Minecraft just keeps getting bigger and bigger with each update. Who would have guessed that the blocky building-sim would evolve into the phenomenon that it is today, filled with a wide array of things to explore, unlock, craft, and create. Logging into the Minecraft world has this weird effect on people, turning everyone into their own modern-day Michaelangelo, ready to construct elaborate houses and villages. It's absolutely astounding what some people make, and with the many materials that Minecraft gives them access to, it's likely we'll be seeing even more elaborate structures in the future.
Every so often Mojang will drop in a new and interesting block-type to help players be more productive and creative in their designs. Some blocks are even capable of transforming into a wide variety of colors. Case in point, Concrete. Not only is this material perfect for building rock-solid walls, but it also comes in a wide array of hues, perfect for giving players access to a hefty canvas of design choices.
But how exactly do you make Concrete and what are some of the things you can do with it? Here's all you need to know.
How To Make Concrete
Making Concrete is actually pretty simple and loosely follows the methods that we use in real life to concoct the mixture. To do so, players will need to craft Concrete Powder, which acts a lot like many of the other loose particle-like objects in Minecraft. It's most easily mined with a shovel. In powder form, it will interact just like any other "pile of something" (sand or gravel for example). The real magic of Concrete happens when the powder is mixed with water. This will cause the powder to "poof" into block form, creating a smooth material for building.
It is important to note that Concrete can not be made via water bottles or cauldrons. It will also not form during a rain shower. You'll need an actual water source, either free-flowing or in "block form." The recipe for Concrete Powder is simple and can be made using 4 sand blocks and 4 gravel. Arranging these blocks on the outer edges of the crafting table and placing a suitable dye in the center will cause the table to produce 8 powders of a particular color.
What Is Concrete Used For?
Concrete is very decorative. Players looking to add a splash of color to their buildings and structures will definitely find Concrete to be a useful and versatile block. It comes in a variety of flat colors, features a smooth face, and is a bit more durable than a traditional block. It can be "colorized" using all 16 creatable dyes, opening a whole new world of color combinations and designs. It's not flammable either, so you won't have to worry about fire destroying your beautiful aesthetics as it does with wool-based builds.
You can also use Concrete Blocks to produce a snare drum-type tone by setting them underneath a Note Block. Concrete is a bit harder and more durable than stone but it's important to note that it has an incredibly low blast resistance so Creepers and TNT will absolutely obliterate any structure that is mostly Concrete. Players should also keep in mind that colored Concrete blocks must be made using colored Concrete Powder. You cannot turn a "made" concrete block into different colors and must instead add dye to the powder creation recipe beforehand.