Minecraft's recent Nether update adds more features to the once inhospitable lava realm. Players will find themselves exploring this dimension for longer periods, discovering all the new treasures it has to offer, but this also means they'll likely run into conflict more, and in turn, be defeated more. Defeat in the Nether sends players back to the Overworld, putting their Nether exploration on hold. However, a new craftable item introduced in the Nether update can put this worry aside: The Respawn Anchor.

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Respawn Anchors are mysterious dark artifacts that will set a player's spawn location in whatever area they designate in the Nether. And only the Nether, as the Respawn Anchor explodes when placed anywhere else. This guide will explain how the new Respawn Anchor is used, and how players will craft it.

Minecraft’s New Respawn Anchor

For the first time in Minecraft history, players can set their spawn point in the Nether. Spawn points are where the player reenters the Minecraft world after they’ve been defeated. Sleeping in beds were the only means to do this, and could only be done in the regular world; Beds explode if they’re placed in the Nether! However, Respawn Anchors will allow players to set their spawn location in the Nether after it has been placed. This is incredibly useful, as it gives players control over where they resume the game. Items dropped upon defeat can be more easily picked up, as players won’t need to return to the Nether from the Overworld. The Nether has always been a dangerous environment, and the ability to respawn in it will greatly aid in exploration.

Even if their purpose is the same, Respawn Anchors have several differences from Beds that players ought to know. While Beds can be picked up and moved with ease, Respawn Anchors are very tough and must be broken with Diamond or Netherite pickaxes. Players should already have a diamond pickaxe at this point, as they are needed to harvest the obsidian blocks used to make the Nether portals, so make sure not to lose it! The Respawn Anchor can be placed anywhere, but there must be enough space in its vicinity for the player to respawn on; they don’t respawn directly on top of it. When placing a Respawn Anchor, make sure it is in a secure location safe from harm. Also, consider placing a chest of emergency equipment nearby. Players drop all their items upon defeat, so having some backup gear can alleviate the recovery trip.

Another difference between Respawn Anchors and Beds is that the former requires charges to activate. Without charges, the player will not respawn. To charge, glowstone must be placed within the Respawn Anchor by right-clicking it while in the player’s hand. Glowstone is a relatively common resource in the Nether, growing in chunks. Nether Anchors have 4 charges total, and the current amount can be seen on the side of it. They look like 4 slices of a pizza, so make sure there are enough charges left before leaving it. Consider storing some glowstone alongside the other backup materials near the Respawn Anchor, so it will always be usable.

How to Craft the Respawn Anchor in Minecraft

Minecraft, Nether, Piglin

Crafting Nether Anchors is relatively simple, but the main ingredient, Crying Obsidian, can be a little tricky to obtain. Ruined Portal structures scattered throughout the Nether may consist of Crying Obsidian, different from regular Obsidian in that a purple liquid oozes from it. Bastion Remnants, forgotten strongholds of the Nether, may be hiding some in treasure chests. Be careful not to anger the Piglins guarding them. Speaking of Piglins, these pig denizens of the Nether might trade Crying Obsidian when bartered with. Bring gold ingots to barter with the Piglins, and they may be able to supply the needed material. 6 Crying Obsidian are needed in total: 3 on the top crafting row, and 3 on the bottom. The middle row needs 3 glowstone and voila, a Nether Anchor! Now players can explore the Nether with more life insurance than they had before.

More: How to Get to The End Fast in Minecraft's New Nether Update

Minecraft is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.