone_tier_destructible
tile.waxed_lightning_rod.name
BlockSprite exposed-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for exposed-lightning-rod in Minecraft Waxed Exposed Lightning Rodwaxed_exposed_lightning_rod1318Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]
(Numeric: -1063)
minecraft:is_pickaxe_item_destructible
minecraft:stone_tier_destructible
tile.waxed_exposed_lightning_rod.name
BlockSprite weathered-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for weathered-lightning-rod in Minecraft Waxed Weathered Lightning Rodwaxed_weathered_lightning_rod1319Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]
(Numeric: -1064)
minecraft:is_pickaxe_item_destructible
minecraft:stone_tier_destructible
tile.waxed_weathered_lightning_rod.name
BlockSprite oxidized-lightning-rod.png: Sprite image for oxidized-lightning-rod in Minecraft Waxed Oxidized Lightning Rodwaxed_oxidized_lightning_rod1320Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]
(Numeric: -1065)
minecraft:is_pickaxe_item_destructible
minecraft:stone_tier_destructible
tile.waxed_oxidized_lightning_rod.name
  1. ID of block's direct item form, which is used in savegame files and addons.
  2. a b c d e f g h Available with /give command.
  3. a b c d e f g h The block's direct item form has the same ID as the block.


Block states

See also: Block states

Java Edition:

Name Default value Allowed values Description
facingupup
down
north
south
east
west
The direction that the lightning rod is facing, determined by its anchoring.
poweredfalsefalse
true
Whether or not the lightning rod is powered.
waterloggedfalsefalse
true
Whether or not there's water in the same place as this lightning rod.

Bedrock Edition:

Name Default value Allowed values Description
facing_direction00
1
2
3
4
5
The direction the lightning rod faces.
  • 0: Down
  • 1: Up
  • 2: North
  • 3: South
  • 4: West
  • 5: East
powered_bitfalsefalse
true
Whether or not the lightning rod is powered.

Advancements

IconAdvancementIn-game descriptionActual requirements (if different)
Surge ProtectorProtect a Villager from an undesired shock without starting a fireBe within 30 blocks of a lightning strike that doesn't set any blocks on fire, while an unharmed villager is within or up to six blocks above a 30×30×30 volume centered on the lightning strike.
Wax OnApply Honeycomb to a Copper block!Use a honeycomb on any of these 15 waxable copper block variants: The block can be in any of its four oxidation stages, but cannot already be waxed.
Wax OffScrape Wax off of a Copper block!Use an axe to revert any of these 15 waxed variants of copper blocks: The block can be in any of its four oxidation stages.

History

Reveal

October 3, 2020 Lightning rods are revealed at Minecraft Live 2020.
Inventory model was different.
October 20, 2020 LadyAgnes shows a lightning rod can be placed in different positions, and can emit a redstone signal.

Java Edition

Java Edition
1.1720w45a Added lightning rods.
20w46a The texture of lightning rods has been changed to match copper blocks.
The range of lightning rods has been increased from 16 blocks to 32 blocks.
21w05a Lightning rods are now shaded properly.[2]
21w10aChangelog states they can now be waterlogged, though this is not the case.
21w11a When lightning strikes, the lightning rod turns white.
Lightning rods can now be waterlogged.
Lightning emits particles during thunderstorms as an indicator.
21w13a The model of the lightning rod has been changed that the underside texture is corrected.
1.21.925w31aLightning rods now oxidize.



Added exposed, weathered and oxidized variants of lightning rods.
Lightning rods can be waxed by using honeycomb, producing yellow particles.
Axes can scrape off wax and oxidation of lightning rods, producing white particles.

Bedrock Edition

Bedrock Edition
1.16.210
Experiment
Caves and Cliffs
beta 1.16.210.57 Added lightning rods under the Caves and Cliffs experimental gameplay toggle.
It also has a broken texture in the inventory.
1.16.220
Experiment
Caves and Cliffs
beta 1.16.220.52Lightning rods can now be waterlogged.
Now emits particles when in contact with rain.
1.17.0
Experiment
Caves and Cliffs
beta 1.17.0.50Blocks connected to a lightning rod now correctly conduct redstone signal when the rod is hit by lightning.
1.17.0beta 1.17.0.52Lightning rods are no longer available only through experimental gameplay.
1.20.30Preview 1.20.20.21Increased the blast resistance of lightning rods from 3.6 to 6.
1.21.111Preview 1.21.110.22Lightning rods now oxidize.



Added exposed, weathered and oxidized variants of lightning rods.
Lightning rods can be waxed by using honeycomb, producing yellow particles.
Axes can scrape off wax and oxidation of lightning rods, producing white particles.
Preview 1.21.110.23 Lightning rods now turn white when hit by lightning.
Lightning rods now have the powered_bit block state.
Lightning rods can now be crafted into waxed variants.

Issues

Issues relating to "Lightning Rod" are maintained on the bug tracker. Issues should be reported and viewed there.

Trivia

Lightning rod placed on a player's head using /item replace.

Gallery

Renders

Unoxidized

Java Edition

Bedrock Edition

Exposed

Weathered

Oxidized

Powered

Screenshots

Mojang screenshots

Development images

References

  1. MCPE-173931 — Tridents don't make channeling sounds when striking a lightning rod
  2. MC-204446 - fixed in 21w05a despite that being an affects version; see comments
  3. "Minecraft Live: Caves & Cliffs - First Look @ 29:53" – Minecraft on YouTube, October 3, 2020

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