4 Ways To Get Gunpowder In Minecraft - WikiHow

Home » How To Make Gunpowder In Minecraft » 4 Ways To Get Gunpowder In Minecraft - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How Do You Get Gunpowder in Minecraft? A Quick Guide PDF download Download Article Step-by-step guide to gathering gunpowder in Minecraft Co-authored by Zac Churchill and Hannah Dillon

Last Updated: December 3, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Killing Creepers
    • |
  • Killing Witches
    • |
  • Killing Ghasts
    • |
  • Looting Chests
    • |
  • Trading
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 456,397 times.

Gunpowder is valuable in Minecraft—most players use it to craft TNT, although it can be used for splash potions and fireworks as well. Hunting creepers is the easiest way to find gunpowder, but you have options. Other methods, like killing witches, may be harder but give you a chance to collect more valuable loot, too.

Getting Gunpowder in Minecraft: Quick Tips

  • Kill Creepers before they explode to get 0-2 gunpowder.
  • Kill Witches for a chance to get gunpowder when they die.
  • Kill Ghasts to get 0-2 gunpowder.
  • Loot gunpowder from chests in dungeons.
  • If a wandering trader has gunpowder in stock, you can trade for it for an emerald.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:

Killing Creepers

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Understand how to get gunpowder from creepers. 1 Understand how to get gunpowder from creepers. Each creeper drops 0, 1, or 2 units of gunpowder, but only if you kill it before it explodes.[1]
    • The steps below are organized by the tools they require. Methods lower down are faster and easier but require more advanced items.
  2. Step 2 Place cactus in the creeper's path. 2 Place cactus in the creeper's path. One way to kill a creeper without fancy tools is to place cactus blocks behind you as it chases you. The cactus will damage them when they brush past it.[2] This is much faster if you just let the cacti injure it enough to finish it with a single sword blow.
    • Thirteen cacti hits and one iron sword blow will kill a creeper.
    • Twelve cacti hits and one diamond sword blow will kill a creeper.
    • One cactus will sometimes hit the Creeper more than once. The creeper makes a noise each time it gets hurt, so you can count these to keep track of cactus hits.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Fight creepers underwater. 3 Fight creepers underwater. Explosions cannot hurt you underwater.[3] Lure the creeper to water deep enough to submerge yourself completely. Staying underwater, kill it with a sword.
    • Remember, you need to kill the Creeper before it explodes to get gunpowder. Being underwater is just a precaution, in case the Creeper explodes before you kill it.
  4. Step 4 Kill creepers in hand-to-hand combat. 4 Kill creepers in hand-to-hand combat. You can kill creepers without any fancy tactics. Needless to say, this is dangerous. Stash all your valuable items in a chest, and pick up an iron or diamond sword. Here's how to make a successful attack:[4]
    • Lure the creeper to open ground.
    • Double-tap the forward key to start sprinting. (On Pocket Edition, this requires version 0.12.1+.)
    • Strike the creeper with your sword while sprinting to knock it backwards. This should cancel its explosion countdown.
    • Immediately retreat to get some distance between you.
    • Repeat. The creeper will die after three hits with a regular iron or diamond sword.
  5. Step 5 Lure creepers into burning terrain. 5 Lure creepers into burning terrain. Equip flint and steel. Get the creeper to chase you over grass, planks, or other flammable ground. Run backwards and light the ground in front of you on fire. The creeper will catch on fire, then slowly burn to death. This will not cause an explosion, so you can still pick up any gunpowder that drops.
  6. Step 6 Shoot creepers with a bow and arrow. 6 Shoot creepers with a bow and arrow. This is one of the easiest ways to kill creepers, especially if you start on the higher ground. Here's how to get this weapon:
    • Each skeleton killed has a small chance to drop a bow and/or 0 to 2 arrows.[5]
    • To make a bow instead, combine three sticks and three strings. You can get string by killing spiders or breaking cobwebs with a sword.
    • To make your own arrows, combine one flint, one stick, and one feather. Flint is an uncommon drop from gravel. Feathers come from chickens.
  7. Step 7 Tame ocelot bodyguards. 7 Tame ocelot bodyguards. Ocelots are cat-like animals that spawn in jungles, available in all versions of Minecraft. (You may need to update Pocket Edition to 0.12.1.) Creepers will not come near ocelots, so hunting for gunpowder is much easier with these cats around. Here's how to tame them:[6]
    • Gather as much fish as you can, usually by fishing.
    • Approach the ocelot, preferably in an open area. Sneaking is recommended. Hold the fish.
    • Stay still and wait for the ocelot to look at you and approach.
    • Feed the fish to the ocelot. To do this, use the left trigger or L2 button on console, or hold down the right mouse button on PC.
    • Keep feeding fish until the ocelot turns into a cat. It will now follow you.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 5:

