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.
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.
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.
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!