Finding diamonds in Minecraft is one of the most exciting aspects of gameplay. They are a rare and valuable resource that helps you craft diamond tools and armor. You would like to collect loads of diamonds. However, beginners find it hard to mine them.
Moreover, the Caves and Cliffs update has changed a thing or two about mining diamonds in Minecraft. If you are not aware of it, you may wander aimlessly in search of diamonds. The good part is that we will be discussing the two best methods that are proven to work in 2024. A diamond galore will await you once you finish learning branch mining and underwater mining methods. So let us dive in!
Best Uses for Diamonds in Minecraft 1.21
Let us start with the uses of diamonds in Minecraft.
- Mining diamonds allows you to craft diamond tools and armor, such as a diamond pickaxe which mines obsidian and netherite.
- It allows you to craft the enchanting table to equip your favorite tools and weapons with unique enchantments.
- It can duplicate the netherite upgrade smithing template, which helps you convert your diamond gear into netherite.
- You can use diamonds for decorative purposes as they have a profound aesthetic appeal. Besides decorating your buildings and structures, you can also use diamonds to customize your armor’s appearance.
- You can create a jukebox with a diamond to play joyful music for your pets and yourself.
How to Get Diamonds?
Diamonds are found underground in the overworld dimension in veins 1 to 8. Diamond ore is found below Y-level 15, while it is most commonly found at Y-level of -58.
You can not mine diamonds with a stone or wooden tool. You need an iron, diamond, or netherite pickaxe. With a fortune enchantment on your pickaxe, you can have multiple diamonds from a single ore block. In this way, you will be able to mine more quickly.
Methods to Find Diamonds in Minecraft 1.21
In the Minecraft 1.18 Caves and Cliffs update, diamonds became less exposed to air than they were before. This means that it will be harder to mine diamonds with regular cave diving, and you will need to change the approach. Let us learn the two best methods to mine diamonds in Minecraft in 2024.
1) Branch Mining
This method is based on the approach of covering a larger area when mining. Since there are no caves present at level Y -58, this method is certain to work. You can start as follows:
- Dig down to layer Y -58 and create a 2-by-2 tunnel in any direction.
- Dig a bunch of 1-by-2 tunnels branching out from the original tunnel in both directions.
- Keep in mind that the lengths of these tunnels should not be more than 30 blocks.
- But if you find a diamond in one of these branches, dig it more and make it 40 blocks long.
- Keep two successive tunnels two blocks apart to cover a large space.
- With an unenchanted iron pickaxe at level Y -58, you will get an average of 49.3 diamonds in 40 minutes, or about 74 diamonds per hour.
2) Underwater Mining
This is another method of mining diamonds that you may not have heard of before. Remember we told you about the Caves and Cliffs update that made diamonds less exposed to air? This means you can find diamonds in abundant quantities in underwater caves.
Go to the ocean and find an underwater cave. You may drink the potion of water breathing if you are facing any breathing issues. Otherwise, you can use magma as well. Be observant, and do not stay in one cave for too long. Soon, you will be getting diamonds galore.
Final Thoughts
If you compare both methods, underwater mining is better as it goes way easier on your pickaxe durability. Try both methods and do tell us which one works better for you!
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