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This article is about the regular TNT block. For the consumable in Minecraft Dungeons, see :MCD:TNT. For other uses, see TNT (disambiguation).

TNT is a block that can be activated by a Redstone signal, flint and steel, stray fire, flaming projectile or explosion.

Primed TNT is a gravity-affected entity that produces a damaging, block-destroying explosion after a few seconds.

Obtaining[]

TNT can be broken instantly with any tool, or without a tool. Primed TNT cannot be broken as it is an entity, but it can be removed with the /kill command.

Chest loot[]

Item Structure Container Quantity Chance
Java Edition
TNT Buried treasure Chest 1–2 62.7%
Desert temple Suspicious sand 1 12.5%
Shipwreck Supply chest 1–2 7.5%
Bedrock Edition
TNT Buried treasure Chest 1–2 34.3%
Desert temple Suspicious sand 1 12.5%
Shipwreck Supply chest 1–2 7.5%

Natural generation[]

Nine TNT blocks occur naturally in each desert pyramid.

Two TNT blocks flank a trapped chest in one secret woodland mansion room.

Crafting[]

Ingredients Crafting recipe
Gunpowder +
Sand or
Red Sand

Usage[]

Minecraft-tnt-explosion

A TNT explosion.

TNT blocks can be primed by:

Behavior[]

Once primed, TNT turns into an entity, which includes being affected by gravity. The new primed TNT is spawned at the center (+0.5,+0.5,+0.5) of where the TNT block was, like a cube with an edge length of 0.98. Its fuse lasts 40 redstone ticks (4 seconds/80 game ticks) if activated by redstone or fire, or a random number between 10 and 30 game ticks (0.5 to 1.5 seconds) if it is destroyed by another explosion.

Once spawned, primed TNT is given a vertical velocity of 0.2 blocks per tick, and a horizontal velocity of 0.02 blocks per tick in a random direction. Given these velocities, the TNT travels 0.166 blocks (or 6 block pixels) horizontally before it stops, given there is no block in the way. When the countdown timer expires, the TNT explodes. If in the air, TNT falls roughly 77 blocks before exploding once it is ignited. The explosion has an explosive force of 4.

Primed TNT's texture blinks, alternating every 0.5 seconds between the TNT block's texture, and a copy of it that has been brightened to near-white. The effect is dynamic and the brightened texture can't be found in the assets.

Primed TNT cannot be pushed by players or other mobs, but it moves when in flowing water or lava. Primed TNT cannot mount minecarts or boats.

When primed TNT detonates while in water or lava, it does not break any blocks. It does still damage players, mobs, and other entities.‌[Java Edition only][1] Primed TNT that detonates outside water can still damage submerged blocks.

To make TNT destroy blocks in the water, e.g. to enter an ocean monument from the top, one can place sand or gravel on the TNT before it is primed. Priming the TNT causes the sand or gravel to fall one block, engulfing the TNT. Because the TNT is no longer immersed in water, it can destroy the surrounding blocks.

Primed TNT is not teleported when entering a nether portal; instead, it passes through portal blocks.‌[Java Edition only] Primed TNT teleports as expected when entering an end portal, maintaining its direction and speed. The fuse timer keeps counting down (unless the spawn chunks are unloaded, then it pauses until a player loads the chunks).

If the TNT is primed atop any sort of fence post that is two blocks high or larger, it falls through the fence block on which it was activated and stops on the next lower one. Its detonation damages only the fence block it was "stuck" in.‌[Java Edition only]

In Java Edition primed TNT summoned by a command explodes immediately because the fuse time defaults to zero if not specified.

Redstone component[]

For redstone to activate TNT, it must either lead directly to the TNT, or power an adjacent block.

