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 or using commands. While running out of resources isn't likely to be a factor due to massive size of an Minecraft map, this is a list of resources that can be produced over and over without having to explore more terrain. 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 that 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 an animal or most monsters, is renewable because more mobs of the same kind can spawn and be killed again for more loot. The exceptions are the Wither (requires non renewable soul sand to spawn), nor several enemies that spawn only in specific places: Elder guardian, (spawns three per ocean monument) Illagers (only spawns as part of the woodland mansion), and the shulker, (only spawns as part of end cities). However, monster drops are not renewable in peaceful difficulty, because the monsters do not spawn.
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 to collecting dragon breath into a bottle, 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)
- Get it as a normal drop after a mob's death
- Buy it from villagers
- Find it while fishing
- Get it as a rare drop after a mob's death
The first three methods are often the most practical ways to obtain the items which can be obtained by using them.
Most items obtainable by the fourth and fifth methods are obtainable in some other way, which may be easier or of comparable difficulty, but may not be renewable, they are especially worth using when the player wants to avoid the risk of mining, etc. such as while playing in hardcore mode.
The last method is generally worth using only when there is no other option, as the player will generally have to kill a lot of mobs before getting what they need.
Renewable
These are renewable items which aren't only renewably obtainable trough fishing or trading and/or rare drops.
| Resource | Renewable products | Renewable sources
FishingTradableThese items are only renewable through trading with villagers or as rare drops from mobs.
|
|---|