3 Easy Ways to Build a TNT Cannon in Minecraft

Crafting the TNT Cannon Base

The TNT cannon base is the foundation of your cannon and will determine its stability and durability. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to craft it:

Gather the Required Materials:
- 4 Obsidian blocks
- 3 Iron blocks
- 1 Dispenser
- 1 Redstone
- 1 Lever
Construct the Base’s Structure:
- Place the four Obsidian blocks in a 2×2 square formation. This will serve as the base’s frame.
- Position the Iron blocks vertically on top of the Obsidian blocks, one at each corner. The Iron blocks will act as pillars to support the structure.
- Add the Dispenser at the front of the base, facing outwards. This will be where you load the TNT.
- Place the Redstone on the top surface of the base, adjacent to the Dispenser. This will transmit the activation signal from the Lever to the Dispenser.
- Finally, install the Lever on the side of the base, facing inwards. This will be used to activate the cannon.

Setting Up the Trajectory

Proper trajectory is crucial for an effective TNT cannon. Here’s a detailed guide on how to set it up:

1. Determining the Launch Angle

The launch angle is the angle at which the TNT is launched. A higher angle results in a longer range, while a lower angle results in a shorter range with more height. The optimal launch angle depends on the distance you want to cover and the available elevation.

2. Calculating the Elevation

Elevation refers to the height of the cannon’s barrels above the ground. Higher elevation allows for a greater range and height, but requires more TNT. The necessary elevation can be calculated using trigonometry, given the desired launch angle and range.

3. Constructing the Launch Platform

The launch platform is the structure that holds the TNT and determines the launch trajectory. Here’s how to construct it:

Build a flat platform of any dimension.
Create a hole in the center of the platform to accommodate the TNT.
Construct a wall on one side of the platform, perpendicular to the desired launch direction.
Adjust the wall’s height to achieve the desired launch angle.
Add a sloping surface to the wall to guide the TNT down towards the hole.

Table: Launch Angle and Range Considerations

Launch Angle	Range
< 45 degrees	Short range, high height
45 degrees	Maximum range
> 45 degrees	Long range, lower height

Loading the Cannon

1. Gather the necessary items: You will need the following items to load the TNT cannon: TNT, redstone dust, a lever, and a button.

2. Place the TNT in the cannon: Open the cannon’s inventory and place the TNT in the bottom-most slot. You can place up to 20 TNT in the cannon at a time.

3. Connect the redstone dust to the lever: Place a piece of redstone dust on the side of the lever. This will connect the lever to the TNT.

4. Connect the redstone dust to the button: Place a piece of redstone dust on the side of the button. This will connect the button to the lever and the TNT.

Item	Quantity
TNT	1-20
Redstone Dust	1-2
Lever	1
Button	1

5. Prepare to launch the TNT: Once you have connected all of the components, you are ready to launch the TNT. Stand clear of the cannon and hold down the button.

6. Fire the TNT: When you release the button, the lever will activate the redstone dust, which will in turn trigger the TNT. The TNT will explode, propelling itself and any nearby objects through the air.

Calculating the Distance

To determine the ideal distance for your TNT cannon, consider the following factors:

Target Distance

Estimate the distance to your intended target. Measure the distance using the “F3” key or a mapping tool.

TNT Payload

The number of TNT blocks used influences the explosion’s power. A higher payload will propel the projectile further.

Launch Angle

Adjust the launch angle to optimize the trajectory. A 45-degree angle provides a good starting point.

Cannon Design

The cannon’s design affects its performance. Longer barrels increase velocity, while narrow barrels improve accuracy.

To calculate the distance, follow these steps:

Estimate the target distance (D) in blocks.
Choose the TNT payload (N).
Set the launch angle (θ) to 45 degrees.
Use the formula: Distance = D / (N * sin(θ))
Plug in the values and calculate the distance.

For example, if your target is 100 blocks away, you have 5 TNT blocks, and the launch angle is 45 degrees:

Parameter	Value
Target Distance (D)	100 blocks
TNT Payload (N)	5 blocks
Launch Angle (θ)	45 degrees
Calculated Distance	20 blocks

Remember, these calculations are approximate and may need adjustments based on practical experience.

Practice and Adjustments

Once you have constructed your TNT cannon, it’s time to practice using it and make any necessary adjustments. It’s important to note that each cannon may behave slightly differently, so it’s crucial to find the optimal settings for yours through trial and error.

