If you want to break bedrock to get to the Nether roof in Minecraft, you can use a piston + TNT glitch setup. This is a well-known method to break bedrock in Minecraft 1.21, but it only works in Java Edition. It does not work in Bedrock Edition due to differences in redstone and block update mechanics.
What You Need
Before starting this tutorial, gather these items:
- 1 Ladder
- 1 Obsidian block
- 2 TNT
- 2 Pistons
- 1 Temporary block (any solid block)
- 1 Ender Pearl
- 1 Lever
- 1 Wooden trapdoor
It’s a good idea to bring extra materials in case the setup fails the first time, especially if you’re doing this on a server.
Step 1: Reach the Nether Roof
First, you need to get on top of the Nether.
Find a bedrock block at Y level 127, which is the highest layer. Use your debug screen (F3) to confirm the height. Once you find a good spot, place a ladder up to the block and throw an ender pearl while sprinting to clip onto the roof.
- Look for a bedrock block at Y=127
- Place a ladder to reach the correct height
- Throw an ender pearl while sprinting to get on top
After this, you’ll be standing on the Nether roof, ready to create a permanent access point.
Step 2: Set Up the Bedrock Breaking Machine
Once you’re on the roof, go back to the exact coordinates of the block you marked earlier so everything lines up properly.
This method uses a simple redstone setup with pistons and TNT. Build it exactly like this:
- Place a piston facing up, directly on top of the bedrock block
- Place an obsidian block next to the piston
- Put TNT on top of the piston
- Place a stone (or temporary) block on top of the obsidian
- Put the second TNT on top of that stone block
- Attach a trapdoor to the top side of the obsidian so it flips down
- Place a lever on the stone block above the trapdoor
At this point, your setup should match the correct layout and be ready to activate.
Step 3: Break the Bedrock
This is the most important part of the tutorial, and timing matters.
Activate the lever to ignite the TNT, then quickly move under the trapdoor. While standing there, spam place pistons so the game rapidly updates blocks during the explosion. This interaction is what allows you to break bedrock in Minecraft.
- Flick the lever to ignite TNT
- Immediately get under the trapdoor
- Spam place pistons as fast as possible
If done correctly, the explosion combined with piston updates will delete the bedrock block, leaving a hole behind.
Does This Work in Bedrock Edition?
This method to break bedrock in Minecraft only works in Java Edition. If you’re playing on Bedrock Edition, the glitch will not work because redstone and explosion mechanics behave differently.
On Bedrock Edition, you cannot break bedrock in survival using this method. You would need creative mode, commands, or external tools instead.
Important Tips
Breaking bedrock can take a few attempts, especially if your timing is slightly off. Don’t worry if it doesn’t work immediately.
Make sure you’re wearing strong armor, since TNT damage can be significant. Once the block is broken, you can place a portal on the Nether roof, making it easy to travel across your world or link important locations like farms or even routes toward the End.
This method is commonly used in survival worlds and servers because it creates a permanent and reusable access point to the Nether roof.
Quick Answer
To break bedrock to get to the Nether roof in Minecraft, use a piston and TNT glitch setup in Java Edition, then activate it while spamming pistons under a trapdoor to remove the block.