Crafting ingredient[]

Name Ingredients Crafting recipe Description
Minecart with TNT TNT +
Minecart


Underwater TNT Sodium +
TNT

[Bedrock Edition and Minecraft Education only]

Sounds[]

Generic[]

Java Edition:

SoundSubtitlesSourceDescriptionResource locationTranslation keyVolumePitchAttenuation
distance
Block brokenBlocksOnce the block has brokenblock.grass.breaksubtitles.block.generic.break1.00.816
Block placedBlocksWhen the block is placedblock.grass.placesubtitles.block.generic.place1.00.816
Block breakingBlocksWhile the block is in the process of being brokenblock.grass.hitsubtitles.block.generic.hit0.250.516
None[sound 1]Entity-DependentFalling on the block with fall damageblock.grass.fallNone[sound 1]0.50.7516
FootstepsEntity-DependentWalking on the blockblock.grass.stepsubtitles.block.generic.footsteps0.151.016
  1. a b MC-177082

Bedrock Edition:

SoundSourceDescriptionResource locationVolumePitch
BlocksOnce the block has brokendig.grass0.70.8-1.0
BlocksWhen the block is placeddig.grass0.80.8-1.0
BlocksWhile the block is in the process of being brokenhit.grass0.30.5
PlayersFalling on the block with fall damagefall.grass0.41.0
PlayersWalking on the blockstep.grass0.31.0
PlayersJumping from the blockjump.grass0.111.0
PlayersFalling on the block without fall damageland.grass0.211.0

Unique[]

Java Edition:
Primed TNT use the Friendly Creatures sound category for entity-dependent sound events.

SoundSubtitlesSourceDescriptionResource locationTranslation keyVolumePitchAttenuation
distance
TNT fizzesBlocksWhen a TNT block is litentity.tnt.primedsubtitles.entity.tnt.primed1.01.016
ExplosionBlocksWhen a TNT block explodesentity.generic.explodesubtitles.entity.generic.explode4.00.56-0.8416

Bedrock Edition:

SoundSourceDescriptionResource locationVolumePitch
BlocksWhen a TNT block is litrandom.fuse1.01.0
BlocksWhen a TNT block explodesrandom.explode4.01.0

Data values[]

ID[]

Java Edition:

NameIdentifierFormBlock tagsTranslation key
TNTtntBlock & Itemenderman_holdableblock.minecraft.tnt
NameIdentifierTranslation key
Primed TNTtntentity.minecraft.tnt

Bedrock Edition:

NameIdentifierNumeric ID FormItem ID[i 1]Translation key
TNTtnt46Block & Giveable Item[i 2]Identical[i 3]tile.tnt.name
tile.underwater_tnt.name
  1. ID of block's direct item form, which is used in savegame files and addons.
  2. Available with /give command.
  3. The block's direct item form has the same id as the block.
NameIdentifierNumeric ID Translation key
Primed TNTtnt65entity.tnt.name

Block states[]

Java Edition:

Name Default value Allowed values Description
unstablefalse falseHitting the TNT block breaks it, dropping it as an item that can be picked up.
trueHitting the TNT block causes it to ignite and then explode.

Bedrock Edition:

NameMetadata Bits Default value Allowed valuesValues for
Metadata Bits
Description
allow_underwater_bit0x2false false0This is normal TNT.
true1This is Underwater TNT.
explode_bit0x1false false0Hitting the TNT block breaks it, dropping it as an item that can be picked up.
true1Hitting the TNT block causes it to ignite and then explode.


Entity data[]

TNT has entity data associated with them that contain various properties of the entity.

Java Edition:

Main article: Entity format
  • Dynamic block entity data
    • Tags common to all entities
    •  Fuse: Ticks until explosion. Default is 0. If activated from a TNT block, the fuse duration is 80 ticks (4 seconds).

Bedrock Edition:

See Bedrock Edition level format/Entity format.

