Redstone comparators are essential components in Minecraft for anyone venturing into the world of redstone circuitry. These versatile devices can perform comparisons, maintain signal strength, and even measure the fullness of containers. If you’re looking to elevate your redstone skills, learning how to craft a redstone comparator is a must.
This guide will walk you through the process of making a redstone comparator, ensuring you understand every step, from gathering materials to placing it in your redstone builds.
Platforms Where Redstone Comparators Thrive
Redstone comparators are not exclusive to a single version of Minecraft. They are widely available across various platforms, ensuring you can utilize them no matter where you play:
| Platform | Supported Version* |
|---|---|
| Java Edition (PC/Mac) | Yes (1.5) |
| Pocket Edition (PE) – now Bedrock Edition | Yes (0.14.0) |
| Xbox 360 | Yes (TU19) |
| Xbox One – now Bedrock Edition | Yes (CU7) |
| PS3 | Yes (1.12) |
| PS4 – now Bedrock Edition | Yes (1.12) |
| Wii U | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch – now Bedrock Edition | Yes |
| Windows 10 Edition – now Bedrock Edition | Yes (0.14.0) |
| Education Edition | Yes |
*Version indicates when the redstone comparator was introduced. Note that Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition are now collectively known as Bedrock Edition.
Finding Redstone Comparators in Creative Mode
If you’re playing in Creative Mode, obtaining a redstone comparator is incredibly easy. Here’s where to locate them in the creative inventory across different Minecraft editions:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
In Java Edition, the location varies slightly depending on your version:
| 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
For Pocket Edition and Bedrock Edition, the location has shifted over updates:
| Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|
| 0.14.1 – 1.1.3 | Tools Tab |
| 1.2 – 1.21.0 | Items Tab |
Xbox Editions
Xbox versions also have specific locations within the creative inventory:
| 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 |
PS Editions
PlayStation editions follow a similar pattern:
| 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
Nintendo platforms have consistent locations:
| 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
Similar to Pocket Edition:
| Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|
| 0.14.1 – 1.1.3 | Tools Tab |
| 1.2 – 1.21.0 | Items Tab |
Education Edition
Education Edition also has two location periods:
| Version(s) | Creative Menu Location |
|---|---|
| 0.14.2 – 1.0.18 | Tools Tab |
| 1.0.21 – 1.21.03 | Items Tab |
Creative Mode Definitions
- Platform: The Minecraft platform.
- Version(s): Minecraft version numbers where the comparator is found in the listed menu location.
- Creative Menu Location: The inventory tab where redstone comparators are located in Creative Mode.
Gathering Materials for a Redstone Comparator in Survival Mode
To craft a redstone comparator in Survival Mode, you’ll need to gather a few specific ingredients. These components are relatively easy to obtain, making the comparator accessible early in your redstone journey. Here’s what you need:
- 3 Redstone Torches: A fundamental redstone component, redstone torches are crafted from redstone dust and sticks.
- 1 Nether Quartz: This material is exclusively found in the Nether. You’ll need to venture into the Nether and mine nether quartz ore to obtain it.
- 3 Stones: Stone is a basic building block, easily acquired by mining cobblestone and smelting it in a furnace.
Here’s a visual breakdown of the required crafting components:
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting a Redstone Comparator in Survival
Once you have all the necessary materials, crafting a redstone comparator is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Access the Crafting Table
First, you need to access your crafting table. If you haven’t crafted one yet, you can make a crafting table from wood planks. Place the crafting table in your game world and interact with it to open the 3×3 crafting grid interface.
Step 2: Arrange the Materials in the Crafting Grid
In the crafting menu, you’ll see the 3×3 crafting grid. To craft a redstone comparator, arrange the stones, redstone torches, and nether quartz in the exact pattern shown below.
The correct pattern is crucial:
- Row 1: Place one redstone torch in the center slot.
- Row 2: Place one redstone torch in the leftmost slot, nether quartz in the center slot, and another redstone torch in the rightmost slot.
- Row 3: Fill all three slots with stone.
This arrangement is the specific Minecraft crafting recipe for a redstone comparator.
After correctly placing the materials, the redstone comparator will appear in the result box on the right side of the crafting interface.
