Torch

The Torch is a type of block found in Indev onwards since the support for dynamic lighting. It is one of the many blocks that emit light. In addition, it adjusts its model in relation to how it is placed on a block, so that it can be made to attach to any side of a block except the bottom side. They look similar to Redstone Torches in appearance.

From just one log and eight pieces of coal or charcoal 32 torches can be made, making them an easily obtainable item. Since the Adventure Update, torches have warmer light when placed. They can also be found naturally in Abandoned Mine Shafts, Strongholds and NPC Villages.

Properties


Torches act as a full block, for the purpose of placing other objects or torches in the same area. Being treated as a block by sand and gravel this prevents them from falling down past a block with a torch on it. Sand or gravel break when they fall on a torch. If they are placed directly above a torch they act as if they were on any other solid material, allowing them to be used as environmental triggers, such as airlocks. Players can pass through torches, and therefore a torch can be placed directly under the player without the player needing to move or jump. Torches also melt nearby snow and ice, making them useful to keep skylights from being snowed over and lakes from freezing in snow biomes. The torches will however only melt snow and ice from a radius of 2 blocks from the torch. Since monsters spawn in darkness, it is common to use torches as light sources. However, some people use alternatives, such as fire and lava lighting. The smoke from a torch extends up 2½ blocks. So if you are building a secret room with torches, be sure to put them down at least 3 blocks from the roof. Torches require 1 Coal and 1 Stick to make 4 torches.

Torch placement
'' * Torches may be placed on the sides of openable blocks such as chests by having another block which a torch cannot be placed on (such as leaves another torch) also facing the cube where the torch should be placed, and attempting to place a torch on it. Or trying to place the torch on a ceiling next to a wall. The torch will instead attach to an acceptable block such as the chest; since Beta 1.7 torches can be placed on fences.

History

 * In Indev version 0.31 Torches had a different texture in the inventory, appearing much shorter: Minecraftindevtorch.jpg


 * In an early version of the game, when removing the block torch leaned on moved the torch on another available block, if there was one.


 * As of Beta 1.7, torches cannot be placed on leaves, whether they are found naturally on a tree or placed after being trimmed with shears.


 * As of Beta 1.7, torches and redstone torches can be placed on top of fences.

Notch announced that torches would become temporary sources of light that would eventually go out. They would need to be relit with flint and steel. The permanent torch would be replaced with Lanterns, and all torches that exist already in saved games whether placed, stored or in inventory would become lanterns. This was supposed to take effect on October, 31st 2010 with the Halloween Update, but it was postponed until a later update.


 * As of 1.2, one may now place torches and redstone torches on top of glass.

Trivia

 * When a torch is placed in water, it will be detached, as if you had destroyed it. The block it was placed in will have no water in it afterwards, unless two adjacent water sources cause a third to be created. This can also be used to regain air while underwater.


 * If you jump on a placed torch, you will hear a sound of stepping on a wooden block. This is only the sound effect however, so you will not actually stand on it. You must also be moving in a horizontal direction as well, so running and jumping on them is the way to check it.


 * It would take 1.26018466 × 10 torches to light the entire surface of a minecraft map. It would take approximately double that number to cover everything in a minecraft map, caves and all, counting the 12 million blocks as the edge of the map.


 * If a block falls onto a torch (Sand or Gravel), it breaks the block and gives the player the resource, but the gravel will not drop Flint. However, if the torch is placed quickly enough after removing the base of a stack of falling blocks, the stack remains in place.


 * Because torches emit a light level of 14 and hostile mobs require a light level of 7 or less to spawn, you can seperate them by up to 12 blocks and still prevent hostile mobs spawning.


 * Torches, interestingly, are created when the Enderdragon is defeated.


 * If you place a torch underwater it can create a very short timed air pocket to not drown.


 * It is possible to temporarily disable a Monster spawner by placing a torch on all four sides.

Bugs

 * Any torches placed before the Beta 1.6.4 update will emit no light, even while still showing the smoke and flame animations.
 * If you place a torch on a block where lava is or has been placed, the lava will temporarily go away. After, the lava flows back into the same place. This can be a used as a frantic technique to get rid of lava or to spare time for you or other players.
 * Removing a wall-mounted torch on a server and placing a new torch on another wall-block or floor block (with the torch itself in the same block) before the item has "Dropped" will place the new torch on the same wall block, regardless of where it is placed.
 * Sometimes, torches generated in, for example, an Abandoned Mine Shaft, won't emit light until destroyed and replaced.
 * In 1.1, if a water bucket is placed directly above a torch that has been placed directly on top of a block, the torch will disappear forever. It is unknown if this is a bug or intentional.
 * In 1.2.3, when placing a torch that's surrounded by blocks except for the bottom, the block that the torch occupies will be at the lowest lighting level. However, only that block will not light up; light will travel out from it. This is also true for Redstone Torches.
 * In 1.2.3, placing a torch on glass does not show the bottom of the torch.