History[]

Java Edition Classic
May 21, 2009Notch shows interest in adding "explosives", which would blow up when a pulse from a wire was received.
October 24, 2009TNT was teased in a blog post.
0.26 SURVIVAL TESTTNT JE1 Added TNT.
Players have to hit TNT to prime the block.
The player starts with 10 blocks of TNT in their inventory.
0.28TNT JE2 BE1 Changed the side texture of TNT.
TNT no longer works in survival.
0.30 (Survival)Hitting an already active TNT block now defuses it and allows the player to pick it up.
Explosions caused by TNT no longer produce smoke particles.
Java Edition Indev
0.3120091223-1When broken, TNT replaces every block one level below it that is of the same block type as the block directly below it with wood planks.
20100125TNT's fuse time is now 4 seconds, raised from 2 seconds.
TNT now flashes when lit.
20100130TNT is now craftable.
Java Edition Beta
1.6Test Build 3Monster traps can no longer be created by putting a pressure plate directly on top of the block of TNT.
Players can no longer cancel the detonation of TNT by hitting it after priming it.
1.7TNT can only be primed by redstone or any other mechanism that powers the TNT block, as well as by hitting it with flint and steel. If the player hits TNT with an empty hand or while holding any other item, the block is destroyed and dropped as an item.
TNT can now be created (using map editors) with a data value of 1 to make it retain the old behavior of being primed when punched.
TNT can no longer have torches placed on it. Any previously-placed torches disappear.
1.8Pre-releaseTNT explosions now emit shockwave particles.
Java Edition
1.0.0Beta Sound UpdateTNT has been given a new explosion sound.
1.2.5Hitting TNT with flint and steel destroys TNT without priming it. Instead, TNT can be primed by using flint and steel on it.
1.3.112w21aTNT can be naturally found (with structure generation turned on) in desert pyramids as a trap in the treasure room. It's a 3×3 square of 9 TNT under a sandstone floor with a stone pressure plate on the center sandstone block.
12w26aTNT no longer drops as an item when broken in Creative mode.
12w30aTNT no longer damages the player in Peaceful difficulty.
1.4.212w34bTNT can now be ignited when hit with an item that has the Fire Aspect enchantment or the Flame enchantment.
1.513w04aTNT is now primed when released from a dispenser.
1.814w05bMobs now suffocate inside of TNT.
14w27bTNT's top texture is now rotated randomly, as part of the addition of arrays to block models.
14w31aThe explosion physics have been changed, which greatly reduces the range of TNT cannons.
1.8.2pre1The explosion physics of TNT have been reverted to those before the 14w31a snapshot.
Explosion force of TNT is no longer directionally biased.
1.915w32cTNT's maximum fuse time has been increased from 127 ticks into 32767 ticks.
15w47aThe random rotation of TNT's top texture has been removed.[2]
1.1116w32aThe entity ID has been changed from PrimedTnt to tnt.
16w39aTNT now generates in woodland mansions.
1.1317w47aThe explode block states for the tnt ID have been removed. As a result, the old punch to prime behavior of TNT is no longer available.
Prior to The Flattening, this block's numeral ID was 46.
18w10aTNT now generates in buried treasure chests.
18w11aTNT can now be found in shipwreck chests.
1.13.118w30aAdded the unstable block states for TNT, acting like the explode block states did.
1.1418w43aTNT JE3 BE2 The texture of TNT has been changed.
19w05aTNT has become a renewable resource due to wandering traders selling sand.
19w11aTNT explosions now have a 100% drop rate.
1.15pre1The explosions from TNT have been optimized.
Black and white smoke particles are removed.[3]
1.1620w11aTNT can now be ignited by any burning projectile.
1.1922w13aTNT no longer drops when breaking a minecart with TNT.
1.20
(Experimental)
23w07aTNT now drops when brushing suspicious sand in desert pyramids.
1.2023w12aThe probability for the TNT to generate in the suspicious sand in desert temple has been changed from 1/7 to 1/8.
Pocket Edition Alpha
Pre-releaseTNT JE2 BE1 Added TNT.
TNT currently cannot be obtained except via a hex editor. When edited in, the primed TNT simply emits smoke particles, then disappears.
v0.2.0Edited-in TNT can now be successfully primed and detonated.
v0.4.0TNT is now able to be obtained without a hex editor in both survival and creative.
v0.9.0build 1The performance of TNT has been improved.
v0.12.1build 1TNT can now be ignited when hit with an item that has the Flame enchantment.
build 10The sound of TNT has been changed to that of Java.
?TNT can now be ignited when hit with an item that has the Fire Aspect enchantment.
v0.13.0build 1TNT can now be naturally found (with structure generation turned on) in desert pyramids as a trap in the treasure room. It is a 3×3 square of 9 TNT under a sandstone floor with a stone pressure plate on the center sandstone block.
v0.14.0build 1TNT now can be used to craft minecart with TNT.
v0.16.0build 1An explosion in creative now gives the player materials as it does in survival.
Pocket Edition
1.0.5alpha 1.0.5.0An explosion in creative no longer gives the player materials as it does in survival.
1.0.7TNT no longer does damage to a player if the TNT is in water.
1.1.0alpha 1.1.0.0The entity ID has been changed from primedtnt to tnt.
TNT now generates in woodland mansions.
Bedrock Edition
1.4.0beta 1.2.14.2TNT can now be found inside shipwreck supply chests and buried treasure chests.
beta 1.2.20.2TNT can now can be used to craft underwater TNT.
1.10.0beta 1.10.0.3TNT JE3 BE2 The texture of TNT has been changed.
1.16.0beta 1.16.100.51TNT no longer activates when a redstone torch is placed directly on it.[4]
1.20.0
(Experimental)
beta 1.19.70.23TNT now drops when brushing suspicious sand in desert pyramids.
Legacy Console Edition
TU1CU1 1.0 Patch 11.0.1TNT JE2 BE1 Added TNT.
TU3TNT can no longer be directly primed by the player, but only by redstone or any other mechanism that powers the TNT block, as well as by using flint and steel. Hitting the block destroys it simply and safely so it can be picked up.
TU5The explosion sound of TNT has been changed.
TU14 1.04 TNT now makes a sound before exploding.
TNT does variable damage depending on difficulty setting.
1.90 TNT JE3 BE2 The texture of TNT has been changed.
New Nintendo 3DS Edition
0.1.0TNT JE2 BE1 Added TNT.

