Minecraft has a lot of blocks, but what if they had more? Why do we need them? Please don't just add lists of things - these will be marked as spam and removed! Also, no furniture, guns, or vertical/"sideways"/"upright"/"standing" slabs (yes, we see you).

← Blocks, Tools, and Items
114
Follow

Torches should be usable as crossbow projectiles

The new caves are difficult to light up as it currently stands, which makes it easy for one to be overwhelmed by constant mob spawns while exploring. What if, similar to fireworks, torches could be launched from a crossbow? They wouldn't emit block light as an entity, but they would become a placed torch once they've landed.

In addition, maybe they could have a special property when they collide with an entity. Either they'd deal very little/no damage, as they have no arrowhead, or they'd light the target on fire. This could be useful in combat, as crossbows can't use the flame enchantment.

I'd imagine these would have the same behavior as fireworks; not being compatible with multishot or piercing for logistics reasons. Maybe they should only be loadable from the offhand as well, to prevent accidentally loading them instead of torches.

Avatar
Registered User shared this idea

7 Comments

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Date Votes
Sorted by oldest
  • 11
    Registered User commented
    Comment actions Permalink

    Soul torches too

  • 5
    Registered User commented
    Comment actions Permalink

    This would be great! It’s perfect for lighting up to new giant caves. What may happen to the torches if they get shot into water though?

  • 0
    Registered User commented
    Comment actions Permalink

    This seems like a great idea, but I agree with what several people on the Reddit thread are saying: that this shouldn't actually place a torch, but instead work like a flare gun, emitting light and possibly fire particles for a certain amount of time before "going out" and despawning. This would involve these "flares" being entities and emitting light, which Mojang hasn't done before, but with Glow Squids confirmed and set to be released, this shouldn't be an issue...?

  • 1
    Registered User commented
    Comment actions Permalink

    If they collide with water, they should drop as an item

  • 3
    Registered User commented
    Comment actions Permalink

    maybe if they hit water they turn into charcoal

  • 1
    Registered User commented
    Comment actions Permalink

    Perfect, an amazing alternative to something like the flame enchant on the crossbow!

  • 1
    Registered User commented
    Comment actions Permalink

    The addition of torch arrows to Minecraft can be seen as a response to player needs for more dynamic and versatile tools for exploration and combat. Here are several reasons why torch arrows were introduced:

    1. Illumination from a Distance: Torches are a fundamental tool in Minecraft for lighting up dark areas to prevent hostile mob spawns and to see clearly. Torch arrows allow players to light up areas from a distance, which is particularly useful in deep caves or ravines where it's risky to approach closely.

    2. Exploration Efficiency: When exploring new terrains or cave systems, players can use torch arrows to mark paths, highlight points of interest, or light up distant targets without needing to traverse dangerous or difficult terrain immediately. This makes exploration faster and safer.

    3. Strategic Combat: In combat scenarios, especially against mobs that spawn in the dark, torch arrows offer a way to strategically light up areas to reduce mob spawns while still engaging in combat. This can be especially useful in situations where placing torches by hand would be too slow or dangerous.

    4. Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics: Adding new items like torch arrows introduces fresh gameplay mechanics and strategies. It encourages players to think creatively about how they explore, combat, and interact with the Minecraft world, keeping the game experience engaging and varied.