How to Get Barrier Blocks in Minecraft

What Are Barrier Blocks?

Barrier blocks are unique, invisible structures within the Minecraft universe, designed to be solid yet imperceptible to players and mobs. Primarily utilized in Creative mode, these blocks serve various purposes, including crafting adventure maps, enhancing roleplay servers, and safeguarding builds. Unlike conventional blocks, barrier blocks cannot be crafted or mined; their existence is solely reliant on command inputs.

Why Use Barrier Blocks

• Establish invisible boundaries for players or mobs.
• Conceal world limits or restrict access in custom maps.
• Prevent griefing and unauthorized access on creative servers.
• Enhance aesthetic designs without visible barriers.

For world builders and server administrators, barrier blocks represent a transformative tool, offering unparalleled control over the gaming environment.

How to Get Barrier Blocks in Minecraft

Barrier blocks are exclusively available in Creative mode and cannot be accessed in Survival mode. To obtain them, players must utilize commands while cheats are enabled.

Java Edition

For those playing on the Java Edition of Minecraft, follow these steps:

1. Ensure cheats are enabled when creating or editing your world.
2. Open the chat window by pressing T on your PC.
3. Input the command:

/give @p barrier

4. Press Enter, and the barrier block will appear in your inventory.

To acquire multiple blocks, simply append a number to the command:

/give @p barrier 64

This command will provide a full stack of 64 barrier blocks.

Bedrock Edition

For players on Minecraft Bedrock (Windows 10, consoles, or mobile), the process is similar:

1. Activate cheats in your world settings.
2. Open the chat window.
3. Type the command:

/give @s barrier

4. Press Enter, and the block will be added to your inventory.

Adjust the quantity as needed by adding a number after the command, such as /give @s barrier 10 for ten barrier blocks.

Why You Can’t Craft Barrier Blocks

Barrier blocks are intentionally excluded from the crafting system, designed solely for Creative mode. Their purpose is to safeguard builds, regulate gameplay, and delineate restricted areas.

Comparison: Barrier Blocks in Java vs. Bedrock

Feature	Java Edition	Bedrock Edition
Command to Obtain	/give @p barrier	/give @s barrier
Available in Creative Inventory	No	No
Visibility	Shows red “no entry” symbol when held	Same
Usable in Survival Mode	No	No
Blast Resistance	Unbreakable	Unbreakable
Common Uses	Map-making, boundaries	Map-making, protected zones

Barrier blocks exhibit nearly identical functionality across both editions, solidifying their status as one of Minecraft’s most reliable administrative tools.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Barrier Blocks Effectively

Step 1: Enable Cheats

Before utilizing the /give command, ensure that cheats are activated in your game settings. Without this, the command will not function.

Step 2: Get the Barrier Block

Employ the /give command relevant to your Minecraft edition to receive the barrier block, which will then appear in your inventory.

Step 3: Place the Block

Switch to Creative mode and position the block in your desired location. Once placed, it becomes invisible; however, you can still see it if you are holding a barrier block. The floating red “no entry” icons will indicate the barriers’ locations.

Step 4: Manage Visibility

To conceal the icons, simply switch to another item in your hotbar. The barriers will remain functional but will no longer be visible.

Step 5: Remove Barrier Blocks

To delete them, revert to Creative mode and break them like standard blocks. For multiple barriers, consider using fill commands like /fill for efficient removal.

Pro Tips and Use Cases

• Utilize barrier blocks to restrict player access during events or challenges.
• Design invisible parkour courses that challenge players to navigate without visible paths.
• Safeguard your spawn area from potential damage by new players.
• Combine barriers with commands like /gamemode adventure for immersive gameplay experiences.
• Always document your barrier placements with signs or coordinate notes to prevent confusion.

Pros and Cons of Using Barrier Blocks

Pros	Cons
Invisible, preserving build aesthetics	Not usable in Survival mode
Completely unbreakable by players	Obtained solely through commands
Ideal for mapmakers and server administrators	Difficult to track if placed without markers
Compatible across all editions	No crafting option available

Best Practices for Barrier Placement

• Set particle visibility to “All” to view the red icons when holding a barrier block.
• Use barriers to create hidden structures, borders, or safety zones.
• Avoid excessive use of barriers in multiplayer maps to prevent player entrapment.
• Incorporate barriers with light sources for enhanced spawn protection areas.

Example Command Use

To give yourself 64 barrier blocks, use the following command:

/give @p barrier 64

To distribute them to all players in a world, input:

/give @a barrier

For a single block, suitable for precise placement in an adventure map, try:

/give @s barrier 1

Quick Reference Table

Command	Function	Example
/give @p barrier	Gives 1 barrier block to the nearest player	/give @p barrier
/give @p barrier 64	Gives a stack of 64 barrier blocks	/give @p barrier 64
/give @a barrier	Gives barrier blocks to all players	/give @a barrier

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to enable cheats: Without this, the command will not work.
• Misplacing barriers: Once invisible, they can be difficult to locate; always hold a barrier block while editing.
• Using in Survival: Players cannot interact with or see barriers, which may lead to confusion.