Redstone comparators are essential components in Minecraft for anyone venturing into advanced redstone circuitry. These versatile devices can perform comparisons, maintain signal strength, and even detect container fullness. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crafting and using redstone comparators in Minecraft, ensuring you can integrate them seamlessly into your builds.
What is a Redstone Comparator?
A redstone comparator is a block in Minecraft used to compare the signal strength of two redstone inputs or to subtract one signal strength from another. It also has the unique ability to measure the fullness of containers like chests, hoppers, and dispensers, outputting a redstone signal proportional to the container’s filled capacity. This makes comparators invaluable for creating logic gates, automated systems, and complex redstone contraptions.
Comparators have two primary modes:
- Comparison Mode: In this mode, the comparator compares the signal strength from its back input with the strongest signal from its side inputs. If the back input signal is stronger, the comparator outputs a signal equal to the back input. Otherwise, it outputs no signal.
- Subtraction Mode: Activated by right-clicking the comparator, subtraction mode causes the comparator to subtract the strongest side input signal from the back input signal. The result is then outputted, but only if the back input signal is stronger than the side input.
Understanding these modes is key to utilizing the full potential of redstone comparators in your Minecraft projects.
Supported Platforms for Redstone Comparators
Redstone comparators are a standard feature across virtually all modern versions of Minecraft. You can craft and use them on the following platforms:
| Platform | Supported Version* |
|---|---|
| Java Edition (PC/Mac) | Yes (1.5) |
| Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition | Yes (0.14.0) |
| Xbox 360 | Yes (TU19) |
| Xbox One / Bedrock Edition | Yes (CU7) |
| PS3 | Yes (1.12) |
| PS4 / Bedrock Edition | Yes (1.12) |
| Wii U | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition | Yes |
| Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition | Yes (0.14.0) |
| Education Edition | Yes |
* Version indicates the Minecraft version where redstone comparators were first introduced. Bedrock Edition encompasses Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition.
Finding Redstone Comparators in Creative Mode
If you’re playing in Creative Mode, accessing redstone comparators is straightforward. They are located within the Creative Inventory menu, categorized for easy discovery. Below are the typical locations across different Minecraft editions:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|
| 1.8 – 1.19 | Redstone Tab |
| 1.19.3 – 1.21.1 | Redstone Blocks Tab |
Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition
| Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|
| 0.14.1 – 1.1.3 | Tools Tab |
| 1.2 – 1.21.0 | Items Tab |
Xbox Editions
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox 360 | TU35 – TU69 | Redstone and Transportation Tab |
| Xbox One | CU23 – CU43 | Redstone and Transportation Tab |
| Xbox One | 1.2.5 – 1.21.0 | Items Tab |
PlayStation Editions
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| PS3 | 1.26 – 1.76 | Redstone and Transportation Tab |
| PS4 | 1.26 – 1.91 | Redstone and Transportation Tab |
| PS4 | 1.14.0 – 1.21.0 | Items Tab |
Nintendo Switch
| Platform | Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wii U | Patch 3 – Patch 38 | Redstone and Transportation Tab |
| Nintendo Switch | 1.04 – 1.11 | Redstone and Transportation Tab |
| Nintendo Switch | 1.5.0 – 1.21.0 | Items Tab |
Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition
| Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|—|—|—|
| 0.14.1 – 1.1.3 | Tools Tab |
| 1.2 – 1.21.0 | Items Tab |
Education Edition
| Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|
| 0.14.2 – 1.0.18 | Tools Tab |
| 1.0.21 – 1.21.03 | Items Tab |
Gathering the Materials: What You Need to Craft a Redstone Comparator
To craft a redstone comparator in Survival Mode, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 Redstone Torches: Redstone torches are fundamental redstone components, providing a constant redstone signal. They are crafted from 1 stick and 1 redstone dust.
- 1 Nether Quartz: Nether quartz is a resource exclusively found in the Nether dimension. It is obtained by mining nether quartz ore, which is relatively common throughout the Nether.
- 3 Stones: Stone is a basic building block in Minecraft, easily obtainable by mining cobblestone and smelting it in a furnace, or by mining stone blocks directly with a pickaxe enchanted with Silk Touch.
These materials are readily accessible in mid-game Minecraft, making redstone comparators craftable once you have established a base and ventured into the Nether.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting a Redstone Comparator in Survival Mode
Follow these simple steps to craft your own redstone comparator:
1. Access Your Crafting Table
First, you need to open a crafting table. Crafting tables provide a 3×3 crafting grid, necessary for creating more complex items like the redstone comparator. If you don’t have a crafting table yet, you can make one from planks of wood.
