Minecraft's compass is arguably one of the most important items in the entire game, as it helps you navigate through both the Overworld and the Nether. Minecraft is massive, so it's easy to get lost, but a compass can help to put you back on the right path. Look, we've all been there. You think you know what you're doing, wander off, do some mining, and then you have no idea how to get out, with a Creeper or Enderman appearing just to be the cherry on top of this unfortunate event. Luckily for you, we're here to tell you everything about compasses.
If you're after more handy tips and tricks, check out our guides on Minecraft diamonds, Minecraft's potions, and how to build a Minecraft end portal to take on the fearsome Minecraft Ender Dragon.
Here's everything you need to know about Minecraft compasses.
How do I craft a Minecraft compass?
Before we can teach you all the things a compass can be used for, you need to know how to create one first. The process is relatively simple and follows the same method of crafting as many other important items in Minecraft.
You need four iron ingots and one redstone dust to craft a compass, and once you have these resources, all you need to do is follow our step-by-step guide below.
- Head to your crafting table
- Interact with the crafting table to bring up the crafting menu
- Place the redstone dust into the center of the crafting grid
- Place each iron ingot in the top center, bottom center, middle left, and middle right slots of the crafting grid
- Move your compass to your inventory
How do I use a Minecraft compass?
The compass works much the same as its real-life counterpart, but instead of pointing north, it will guide you back to your spawn location. This is why it's always worth building a house, or at least a mini base, close to your world entry point, but if you're keen to explore the server, you likely want to go a little further.
A lodestone can change the target location of your compass, which is especially useful whenever you enter the Nether. Without it, your compass would just spin uncontrollably, so the lodestone acts as a breadcrumb trail to follow home.
What else can I craft with a Minecraft compass?
As well as using it by itself, you can also use a Minecraft compass to craft other things. For example, a recovery compass can point you in the direction of your last premature death. You can also make a map with the compass by placing it on a crafting table with some paper.
For more Minecraft tips, check out our guide to Minecraft's enchantments. Plus, we've ranked our favorite Minecraft builds for the fun-lovers amongst you.