1. What is One Block?
One Block is a unique survival challenge where you start with nothing but a single block floating in the void. When you break this block, it regenerates into a different block or spawns items and mobs. Your goal is to progress through all phases and build a thriving island from absolutely nothing.
Core Mechanics
The Block
One block regenerates infinitely. Each break can give you blocks, items, or spawn mobs.
Phases
10 unique phases, each with different blocks and mobs. Progress by breaking blocks.
The Void
Fall off your island and you die. Items dropped into void are lost forever.
Expansion
Use collected blocks to expand your island. Build farms, houses, and more.
2. Getting Started
First Priority Actions
- 1 Build a platform: First blocks must go to expanding around the one block
- 2 Save wood: Trees are rare early - use wood wisely for tools
- 3 Craft a chest: Storage is critical - items can fall into void
- 4 Make tools: Pickaxe first, then crafting table
Critical Early Mistake to Avoid
Don't stand on the one block while breaking it! You can fall through and die. Always stand on expanded platform blocks.
Early Platform Design
Recommended early platform layout (O = One Block):
X X X X X
X X X X X
X X O X X
X X X X X
X X X X X
Build at least a 5x5 platform around
the one block before anything else.
3. All 10 Phases Explained
Phase 1: The Plains
Blocks: Grass, dirt, oak logs, cobblestone
Mobs: Chickens, pigs, cows, sheep
Focus: Gather basic materials, start farming
Phase 2: The Underground
Blocks: Stone, coal ore, iron ore, gravel
Mobs: Bats, zombies, skeletons
Focus: Acquire iron tools and armor
Phase 3: Icy Tundra
Blocks: Snow, ice, packed ice, spruce logs
Mobs: Polar bears, strays, wolves
Focus: Collect ice for water sources
Phase 4: Ocean
Blocks: Sand, prismarine, sea lanterns, coral
Mobs: Fish, dolphins, guardians, drowned
Focus: Establish reliable water supply
Phase 5: Jungle Dungeon
Blocks: Jungle logs, mossy cobblestone, vines
Mobs: Parrots, ocelots, cave spiders, zombies
Focus: Dangerous mobs - be prepared!
Phase 6: Red Desert
Blocks: Red sand, terracotta, dead bushes
Mobs: Husks, rabbits
Focus: Building materials variety
Phase 7: The Nether
Blocks: Netherrack, nether bricks, glowstone, quartz
Mobs: Piglins, blazes, wither skeletons, ghasts
Focus: DANGEROUS - Build fire protection first!
Phase 8: Idyll
Blocks: Flowers, beehives, honey blocks
Mobs: Bees, foxes, peaceful animals
Focus: Relaxing phase - expand and farm
Phase 9: Desolate Land
Blocks: Basalt, blackstone, crying obsidian
Mobs: Endermen, phantoms, tough enemies
Focus: Prepare for The End
Phase 10: The End
Blocks: End stone, purpur, obsidian
Mobs: Endermen, shulkers
Focus: Final phase - endgame gear
4. Resource Management
What to Save vs Use
SAVE These
- • Wood (especially early)
- • Iron ore
- • Seeds and crops
- • Any animal (for breeding)
- • Rare blocks (glowstone, etc.)
USE Freely
- • Dirt and grass
- • Cobblestone
- • Gravel
- • Sand (after water secured)
- • Common building blocks
Resource Distribution Tip
Spread your resources across multiple chests in different locations. If one area gets destroyed (creeper, fire), you won't lose everything.
5. Mob Handling
Friendly Mobs
Never kill the first of any animal - keep them for breeding:
- Chickens: Eggs, feathers, food. Easy to breed with seeds.
- Cows: Leather, beef, milk. Breed with wheat.
- Sheep: Wool for beds. Breed with wheat.
- Pigs: Food source. Breed with carrots.
Hostile Mob Strategy
The Void Knockout: The easiest way to deal with dangerous mobs is to knock them into the void:
- • Build fighting platform with intentional gaps
- • Use knockback to push mobs off edges
- • Sprint-hit for extra knockback
- • Water can push mobs off
Creeper Warning
Creepers can destroy your island! When you hear a creeper, immediately knock it into void or run away. Never let it explode on your platform.
6. Island Expansion
Expansion Priorities
7. Nether Phase Survival
Phase 7 is DANGEROUS
The Nether phase spawns lava blocks, fire, ghasts, and blazes. Prepare thoroughly before reaching this phase!
Preparation Checklist
- ☐ Build walls around one block area (contain fire)
- ☐ Create fireproof arena with stone/cobblestone
- ☐ Have multiple water buckets ready
- ☐ Keep fire resistance potions if available
- ☐ Build escape routes away from one block
- ☐ Have bow and arrows for ghasts
Fire Containment Strategy
Build a stone "arena" around the one block with gaps between it and your main island. Fire and lava stay contained, your wood structures stay safe.
8. Advanced Strategies
Iron Golem Defense
Once you have enough iron, create Iron Golems to protect your island:
Iron Golem Recipe:
[I] I = Iron Block
[I][I][I] P = Pumpkin/Carved Pumpkin
[P]
Efficient Block Breaking
- Use the right tool for each block type (pickaxe for stone)
- Efficiency enchantments speed up phase progression
- Break continuously - the faster you break, the faster you progress
Don't Hoard - Use Your Gear
Common Mistake
Many players save their best tools and armor "for later" and never use them. Use your diamond gear! You'll get more. Unused gear in a chest does nothing for you.
Conclusion
One Block is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time, build carefully, and enjoy watching your island grow from a single block into a thriving world.
Remember: every resource matters early, but becomes abundant later. Save animals, use blocks wisely, and always be prepared for dangerous phases.