Killing Witches

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Check your version number. 1 Check your version number. Witches have been in the PC edition since 1.4.2, and in the console edition since December 2014. They are not available in Minecraft Pocket Edition.
  2. Step 2 Know the odds. 2 Know the odds. Each witch killed only gives about a 16% chance of dropping gunpowder, compared to a 66% chance when killing creepers.[7] However, the witch can drop up to six items and may drop other items like spider eyes or glowstone. This makes them more profitable if you're interested in these extra items.
  3. Step 3 Find a witch hut. 3 Find a witch hut. You can find witches anywhere, but they're much more common around witch huts.[8] These wooden buildings on stilts only spawn in swamp biomes, which are watery areas filled with trees.
  4. Step 4 Dig a trap in front of the house (optional). 4 Dig a trap in front of the house (optional). Dig a small pit in front of the hut's doorway. A short distance away, build a small hill or tower. Make sure you have a line of sight to fire bows from this high ground into the pit. Include a barrier to hide behind as well, since witches throw damaging potions.
  5. Step 5 Shoot the witch when it spawns. 5 Shoot the witch when it spawns. Bows and arrows are the easiest way to kill a witch. If you draw back the bow fully before firing, three arrows will do the trick.
    • Witches can drink healing potions, so you may need to use additional arrows.
  6. Step 6 Kill the witch with a sword. 6 Kill the witch with a sword. Alternatively, you can just run up to the witch and kill it with a sword. Once you know how the witch's potions work, this isn't too difficult:[9]
    • The witch will slow you down if it sees you from more than eight blocks away. Ambush it from behind a tree or barrier to prevent this.
    • The witch will poison you. Poison cannot kill you, but it can bring you to one health. Have a healing item ready to recover after the combat.
    • Each subsequent potion will deal six damage. You should survive if you have decent armor and can kill the witch quickly.
    7. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 5:

Killing Ghasts

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Decide whether to hunt Ghasts. 1 Decide whether to hunt Ghasts. Ghasts are extremely dangerous enemies that shoot fireballs from sixteen blocks away. They drop gunpowder at exactly the same rate as creepers. The main advantage is that they can also drop Ghast tears, a special item used in potion brewing.[10]
  2. Step 2 Make or find a Nether portal. 2 Make or find a Nether portal. Ghasts can only be found in the Nether, so you'll need a Nether portal to get to them.
    • It is possible to find a ruined portal in the Overworld, which is a partially-completed Nether portal.[11]
    • To make your own Nether portal, make a rectangle of obsidian (a minimum of 4 blocks by 5 blocks and a maximum of 23 blocks by 23 blocks) and light the middle on fire.
      • The four corners are not required to make a functioning Nether portal, so the minimum amount of obsidian needed is 10.[12]
  3. Step 3 Craft armor and a bow. 3 Craft armor and a bow. Entering the Nether is not recommended until you have diamond armor, plus a bow and arrows.
    • Ideally, enchant your equipment to make it even better. Fire resistance will come in handy.
    • A diamond sword is useful for killing other enemies in the Nether, but won't help much against flying, agile Ghasts.
  4. Step 4 Hunt for Ghasts. 4 Hunt for Ghasts. Look for Ghasts in large, open spaces, anywhere in the Nether. They are giant, flying white monsters with short, dangling tentacles.
  5. Step 5 Create a barrier (optional). 5 Create a barrier (optional). The Ghast fireballs are extremely powerful, but the Ghast will not fire through solid blocks. A glass barrier is a useful way to hide between shots while still keeping an eye on the Ghast.
  6. Step 6 Shoot them with your bow and arrow. 6 Shoot them with your bow and arrow. A Ghast dies from about three arrows, depending on how far you draw back the bow. Move behind your barrier in between shots, or shoot while running to dodge the fireballs.
    • Take care not to fight the Ghast above lava. If the gunpowder drops in lava, you will not be able to retrieve it.
  7. Step 7 Deflect the fireballs. 7 Deflect the fireballs. The fireballs move pretty slowly. You can knock them off course with an arrow or sword. Knock them away from you, and try to hit them straight back at the ghast.
    8. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 5:

