How to Make the Biggest Tower in Minecraft

Last Updated: January 27, 2021 References

Have you ever felt like looking out over the land and seeing far into the distance? Well, why not build a tower that reaches the 255 block height limit in Minecraft?^{[1]
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Research source} Minecraft is the perfect place for you to realize your tower-building dreams. With materials, determination, and the vision of your ideal tower firmly in mind, soon your tower will be second to none.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Planning the Tower

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Choose your preferred mode. Creative mode might be ideal if you want to build your tower without being interrupted or having to scrounge for materials.^{[2]
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Research source} Survival mode might be a better option for bragging rights among your friends, or it might give your tower purpose as a safe place to hide from mobs.^{[3]
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2
Plan your tower building materials. It's always good to bring along as many resources you can so that you don't have to stop your tower building prematurely. Look for abundant blocks if you want your tower to have a uniform look.
- Be mindful of materials effected by gravity, like sand or gravel.^{[4]
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3
Remember a bucket of water. If you are trapped in your tower with no way down, use your bucket of water directly beneath you while falling to prevent fatal fall damage.^{[5]
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Choose a location. The upper limit of a Minecraft world is 255 blocks tall, but the tallest tower you can make will start at block one. If you truly want to make the tallest tower possible, you will need to mine a deep hole to start your foundation at the lowest elevation possible. Minecraft 'Ocean' starts on level 62 on Bedrock Edition and 64 on Java Edition.
- In the PC version of Minecraft, you can check your altitude by pressing F3.
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Design the structure. Break out some grid paper and start sketching a design. Maybe you want to imitate the Gothic architecture. Or do you want a simple, unmistakable square shape to rise up into heaven? Don't forget to plan a means of getting up and down. Stairs will speed your vertical travels considerably.
- It all depends on taste, but keep in mind that the wider the base of your tower, the more material it will take for you to complete it. The more material, the longer the time.
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Look at existing structures. These can be your inspiration! You could even use an existing structure as the foundation for your brand new tower.
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Join forces with friends. Building such a large structure in Minecraft can be very time consuming, and your tower might benefit from additional builders working on it. Invite your friends to join you in building the biggest and best tower in the world.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Executing Tower Building

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Start at the base. A poorly planned foundation can limit your tower's upper range. If you are modifying an existing structure, begin with the lowest possible spot before building upwards evenly. Starting from scratch? Give yourself the max vertical height by digging down first.
- Use dynamite to speed up the process.^{[6]
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  Research source} Blow a low spot in the landscape to make way for your tower building endeavors.
2
Gather about 10+ stacks of whatever block you're using. Don't forget your water bucket, and keep in mind the base you have planned. Lay the foundation, and then build upwards.
3
Build as high as Minecraft will let you. The in-game height limit is set to 255 blocks. Keep in mind that block one begins deep in the earth. Building your tower from block one to block 255 will require some excavation.
4
Take a leap of faith with your trusty bucket. Or, if available, use the stairs you built into your tower. Be sure that your bucket is full of water before trying this or your avatar may die from fall damage. Jump off your tower looking down at the ground, and as you fall, use your bucket by right clicking.^{[7]
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Research source} This glitch should protect you from fall damage.
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Resupply and return to your tower. Think about installing landings, which can be used to store materials or as a staging ground for the parts of your tower high up in the sky.
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Keep building until you're satisfied. A system of ladders might help you travel the interior of your tower. A door might be nice in winter, or maybe a drawbridge if you chose a medieval theme for your tower.

Community Q&A

Question

Is there a restriction to how high I can build the tower on PC?

Community Answer

Yes. On PC, the block limit is 255 above bedrock.
Question

Can you stack furnaces?

Nicolas

Community Answer

Not directly, but if you attach one to the wall above another furnace, it will appear stacked.
Question

Is there a way to bypass the build height limit? Is there a mod for such a thing?

Community Answer

There may be a mod, but you can also dig deep to the bedrock zone, then build up from there.