To make fireworks in Minecraft, you craft a Firework Star for the explosion color and effects, then combine it with paper and gunpowder to create a Firework Rocket. This how to make fireworks in Minecraft guide covers every recipe for colors, shapes, and special effects, plus how to use rockets for Elytra boosting.
How to make fireworks in Minecraft: the essential recipes
Fireworks in Minecraft have two core components. The Firework Star determines the explosion's color, shape, and effects. The Firework Rocket is the finished item that launches into the sky. A basic Firework Star requires 1 gunpowder and at least 1 dye. A basic Firework Rocket requires 1 paper and 1 to 3 gunpowder. For decorative fireworks, you add one or more Firework Stars to the rocket recipe.
Crafting a basic firework star
To craft a basic Firework Star, place 1 gunpowder and at least 1 dye in a crafting grid. The dye determines the explosion color. You can add multiple dyes to a single Firework Star to create a multi-colored explosion. Simply place the gunpowder and all your chosen dyes into the grid at once. In Minecraft Bedrock Edition, you can use lapis lazuli, ink sacs, and bone meal as dye substitutions for their respective colors. That means that you don’t need to use the crafting table to use these items as dyes. If you come across a wandering trader, you can give the character an emerald and get three dyes or three pieces of bone meal, lapis lazuli, ink sacs, or cocoa beans in return.
Crafting a firework rocket
To craft a Firework Rocket, place 1 paper and 1 to 3 gunpowder in a crafting grid. The amount of gunpowder controls the flight duration: 1 gunpowder for a short flight, 2 for medium, and 3 for long. The flight duration of the firework will only be very short; it’ll rise only to a height of between eight to 20 blocks. To make the firework go higher, you’ll need to up the amount of gunpowder you’re going to use. With two units of gunpowder, the firework will rise to a height of 18 to 34 blocks, and with three gunpowder units, it’ll fly to a height of 32 to 52 blocks. For a decorative rocket, add one or more Firework Stars to the same grid alongside the paper and gunpowder. You can combine up to seven Firework Stars in one rocket for a massive, multi-colored display. To craft paper from sugar cane, simply launch the 3x3 crafting grid, and place three sugar canes along the middle row. This recipe yields three pieces of paper. You can also trade one emerald for sugar cane if you come across a wandering trader.
Adding shape effects to your fireworks
Special items added to the Firework Star recipe modify its explosion shape. You can only use one shape effect per Firework Star. The shape modifiers are:
- Large Ball: Add a Fire Charge to the Firework Star recipe.
- Burst: Add a Feather to the Firework Star recipe.
- Star-shaped: Add a Gold Nugget to the Firework Star recipe.
- Creeper-shaped: Add any Mob Head (creeper, player, skeleton, wither skeleton, zombie, or dragon head) to the Firework Star recipe.
Adding twinkle and trail effects
Effect modifiers can be added to any Firework Star, and you can use multiple effects together. The two effect modifiers are:
- Twinkle effect: Add Glowstone Dust to the Firework Star recipe. This makes the explosion particles flicker.
- Trail effect: Add a Diamond to the Firework Star recipe. This leaves a sparkling trail behind the explosion.
How to add a fade-to-color effect
To make a firework that changes color as it fades, you need two crafting steps. First, craft a Firework Star with your initial explosion color using 1 gunpowder and 1 dye. Second, combine that finished Firework Star with an additional dye in a crafting grid. The rocket will explode in the first color and then fade into the second color.
How to launch fireworks in Minecraft
There are three ways to launch Firework Rockets:
- Right-click on a block: Select the rocket in your hotbar and right-click on any block surface. The rocket launches instantly.
- Fire from a crossbow: Load the rocket as ammunition and fire it from a crossbow. The Multishot enchantment lets you fire three rockets at once.
- Launch from a dispenser: Place rockets inside a dispenser and activate it with redstone. You can wire multiple dispensers together for a synchronized fireworks display.
Using fireworks for Elytra boosting
Plain Firework Rockets (crafted with only paper and gunpowder, no Firework Star) are essential for Elytra flight propulsion. A rocket with a star will explode and damage you instead of boosting your flight. For safe boosting, craft rockets using 1 paper and 1 to 3 gunpowder. The more gunpowder, the longer the boost. To use them while gliding, equip your Elytra, jump from a high point, and activate the rocket while in mid-air. This propels you forward at high speed, extending your flight significantly. Understanding the basics of flight propulsion is similar to learning about batteries and charging basics for powered tools, as both rely on a controlled energy release for sustained output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Minecraft fireworks do the most damage?
Firework Rockets crafted with seven Firework Stars deal the most damage. When an enemy is hit, their health is reduced by 18 points (nine hearts). However, because the crafting grid only has nine slots, you can only add one gunpowder, resulting in a short flight duration.
Which fireworks are best for Elytra?
Plain Firework Rockets (paper and gunpowder only) are best for Elytra. Rockets with Firework Stars explode on contact, damaging you instead of providing propulsion.
How do you use Elytra with fireworks?
Equip your Elytra, add plain Firework Rockets to your hotbar, jump from a high place, and activate the rocket while gliding. The rocket propels you forward, extending your flight.
Can you combine multiple shape effects in one firework?
No. You can only use one shape modifier (Fire Charge, Feather, Gold Nugget, or Mob Head) per Firework Star. However, you can combine shape effects with twinkle and trail effects on the same star.
How do you get gunpowder for fireworks?
Gunpowder drops from Creepers (up to 2), Ghasts (up to 2), and Witches (up to 6). You can also find it in chests in dungeons, desert temples, shipwrecks, and woodland mansions, or trade with wandering traders. You’ll get the most gunpowder (up to eight units) if you loot chests found in dungeons, desert temples, shipwrecks, and woodland mansions. Plus, you have the most chances of getting gunpowder (between 20.8% to 59%) if you take this route. There’s also a ⅙ chance (around 16%) that a wandering trader will give you gunpowder for an emerald.
