Zombies are moaning. Creepers are hissing. It’s very, very dark.
Nothing is quite as thrilling – or terrifying – as your first night in Minecraft’s Survival mode.
Your goal: explore and refashion a sprawling, blocky sandbox. But when the sun starts inching towards the horizon, it’s time to prep for the darkness. Here’s how.
Scout it out
Before you build, pick a good location. Search for a spot near trees, a source of stone and some hills. Your first night’s accommodation will be basic, because you won’t be there long.
Punch trees
Your next order of business: gather some resources. Though you begin a new game empty-handed, you’re not helpless. Curl your hands into fists and start punching stuff!
Whack some trees until you get half a dozen wood blocks, then convert those into planks and build a crafting table, which is essential for creating survival tools. But work quickly – a Minecraft day only lasts about 10 minutes.
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Gear up
It’s tool time! Head to your crafting table, turn your planks into sticks, and build a pickaxe, shovel, axe and sword. Then use the pickaxe and shovel to load up on wood and stone. Keep an eye out for coal too. It’ll come in handy later.
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Hunker down
Let’s build! Find a hillside and dig a sideways tunnel four or five blocks deep. Then carve out a three-by-three room. No hills around? Dig your tunnel into the ground and build a little bunker for the night. Don’t forget to break down your crafting table and move it inside.
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Bide your time
If you managed to nab three blocks of wool, craft a bed and go to sleep – it’ll be daytime in an instant. Otherwise, spend the night digging deeper into your mini-cave, or – if you’re feeling bold – making quick forays outside to gather more resources. When the sun comes up, pat yourself on the back and get moving. Another sunset is on its way!