The Torch is a type of block found in Indev onwards since the support for dynamic lighting. It is one of the many blocks that emit light. In addition, it adjusts its model in relation to how it is placed on a block, so that it can be made to attach to any side of a block except the bottom side. They look similar to Redstone torches in appearance.
From just one log and eight pieces of coal or charcoal 32 torches can be made, making them an easily obtainable item.
Notch announced that torches will become temporary sources of light that will eventually go out[1]. They will need to be relit with flint and steel. The permanent torch will be replaced with lanterns, and all torches that exist already in saved games whether placed, stored or in inventory will become lanterns. This was supposed to take effect on October. 31st with the Halloween Update, but it was postponed until a later update.[2]
Properties
Torches in various positions
Torches act as a full square, for the purpose of placing other objects or torches in the same area. Being a solid brick, this even prevents sand and gravel from falling down past a square with a torch on it, making it possible to build a roof completely out of these materials. If sand or gravel fall onto a torch they break, if they are placed directly above a torch they act as if they were on any other solid material. This allows them to be used as environmental triggers, such as Airlocks. Players can pass through torches, and therefore a torch can be placed directly under the player without the player needing to move or jump. Torches also melt nearby snow and ice, making them useful to keep skylights from being snowed over and lakes from freezing in winter maps. Since monsters spawn in darkness, it is common to use torches as light sources. However, some people use alternatives, such as fire and lava lighting. The smoke from a torch extends up 2½ blocks. So if you are building a secret room with torches, be sure to put it down at least 3 blocks from the roof.
Torch placement
| Block Name | Torch Place-able |
|---|---|
| Bedrock | Yes |
| Obsidian | Yes |
| Water | No |
| Brick | Yes |
| Cobblestone | Yes |
| Diamond Block | Yes |
| Gold Block | Yes |
| Iron Block | Yes |
| Jukebox | Yes* |
| Moss Stone | Yes |
| Cobblestone Stairs | Yes* |
| Double Slab | Yes |
| Stone Slab | No |
| Stone | Yes |
| Iron Door | Yes* |
| Mob Spawner | Yes* |
| Furnace | Yes* |
| Coal Ore | Yes |
| Diamond Ore | Yes |
| Wooden Door | Yes* |
| Fence | No |
| Gold ore | Yes |
| Torch | No |
| Block Name | Torch Place-able |
|---|---|
| Iron ore | Yes |
| Redstone Ore | Yes |
| Wooden Stairs | Yes* |
| Wood | Yes |
| Chest | Yes* |
| Workbench | Yes* |
| Log | Yes |
| Bookshelf | Yes |
| Jack-O-Lantern | Yes |
| Pumpkin | Yes |
| Sign Post | No |
| Sign | No |
| White Cloth | Yes |
| Rails | No |
| Clay | Yes |
| Soil | Yes |
| Grass | Yes |
| Gravel | Yes |
| Sponge | Yes |
| Dirt | Yes |
| Ice | No |
| Lever | No |
| Stone Pressure Plate | No |
| Wooden Pressure Plate | No |
| Block Name | Torch Place-able |
|---|---|
| Sand | Yes |
| Soul Sand | Yes |
| Stone Button | No |
| Cactus | Yes* |
| Ladders | No |
| Netherrack | Yes |
| Glass | No |
| Glowstone | Yes |
| Leaves | Yes** |
| Snow Block | Yes |
| Snow | No |
| Crops | No |
| Red rose | No |
| Yellow flower | No |
| Fire | No |
| Lava | No |
| Brown Mushroom | No |
| Red Mushroom | No |
| Portal | Yes* |
| Redstone Wire | No |
| Redstone Torch | No |
| Sugar Cane | No |
| Sapling | No |
| TNT | Yes |
* Torches may be placed on the sides of openable blocks such as chests by having another block which a torch cannot be placed on (such as glass or another torch) also facing the cube where the torch should be placed, and attempting to place a torch on it. The torch will instead attach to an acceptable block such as the chest.
** Torches can be placed on the block if fast graphics is on. Switching to fast graphics, placing the torch and then switching back to fancy will not remove the torch.
Crafting
| Ingredients | Input » Output | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Stick + Coal |
Template:Grid/Crafting Table | Used to generate light. Torches also melt snow and ice. |
Trivia
- If 'F' is rapidly pressed, the flames from a torch can be seen. This is useful if you are lost in a cave and need to find your way back. You can also find a dungeon with this method.
- In Indev 0.31 Torches had an alternative fashion in your inventory, appearing much shorter:
Glitches
A torch glitch, caused by placing a sequence of torches under sunlight.
- There is a glitch that causes torches to not work properly if exposed to direct sunlight. This can be fixed by replacing the torch.
- A glitch was introduced in the Beta 1.2 update that allows a torch to be affixed to the bottom of a block. This makes it appear the torch is floating on air, however the torch is removed when the upper block is removed. This was promptly fixed in 1.2_01.
- Before Beta, there was a glitch where you could place torches on leaf blocks to copy them.