Using Barrier Blocks

Using Barrier Blocks

Learn how to use Barrier Blocks

Overview

When working in Creative Mode, commands can be used to gain access to a variety of special blocks that are not normally available in the Creative Menu. Barrier blocks are a special kind of block which allows you to create an invisible wall in your builds. You can use barrier blocks to set boundaries for a play area, keep a mob or villager in a particular spot, or make liquids like lava or water seem as though they're suspended in air.

How to Get Barrier Blocks

The primary way to get barrier blocks is by using the /give command, which lets you give a particular type of item to a player. You can type this command into the chat using the following pattern: /give [target] [item] [amount]

For the target, you can type the name of a player or one of Minecraft's target special selectors. For example, typing @s will automatically target the person running the command, meaning you'll give the item to yourself. You can also type out your own name and that will work fine too!

Next, type out the name of the item you want. If you just type a few letters of the item's name, the filter will show you any items that contain those letters, so if you type door you'll see a list of all the doors there are to choose from.

Finally, you can optionally use a number to indicate how many of that item you'd like to give. Just type a number to decide how big of a stack you want, or if you don't want to select a number the command will just give you a single one.

For convenience, you can copy-paste this command into the game to give yourself a barrier block: /give @s minecraft:barrier

The gif below demonstrates what this process looks like:

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How to Use Barrier Blocks

Once you have a barrier block, you can begin placing them wherever you want! There are a few important rules to remember when working with these blocks:

  • Physically, barrier blocks are just like any other block. Blocks can be placed on top of them, and players can stand on them. If you don't want players or mobs to be able to jump over the barrier, make sure that it's at least a few rows tall.
  • Barrier blocks can only be destroyed in Creative Mode. Not even a Netherite Pickaxe will break these blocks, so as long as other players are in Survival or Adventure Mode you don't need to worry about your barrier being broken. It can still be climbed over though, so consider using barrier blocks to make a ceiling as well.
  • Barrier blocks are only visible if you're holding one in your hand. The gif below shows how the blocks are displayed in-game - once the player's hands are empty, the barrier blocks become completely see-through. If you want to see where previously-placed barrier blocks are, be sure you're holding one!
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Barrier Block Examples

A villager is occupying this "Free Advice" booth, and barrier blocks are used to ensure they don't wander off.
A villager is occupying this "Free Advice" booth, and barrier blocks are used to ensure they don't wander off.
This pool of water is suspended in mid-air thanks to a shell formed out of barrier blocks.
This pool of water is suspended in mid-air thanks to a shell formed out of barrier blocks.