This tutorial is intended for new Minecraft players trying the game for the first time. It assumes you are playing on one of the SDF Minecraft server worlds in survival mode, though much of the guidance will also be applicable to other Minecraft servers and to creative mode.
Create a profile with your Minecraft user ID
(For now, specify server version 1.8. If you also want to connect to servers that have alredy upgraded to version 1.9, create a separate profile.)
(Optional) Teleport to the world you want to play in: /mvtp <world>1 ("MultiVerse TelePort")
The first time you connect to the SDF Minecraft server, you will be deposited in the default world, SDF5, but you are free to play in any of the worlds hosted here. See [Worlds section of MC page].
| Change facing direction | Mouse |
| Move forward/backward/left/right | W/S/A/D keys |
| Jump/climb/swim upward | Space bar |
| Break block/attack mob | Left mouse button |
| Place block/use object | Right mouse button |
| Open inventory display | E key |
| Select object in hand | 1-9 keys or mouse wheel |
| Game menu/close display | Esc key |
In Minecraft, many wonders beckon to be explored, but the day is short, and the night is long2 and full of monsters! So in survival mode, protecting yourself is the first order of business.
Start by gathering basic resources, crafting simple tools, and building your first shelter.
Collect 5 blocks of wood
Find a tree and attack the trunk blocks. You will have to punch3 the block for a few seconds, but it will eventually break and fall to the ground. Move over the fallen block to collect it into your inventory.
Craft planks from your wood blocks
Open your inventory display, drop your 3 wood blocks into one of the spaces in the 2x2 crafting area, and turn all the blocks into wood planks (you should get 12 planks).
Craft a crafting table
Keep your inventory display open, drop 1 plank in each of the 4 spaces in the 2x2 crafting area, and make a crafting table.
Place your crafting table
Make sure the crafting table is in one of your ___ slots, then close your inventory display and place the crafting table on any nearby open ground block.
Craft 4 sticks from wood planks
Open your crafting table4, drop 2 planks in the crafting area [recipe? link?], and make 4 sticks.
Craft a wood pick
In your crafting table drop 3 planks and 2 [recipe? link?], and make a wood pick.
Craft 3 wood doors
In your crafting table drop 6 planks [recipe? link?] and make 3 wood doors5.
Search for fuel
Your next steps will depend on your surroundings in the Minecraft world. The most convenient form of fuel is coal, which can often be found in exposed veins on the surface. Look for mountains, hills, or rock outcroppings. You can also search well-lit cave entrances, but do not venture into the dark interior until you are equipped.
Watch the sun's position to keep track of time. Break-off the search and make a shelter before it gets dark.
Carve out your first shelter
A rock outcropping, hillside, cliffside, or cave entrance is a good place for your first shelter. Nothing fancy, but a quickly constructed safe place to spend the night.