7. Fine-Tuning the TNT Launcher

The TNT launcher is a vital component of your cannon, and fine-tuning its settings can significantly improve its performance. Here’s how to adjust the launcher for optimal distance:

TNT Quantity: Experiment with different amounts of TNT to find the ideal quantity for your cannon. Too little TNT will result in insufficient power, while too much can cause premature detonation.
TNT Placement: The position of the TNT within the launcher plays a significant role. Adjust the TNT horizontally (along the X-axis) and vertically (along the Y-axis) to optimize its trajectory.
Launcher Angle: The angle at which the launcher is positioned greatly influences the trajectory of the TNT. Adjust the angle to find the sweet spot where the TNT travels the farthest distance.

Other factors that may require adjustments include the type of block used for the cannon’s barrel, the length of the barrel, and the placement of the ignition source. By experimenting and making incremental changes, you can refine your cannon’s performance and achieve the desired results.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your TNT cannon is not working properly, here are some troubleshooting tips:
– **The cannon is not firing:** Check if you have placed the TNT and redstone correctly. Make sure that the TNT is facing the correct direction and that the redstone is connected to the TNT and the button.
– **The cannon is firing but not exploding:** Check if there are any blocks in the path of the TNT. Make sure that the TNT is not hitting any blocks before it reaches its target.
– **The cannon is not firing far enough:** Increase the amount of TNT used in the cannon. You can also try increasing the length of the cannon barrel.
– **The cannon is not accurate:** Make sure that the cannon is pointing in the correct direction. You can also try adding a redstone repeater to the circuit to delay the detonation of the TNT.

TNT Cannon Orientations

TNT cannons can be oriented in different directions to achieve different effects. Here are the most common orientations:

Orientation	Effect
Horizontal	Fires TNT horizontally
Vertical	Fires TNT vertically
Diagonal	Fires TNT diagonally

TNT Cannon Range

The range of a TNT cannon is determined by the following factors:

– **Amount of TNT used:** The more TNT used, the greater the range.
– **Length of cannon barrel:** The longer the cannon barrel, the greater the range.
– **Shape of cannon barrel:** A straight cannon barrel will produce the greatest range.
– **Orientation of cannon:** A horizontal cannon will have the greatest range.
– **Redstone repeater delay:** A redstone repeater can be used to delay the detonation of the TNT, which can increase the range.

Experiencing the Blast

Once you have constructed your TNT cannon, it’s time to witness its destructive power. Here’s how to experience the blast:

Position yourself at a safe distance: Stand at least 30 blocks away from the cannon to avoid getting caught in the explosion.
Clear the area: Ensure there are no nearby structures or entities that could be damaged by the blast.
Ensure proper ventilation: Open windows or doors in the vicinity to disperse the fumes from the explosion.
Load the TNT: Place the TNT blocks into the dispenser at the end of the cannon’s barrel.
Activate the cannon: Use a redstone signal or switch to trigger the piston, sending the TNT flying into the air.
Observe the trajectory: Watch as the TNT travels through the air, leaving a trail of smoke behind it.
Witness the explosion: Upon impact, the TNT will explode, creating a spectacular blast that can destroy surrounding blocks.
Experiment with different angles: Change the cannon’s angle to alter the trajectory of the TNT and create various blast patterns.
Use creative mode: In creative mode, you can experiment with different TNT quantities and cannon designs without worrying about consequences.
Share the experience: Invite friends or other players to witness the awe-inspiring blast of your TNT cannon.


Safety Precautions Always handle TNT with caution. Never fire a TNT cannon towards players or structures you don’t intend to destroy. Ensure you have a clear line of sight before firing. Be aware of the surroundings and potential hazards.

Safety Precautions

Always handle TNT with caution.
Never fire a TNT cannon towards players or structures you don’t intend to destroy.
Ensure you have a clear line of sight before firing.
Be aware of the surroundings and potential hazards.

How To Build Tnt Cannon Minecraft

To build a TNT cannon in Minecraft, you will need the following materials:

1 block of TNT
1 block of redstone
1 block of cobblestone
1 block of dirt
1 block of wood

Once you have gathered your materials, follow these steps:

Place the block of TNT on the ground.
Place the block of redstone on top of the TNT.
Place the block of cobblestone on top of the redstone.
Place the block of dirt on top of the cobblestone.
Place the block of wood on top of the dirt.
Right-click on the block of wood with the flint and steel to ignite the TNT.

Your TNT cannon is now complete! To use it, simply right-click on the block of wood with the flint and steel to ignite the TNT. The cannon will fire a TNT projectile that will explode on impact.