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A basic Minecraft TNT cannon uses one TNT charge to propel a separate TNT projectile through a water-filled channel. Build a simple manual version in a Creative test world, then adjust it for your Minecraft edition: Java and Bedrock redstone and explosion behavior can differ.
How a TNT cannon works
The cannon has two separate TNT roles. The propellant TNT detonates inside the channel; its blast pushes the projectile TNT placed at the muzzle. Water in the channel helps protect the blocks making up the frame, while the blast can still propel entities. Keep the projectile distinct from the charge, and ignite it after the charge so the blast can push it.
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What you need for a simple manual cannon
- Building blocks for two parallel sides and a base or frame.
- Water for the channel.
- Redstone dust, a button, and any redstone components needed to connect the trigger.
- Four TNT blocks for the propellant charge and one separate TNT block for the projectile in the starter layout.
The four-charge, one-projectile arrangement and seven-block channel come from a 2013 Minecraft Forum tutorial; treat them as a conceptual starting point, not a current-version guarantee. Read the original forum tutorial. Microsoft MakeCode also illustrates a cannon built with stone, a slab, TNT, redstone wire, a repeater set to four, a lever, and water; it is a code-based construction example, not a version-by-version performance test. See the MakeCode cannon example.
Build the starter layout
- Choose your edition and open a Creative test world. Use a design intended for Java or Bedrock where possible, and test before relying on the cannon in a survival build.
- Make a straight channel. Build two parallel rows of blocks with a seven-block-long channel between them, following the conceptual dimensions in the older forum design.
- Add water to the channel. Arrange it so the channel is water-filled and the muzzle remains open for the projectile to leave.
- Place the propellant TNT inside the channel. The starter design uses four charge blocks. Connect the charge to a button with redstone dust and the required redstone components.
- Place one separate projectile TNT at the muzzle. It should be positioned to enter the channel’s blast path rather than being part of the main charge.
- Test the firing order. Trigger the charge first, then ignite the projectile shortly afterward. The original instructions give only qualitative timing guidance, so do not assume a particular delay will work in every edition or version.
Tune it for Java or Bedrock
Do not assume a cannon that works in one edition will behave the same in the other. Explosion and redstone behavior differ, and the available guidance does not establish a universal timing, range, survival rate, or repeat-fire rate. A Bedrock-focused guide likewise advises testing designs in the intended edition. See the Bedrock-focused guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Capture the excitement and adventurous play of Minecraft!
- Each 3.25-inch scale Minecraft action figure comes with an accessory to recreate favorite in-game moments!
- Each also includes 1 Redstone Building Piece -- fans can collect the figures and combine all 6 building pieces to build a working TNT Cannon (each sold separately, subject to availability).
- For even more ways to play and display, the pixelated character figures are posable with movable joints!
- The collectible figures make a great gift for video-game players and fans ages 6 years old and up, who will want them all! (Each sold separately, subject to availability.)
- If the projectile does not launch, check that it is separate from the propellant and that the charge detonates before the projectile.
- If the frame is damaged, check the water placement and rebuild the channel before changing the charge.
- If the result is inconsistent, alter one part of the redstone timing or layout at a time in Creative mode, then repeat the test in the same edition and version you plan to play.
Manual loading versus dispenser-fed cannons
A manual cannon is the better beginner project: you place the charge and projectile by hand and can focus on the channel, water, and ignition order. Dispenser-fed cannons use dispensers to supply TNT and are a separate, more advanced category. The available reference does not provide a complete current recipe or comparable measurements for either firing rate or range, so choose an automated design only if you are ready to find and test an edition-specific build. See the Minecraft Wiki overview of TNT cannons.
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Best Value
- Each 3.25-inch scale Minecraft action figure comes with accessories to re-create favorite in-game moments!
- The character figures are posable with movable joints for even more ways to play!
- The designs of the figures and accessories stay true to the unique, pixelated world of Minecraft!
- Adventurous fun for kids who love exploration, creativity, and survival -- the Minecraft way!
- makes a great toy for video-game players and fans ages 6 years old and up, who will want them all (each sold separately, subject to availability)!
Rank #4
- Capture the excitement and adventurous play of Minecraft
- Each 3.25-inch scale Minecraft action figure comes with an accessory to recreate favorite in-game moments
- Each also includes 1 Redstone Building Piece -- fans can collect the figures and combine all 6 building pieces to build a working TNT Cannon (each sold separately, subject to availability)
- For even more ways to play and display, the pixelated character figures are posable with movable joints
Rank #3
- Capture the excitement and adventurous play of Minecraft!
- Each 3.25-inch scale Minecraft action figure comes with an accessory to recreate favorite in-game moments!
- Each also includes 1 Redstone Building Piece -- fans can collect the figures and combine all 6 building pieces to build a working TNT Cannon (each sold separately, subject to availability).
- For even more ways to play and display, the pixelated character figures are posable with movable joints!
- The collectible figures make a great toy for video-game players and fans ages 6 years old and up, who will want them all! (Each sold separately, subject to availability.)
Rank #2
- Capture the excitement and adventurous play of Minecraft!
- Each 3.25-inch scale Minecraft action figure comes with an accessory to recreate favorite in-game moments!
- Each also includes 1 Redstone Building Piece -- fans can collect the figures and combine all 6 building pieces to build a working TNT Cannon (each sold separately, subject to availability).
- For even more ways to play and display, the pixelated character figures are posable with movable joints!
- The collectible figures make a great toy for video-game players and fans ages 6 years old and up, who will want them all! (Each sold separately, subject to availability.)
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