2. Arrange the Materials in the Crafting Grid
Place the materials into the crafting grid in the precise pattern shown below. Incorrect placement will not result in a redstone comparator.
- Row 1: Place a Redstone Torch in the middle slot.
- Row 2: Place a Redstone Torch in the first slot, Nether Quartz in the middle slot, and another Redstone Torch in the last slot.
- Row 3: Fill all three slots with Stone.
3. Move the Crafted Comparator to Your Inventory
Once the materials are arranged correctly, the redstone comparator will appear in the output slot to the right of the crafting grid. Drag the redstone comparator from the output slot into your inventory to complete the crafting process.
Congratulations! You have successfully crafted a redstone comparator in Minecraft. You can now start incorporating this versatile component into your redstone circuits.
Redstone Comparator: Item ID and Name Across Minecraft Editions
For advanced users or those using commands, knowing the Item ID and Name of the redstone comparator is useful. Here’s a breakdown across different Minecraft editions:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | Redstone Comparator (minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | 1.8 – 1.12 |
| Redstone Comparator | Redstone Comparator (minecraft:comparator) | 64 | 1.13 – 1.21.1 |
Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | Redstone Comparator (minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | 1.0 – 1.21.0 |
Xbox One / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | Redstone Comparator (minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | 1.6.0 – 1.21.0 |
PS4 / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | Redstone Comparator (minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | 1.14.0 – 1.21.0 |
Nintendo Switch / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | Redstone Comparator (minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | 1.6.0 – 1.21.0 |
Windows 10 Edition / Bedrock Edition
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | Redstone Comparator (minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | 1.0 – 1.21.0 |
Education Edition
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | Redstone Comparator (minecraft:comparator) | 0 | 64 | 1.0 – 1.21.03 |
Understanding Redstone Comparator Block States
Block states define the properties of a block, such as its orientation, mode, and power status. Here are the block states for redstone comparators in different Minecraft editions:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Block State | Value | Default | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| facing | north, south, east, west | north | Direction the comparator is facing | [facing=north] |
| mode | compare, subtract | compare | Comparator mode (compare or subtract) | [mode=compare] |
| powered | true, false | false | Whether the comparator is currently powered | [powered=false] |
Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Windows 10 Edition, Education Edition
| Block State | Value | Default | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| direction | 0 (North), 1 (East), 2 (South), 3 (West) | 0 | Direction the comparator is facing | ["direction"=0] |
| output_lit_bit | true, false | false | Whether the comparator is currently powered (lit) | ["output_lit_bit"=false] |
| output_subtract_bit | true, false | false | Comparator mode (subtract mode activated) | ["output_subtract_bit"=false] |
Using the /give Command to Obtain Redstone Comparators
For quick access or in map-making scenarios, the /give command is invaluable. Here are the commands to give yourself a redstone comparator in different Minecraft versions:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
- 1.13 and later:
/give @p comparator 1 - 1.8 – 1.12:
/give @p comparator 1 0
Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Windows 10 Edition, Education Edition
/give @p comparator 1 0
Replace @p with your player name or target selector as needed.
Unleashing the Power of Redstone Comparators: Practical Applications
Redstone comparators are far more than just crafting components; they are the logic backbone of many advanced Minecraft mechanisms. Here are some key uses:
- Item Detection and Counting: Comparators can detect the presence and quantity of items in containers. This is crucial for automated farms, storage systems, and item sorters. For example, a comparator behind a chest can activate a redstone circuit when the chest reaches a certain level of fullness.
- Logic Gates: Comparators are essential for creating various logic gates like AND, OR, and XOR gates when combined with other redstone components. These gates form the foundation of complex computational circuits within Minecraft.
- Signal Strength Manipulation: Comparators can be used to maintain or reduce redstone signal strength. In comparator mode, they act as signal repeaters, while in subtraction mode, they can weaken signals based on side inputs.
- Inventory Management Systems: Build automated systems that manage your inventory. Comparators can detect when storage is full, trigger item transportation, or activate crafting processes when resources are available.
- Conditional Activation: Create mechanisms that activate only under specific conditions. For instance, a comparator can ensure a door only opens when a specific number of items are placed in a nearby container, creating puzzle elements or secure areas.
- Fuel Level Detection in Furnaces: Comparators can even detect the fuel level in furnaces or other fuel-consuming blocks, allowing for automated refueling systems.
By mastering the crafting and functionalities of redstone comparators, you unlock a new dimension of possibilities in Minecraft redstone engineering. Experiment with different setups and explore the vast potential these components offer for automating and enhancing your Minecraft world.