Looting Chests

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Know the odds. 1 Know the odds. This method is not guaranteed to return gunpowder. Gunpowder is randomly available in chests, as one of many possible items. But you'll at least get something else for your efforts, even if there is no gunpowder!
  2. Step 2 Locate a dungeon. 2 Locate a dungeon. Dungeons are small underground structures made from cobblestone or mossy stone. They only spawn within solid blocks, so mining may be a more effective way to find them than exploring caves.[13]
  3. Step 3 Place a torch on the monster spawner. 3 Place a torch on the monster spawner. Each dungeon has a monster spawner that sends out a steady supply of mobs. Fight your way to the spawner and place a torch on it to stop more monsters from showing up.
  4. Step 4 Dig through the walls instead. 4 Dig through the walls instead. Alternatively, if you want to avoid the spawner, dig around the sides of the dungeon to reach the chests. Chests are usually located around the walls of the dungeon, allowing you quick access and a getaway if you come in from the sides.
  5. Step 5 Destroy the chest. 5 Destroy the chest. This is the fastest way to collect the loot and chest. If there is gunpowder inside it, you have got what you came for!
    6. Advertisement
Method 5 Method 5 of 5:

Trading

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Collect emeralds. 1 Collect emeralds. Emeralds are needed to trade for items with villagers and wandering traders. Emeralds are rare, but you can get them by mining emerald ore with an iron or better pickaxe. You can also get them by converting a Block of Emerald into 9 emeralds, or by smelting an Emerald Ore or Deepslate Emerald Ore with any fuel. Villagers and traders will also trade emeralds for other items.[14]
  2. Step 2 Find a wandering trader. 2 Find a wandering trader. Wandering traders have a 1/6 chance to sell gunpowder for an emerald. While this isn't the fastest way to get gunpowder, you can collect a few while you're exploring if you manage to find a wandering trader![15]
    • Even if the wandering trader doesn't have gunpowder in stock, he still has a number of other great things to purchase. However, if you're saving up for gunpowder, you'll need to wait for the wandering trader to despawn and a new one to respawn to see new stock.
    3. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I craft gunpowder? Community Answer Community Answer Gunpowder is not able to be crafted. Sorry. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 36 Helpful 56
  • Question Can I get gunpowder from trading with villagers? If I can, which villager should I trade with? Vortrexion Vortrexion Top Answerer Currently, (as of version 1.13.1) it's impossible to get gunpowder by trading with villagers. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 29 Helpful 45
  • Question Can I find gunpowder in village chests? Wooduco Wooduco Community Answer You can, but not always. The chests usually have random items. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 39
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Even if you don't think you need gunpowder, you should still collect it when you can. You never know when it'll come in handy!
  • Gunpowder can also be obtained by trading with a wandering traitor, similar to normal villager trades
  • Look up video tutorials on how to make creeper farms, which is a hands-off way of farming gunpowder.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Make a Firework Rocket in MinecraftHow to Make Firework Rockets in Minecraft: Easy Recipe Make a Gun in MinecraftA Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting a Gun In Minecraft Kill a Creeper in MinecraftHow to Safely Kill Creepers in Minecraft Blow Up TNT in MinecraftHow to Craft and Blow Up TNT in Minecraft: All Versions Make Fire in MinecraftHow toMake Fire in Minecraft Fight Mobs in MinecraftHow toFight Mobs in Minecraft Mine Redstone in MinecraftHow toMine Redstone in Minecraft Survive in Survival Mode in MinecraftHow toSurvive in Survival Mode in Minecraft Kill the Wither in MinecraftHow toKill the Wither in Minecraft Survive and Thrive in Minecraft Pocket EditionHow toSurvive and Thrive in Minecraft Pocket Edition Defend Your House in MinecraftHow toDefend Your House in Minecraft Make Potions in MinecraftHow toMake Potions in Minecraft Make a Bow and Arrow in MinecraftHow toMake a Bow and Arrow in Minecraft Tame an Ocelot in MinecraftHow to Make an Ocelot Trust You in Minecraft Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/minecraft/best-ways-get-gunpowder-minecraft
  2. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/Creeper
  3. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/Creeper
  4. ↑ https://www.ign.com/wikis/minecraft/Creeper
  5. ↑ https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Bow#Skeletons_and_Strays
  6. ↑ https://www.digminecraft.com/getting_started/how_to_tame_ocelot.php
  7. ↑ https://thesportsrush.com/how-to-get-gunpowder-in-minecraft/
  8. ↑ https://www.sportskeeda.com/minecraft/best-ways-get-gunpowder-minecraft
  9. ↑ https://thesportsrush.com/how-to-get-gunpowder-in-minecraft/
More References (6)
  1. ↑ https://gamever.io/knowledge-base/how-to-get-gunpowder-in-minecraft
  2. ↑ https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Ruined_Portal
  3. ↑ https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Nether_portal#Creation
  4. ↑ https://gamerant.com/minecraft-how-to-get-gunpowder-farm/
  5. ↑ https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Emerald
  6. ↑ https://minecraft.fandom.com/wiki/Gunpowder#Trading