Step 3: Move the Crafted Comparator to Your Inventory
Finally, drag the newly crafted redstone comparator from the result box into your inventory. Now you have a redstone comparator ready to use in your redstone projects!
Congratulations! You’ve successfully crafted a redstone comparator in Minecraft Survival Mode.
Redstone Comparator Item ID and Names
For advanced Minecraft users or those using commands, knowing the Item ID and Name can be helpful. Here’s a breakdown across different platforms:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | minecraft:comparator | 0 | 64 | 1.8 – 1.12 |
| 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 | minecraft:comparator | 0 | 64 | 1.0 – 1.21.0 |
Xbox One
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | minecraft:comparator | 0 | 64 | 1.6.0 – 1.21.0 |
PS4
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | minecraft:comparator | 0 | 64 | 1.14.0 – 1.21.0 |
Nintendo Switch
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | minecraft:comparator | 0 | 64 | 1.0 – 1.21.0 |
Education Edition
| Item | Description (Minecraft ID Name) | Data Value | Stack Size | Version(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redstone Comparator | minecraft:comparator | 0 | 64 | 1.0 – 1.21.03 |
Item ID Definitions
- Description: The common name of the item and its Minecraft ID Name (used in game commands).
- Data Value: Identifies variations of the block (if applicable).
- Stack Size: The maximum number of items that can be stacked together (64 for redstone comparators).
- Version(s): Minecraft versions where the ID and Name are valid.
Redstone Comparator Block States
Redstone comparators have different states that determine their behavior. Understanding block states is crucial for advanced redstone circuits. Here’s a breakdown of the block states for different Java and Bedrock editions:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| facing | north, south, east, west | north | No | [facing=north] | Direction the comparator is facing |
| mode | compare, subtract | compare | No | [mode=compare] | Comparator mode (compare or subtract) |
| powered | false, true | false | No | [powered=false] | Whether the comparator is currently powered |
Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Windows 10 Edition, Education Edition
These Bedrock platforms share the same block states for comparators:
| Block State | Value | Default | Required | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| direction | 0 (North), 1 (East), 2 (South), 3 (West) | 0 | No | [“direction”=0] | Direction comparator is facing |
| output_lit_bit | false, true | false | No | [“output_lit_bit”=false] | Whether the comparator is powered (true/false) |
| output_subtract_bit | false, true | false | No | [“output_subtract_bit”=false] | Comparator mode (compare (false) or subtract (true)) |
Block State Definitions
- Block State: Internal name for the block state.
- Value: Possible values for the block state.
- Default: Default value if not specified.
- Required: Indicates if required in commands.
- Example: Format for use in commands like
/fill,/setblock,/clone, or/testforblock.
Give Command for Redstone Comparators
For quick access in Creative Mode or for map making, the /give command is invaluable. Here are the commands for different Minecraft editions:
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
For versions 1.13 and above:
/give @p comparator 1For versions 1.8 to 1.12:
/give @p comparator 1 0Pocket Edition (PE) / Bedrock Edition, Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Windows 10 Edition, Education Edition
For versions 1.12.0 and above across these platforms:
/give @p comparator 1 0Unleashing the Power of Redstone Comparators: Practical Uses
Redstone comparators are not just crafting components; they are powerful tools for creating complex and intelligent redstone circuits. Here are some key functionalities and uses:
- Signal Strength Comparison: Comparators can compare the signal strength of two incoming redstone signals and output a signal based on the comparison. This is fundamental for logic gates and conditional circuits.
- Signal Strength Maintenance: They can maintain the strength of a redstone signal, ensuring it travels further without weakening.
- Container Content Measurement: Comparators can read the fullness level of containers like chests, hoppers, and barrels, outputting a redstone signal proportional to the container’s fill level. This is incredibly useful for automated storage and item sorting systems.
- Inventory Detection: Comparators can detect the presence of specific items in containers, triggering redstone reactions based on inventory contents.
- Logic Gates: Comparators are essential for building various logic gates like AND, OR, and XOR gates, enabling complex computational circuits within Minecraft.
By mastering the crafting and understanding the functionalities of redstone comparators, you unlock a new level of redstone engineering in Minecraft. Experiment with different configurations and explore the vast possibilities these devices offer in your builds!
