Updated:
The list
| Item | Java /give | Used for |
|---|---|---|
| Barrier | /give @s minecraft:barrier | Invisible walls |
| Light block | /give @s minecraft:light | Invisible light source |
| Debug stick | /give @s minecraft:debug_stick | Change block states (Java only) |
| Command block | /give @s minecraft:command_block | Run commands automatically |
| Structure block | /give @s minecraft:structure_block | Save and load builds |
| Structure void | /give @s minecraft:structure_void | Keep original blocks when loading a build |
On Bedrock you can drop the prefix, as in /give @s barrier.
Barrier: invisible walls
/give @s minecraft:barrier 64Players and mobs cannot pass through a barrier, but nobody can see it. Use it to keep players on a parkour course or inside the playable part of a map. Hold a barrier in creative mode to see where they are placed. They cannot be broken in survival.
Light block: light without torches
Added in Java 1.17, it lights an area with nothing visible. The level goes from 0 to 15 and defaults to 15.
| Version | Light block at level 10 |
|---|---|
| Java 1.20.5+ | /give @s minecraft:light[minecraft:block_state={level:"10"}] |
| Java 1.17–1.20.4 | /give @s minecraft:light{BlockStateTag:{level:"10"}} |
Right-click a placed light block while holding one to change its level. Placed light blocks only show a bulb icon while you hold the item. Bedrock has light blocks too, but the ID differs between versions, so follow the in-game suggestions.
Debug stick: change block states
/give @s minecraft:debug_stickJava only. Left-click a block to choose a property such as facing or shape, then right-click to cycle its value. It lets you set stair shapes, fence connections or crop age after placing, without neighboring blocks changing them back.
Command block
/give @s minecraft:command_blockIt runs the command written inside it, usually on a redstone signal. You need creative mode to edit it, and servers need enable-command-block=true in server.properties. The command block guide explains impulse, chain and repeating blocks.
Structure block and structure void
A structure block saves the blocks in an area under a name and loads them elsewhere; the saved size has a limit. Place structure voids inside the saved area to mark spots where the original blocks should stay when the structure loads.
When it does not work
- The ID is red: your version may not have the item yet. Light blocks need Java 1.17+, the debug stick Java 1.13+.
- Light level does not change: on 1.20.5+, the old
{BlockStateTag:…}form is ignored. - Command block does nothing: check the server setting and that the block is powered or set to Always Active.
- No debug stick on Bedrock: it only exists in Java.
Common questions
- How do I remove barriers? Hold one in creative mode so they become visible, then break them. Or replace them with
/fill … air replace minecraft:barrier. - Can light blocks go underwater? Yes, they can be waterlogged and still give light.
- Do I need cheats? Yes. /give needs cheats in single player or operator permission on a server.
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