About This Article

Zac Churchill Co-authored by: Zac Churchill Minecraft Specialist This article was co-authored by Zac Churchill and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Dillon. Zac Churchill is a Minecraft Specialist based in Davidson, North Carolina. Zac has played Minecraft for over 10 years and has extensive knowledge of how to play Minecraft and how the game has changed over the different versions. Specifically, Zac has expert experience in survival worlds, large builds on creative mode, and server design/upkeep. He graduated in 2023 with a BA in Sociology and English from Tufts University. This article has been viewed 456,397 times. How helpful is this? Co-authors: 25 Updated: December 3, 2025 Views: 456,397 Categories: Minecraft In other languages Portuguese Spanish Italian Chinese Russian German French Indonesian Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 456,397 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Levi Atkins

    Levi Atkins

    Oct 5, 2019

    "So helpful! I didn't think about ghasts!"
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Zac Churchill Co-authored by: Zac Churchill Minecraft Specialist Click a star to vote Co-authors: 25 Updated: December 3, 2025 Views: 456,397 Levi Atkins

Levi Atkins

Oct 5, 2019

"So helpful! I didn't think about ghasts!" Yuri Tarted

Yuri Tarted

May 4, 2020

"Wow, thanks!" Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Minecraft Trivia QuizMinecraft Trivia QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizWhat Kind of Minecraft Player Am I QuizTake QuizWhat's My Minecraft Style QuizWhat's My Minecraft Style QuizTake QuizWhat Weapon Should I Use In Minecraft QuizWhat Weapon Should I Use In Minecraft QuizTake QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizWould I Survive a Horror Movie QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Witch Am I QuizWhat Type of Witch Am I QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make a Firework Rocket in MinecraftHow to Make Firework Rockets in Minecraft: Easy RecipeMake a Gun in MinecraftA Step-By-Step Guide to Crafting a Gun In MinecraftKill a Creeper in MinecraftHow to Safely Kill Creepers in MinecraftBlow Up TNT in MinecraftHow to Craft and Blow Up TNT in Minecraft: All Versions

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanWhat 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends BetterJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & More40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreMake FriendsHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

Do I Have Brainrot QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizWhat Pokémon Am I Quiz151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouDo You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupThe Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)An Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male PersonalitiesFrom Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in Minutes Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHypnotize SomeoneHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?The Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try? Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesWhistle with Two FingersHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

Grow Out Your BangsHow toGrow Out Your BangsDress PunkHow toDress PunkEnd a Long Distance RelationshipHow toEnd a Long Distance RelationshipDo E Girl EyelinerHow toDo E Girl EyelinerRespond to the Fire EmojiHow toRespond to the Fire Emoji Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look SmallHow to Stop Your Glasses from Making Your Eyes Look Small

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?Am I More Hannah Montana or Miley Stewart?The Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign BeautifulThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

Ghost Hunting GameGhost Hunting GamePlayWhich Character from The Witcher Series Am I QuizWhich Character from The Witcher Series Am I QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhich Hollow Knight Character Am I QuizWhich Hollow Knight Character Am I QuizTake QuizThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionPlay wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Hobbies and Crafts
  • Games
  • Video Games
  • PC Games
  • Online Games
  • Minecraft
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --817

Tag » How To Make Gunpowder In Minecraft