Issues[]

Issues relating to "TNT" are maintained on the bug tracker. Report issues there.

Trivia[]

  • "TNT" stands for Trinitrotoluene. The Preferred IUPAC name, however, is 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. The chemical formula is C7H5N3O6.
  • The use of sand in the crafting recipe references dynamite, a different high explosive from TNT, consisting of nitroglycerin mixed with diatomaceous earth (which is mostly silica, the same chemical compound as yellow sand). The block’s appearance as a bundle of red sticks is also typical of dynamite.
  • Although flint and steel cannot light fires in Adventure Mode, it can still ignite TNT.
  • It takes 19.75 blocks to fall for it to reduce the timer for one second.
  • Although primed TNT normally gets caught in cobwebs, TNT propelled fast enough flies through them without slowing down at all.
  • It is slightly smaller than a full block when activated, as with all entity versions of blocks (see shulker).
  • Using flint and steel to ignite it sets it off at once, but fire must burn it for many seconds before triggering.
  • In Pi Edition, TNT by default doesn't do anything, but when set to data value 1, it ignites when broken.
  • The longest fuse time of TNT is 27 minutes and 18.35 seconds, or 32,767 ticks.
  • Attempting to ignite TNT while sneaking results in the block being lit on fire, rather than the TNT becoming primed.
  • Standing behind blocks during an explosion dramatically reduces knockback and damage from the explosion.
  • TNT does not damage the player on peaceful difficulty, however, it does break blocks and damage entities.
  • The TNT fuse sound uses the same sound file as when a creeper is primed, but it is played at a higher pitch when the TNT is primed.
  • As seen in the Mobestiary, the creeper has TNT inside.

Gallery[]

See also[]

References[]

External links[]

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