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A renewable resource (as opposed to a non-renewable, or finite, resource) is a resource that can be recreated indefinitely in survival without exploiting glitches. While running out of resources isn't likely to be a factor due to theoretically infinite (and still quite vast in practice) map generation, this is a list of resources that can be produced over and over without having to explore for more. However, running out of resources can be a bigger issue on superflat worlds, where resources are less plentiful, in PvP maps, where one would like to obtain resources without having to conquer more land, or simply if the map size is limited.

The listed fully renewable craftable items are items which can be crafted, smelted, or brewed using only renewable resources. For example, cookies are renewable as they only require wheat and cocoa beans that can be regrown infinitely, while TNT isn't because it requires sand, which is not renewable.

Anything that is dropped by a monster or animal, is renewable because more mobs of the same kind can spawn and be killed again for more loot. This is not the case for the wither, which requires non renewable soul sand to spawn, Illagers (the evoker and the vindacator) in 1.11, nor the elder guardian, which spawns only three times per ocean monument.

Brief introduction to methods

There are some main methods to get renewable resources and some item-specific methods. Item-specific methods vary from building a cobblestone generator to harvesting obsidian from portals, so it's very important sometimes to choose non-renewable, but easier and/or safer ways to get them. The methods are listed in increasing difficulty order:

  • Farming - grow it on the dirt or farmland block, breed using renewable resources, etc.
  • Craft it using only renewable resource(s)
  • Buy it from villagers
  • Get it as a guaranteed or very probable drop after mob's death
  • Get it as a rare drop after mob's death
  • Find it while fishing

The first three methods are the easiest. They are especially worth using when the player wants to avoid risk such as while playing in hardcore mode. The fourth method is normally used to get something that is only possible to get by killing monsters such as blaze rods, arrows, or bones. The last two methods are worth using only when there are no other practical choices, as the player will spend a lot of time executing the method before getting what they need.

Renewable

Resource Renewable products Renewable sources

Fishing

Resource Renewable products

Rare drops

These items are considered rare drops or are obtained by a mob dying in a unique way. For some of these items, this is the only way to even obtain them whatsoever. For most of these items, this is the only renewable way to obtain them. But, a few of these items have other renewable methods, such as crafting or trading. This does not include any item the mob picks up after spawning. Mob farms are a good option for obtaining these easily or in large quantities.


Resource Renewable products Renewable sources

Tradable

These items in every other circumstance would not be renewable but are renewable through trading with villagers. This does not include items that can otherwise be renewed through different means.


Resource Renewable products Renewable sources


Pocket Edition

Generally, all resources are renewable in the same way in both the Pocket Edition and the computer edition. The exceptions are noted in subsections here.

Renewable

These resources are not renewable in the computer edition but are renewable in the Pocket Edition.


Resource Renewable products Renewable sources

Renewable, but requires non-renewable resources

These resources can be made infinitely but require the initial use of at least one non-renewable resource. Some of them are renewable in the computer edition, but they do not require non-renewable resources.


Resource Renewable products Renewable sources

Not renewable

These resources are renewable in the computer edition but not in the Pocket Edition.


Resource Non-renewable products Reason

Console edition

Generally, all resources are renewable in the same way in both the Console Edition and the computer edition. The exceptions are noted in subsections here.

Renewable

These resources are not renewable in the computer edition but are renewable in the Console Edition.


Resource Renewable products Renewable sources

Not renewable

These resources are renewable in the computer edition but not in the Console Edition.


Resource Non-renewable products Reason

Video

Renewable resource/video


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