How to use an observer in Minecraft

While the basic gameplay experience of Minecraft Survival or Creative Mode is fairly simple, experimenting with functional redstone blocks like the Observer opens up a whole new world of complexity and endless innovative possibilities. As the name suggests, the Observer “observes,” which is indicated by its stern but slightly endearing face-like features. However, the core of exactly what this block is observing and how that relates to other blocks can be difficult to grasp, especially for newcomers or beginners to redstone mechanics. While there are many ways to explain its complex functionality, a simple way to look at the observer is the conditional statement in the code, “if-then”.

Related: How to build a car in Minecraft

How does an observer work in Minecraft?

If you understand coding, you’ll recognize the “if-then statement” as a way for a program to evaluate a condition. For example, when a user clicks the Settings button, the program takes them to the options screen. Likewise, the observer in Minecraft works in a familiar way, as it observes changes in the direction its “face” is pointing. When a change is noticed, it sends a redstone signal to the field or block behind it. For example, we placed a torch in front of an observer’s face. It “observed” that a change had occurred in front of it and sent a redstone signal to the redstone lamp behind.

Of course, manually placing blocks in front of an observer is just one type of change that this redstone block can observe. Creative Minecraft players have created clocks, traps, flying machines, automated farms and more using this block’s simple “if-then” mechanics. Keep in mind that the Bedrock Observer and Java Edition Observer have subtle differences in what the block can respond to. Still, the functionality in terms of redstone response to observed changes is generally the same.

Related: How to get a sponge in Minecraft?

What is the recipe for the observer in minecraft

To make an Observer in Minecraft Survival, you will need three materials: Cobblestone × 6, Redstone Dust × 2, and Nether Quartz × 1. Cobblestone is incredibly easy to obtain, and you’re likely to find Redstone blocks while naturally caving and explore mines. However, in order to acquire Nether Quartz, you must create a Nether Portal with Obsidian and enter the Realm of the Underworld to search for the resource.