Minecraft – How to make a working elevator

Elevators can now be built in Minecraft, but their mechanics can be a bit confusing. There are pistons, slime blocks and more in the different options to work the elevators.

So, for those just starting out, here is a guide that will show you exactly how to build a simple elevator. What's more, you only need eight things to build one!

How to build a working elevator in minecraft

Build a base for the elevator

To build a working elevator in Minecraft, you will need Redstone, Observers, Slime Blocks, Obsidian, Sticky Pistons, Normal Pistons, two buttons, and any decorative blocks of your choice. You should start at the bottom of the elevator, as this will be made up of the pistons needed to lift the elevator. For clarity, we'll number the Sticky Pistons and the Observers, respectively, for reference.

First you have to dig a hole about five blocks by three blocks by four blocks (length x width x height). The hole will be four blocks deep so you can hide your mechanism under the elevator platform as it can be quite high. Once the hole has been dug, you will need to place an adhesive piston (1) on the front wall. Make sure it is facing backwards. Place the decorative block on the sticky piston (1) with a small amount of redstone on top. Next, place another decoration block on top with a button attached to it. This will be the button that activates the entire mechanism.

Next, attach another decorative block to the front of the sticky piston (1) and place the obsidian block in front of it. However, make sure there is a one block space between them. Next, you'll place two slime blocks on top of the obsidian. On the lowest slice, set an Observer block (1) next to it. This Observer (1) must have its face pointing down to be able to observe the gap between the obsidian and the Sticky Piston. When the Sticky Piston (1) fires, it will activate the Observer (1) and then this Observer (1) will activate the Sticky Piston (2) which it will place on top of it.

This Sticky Piston (2) should be pointing up, and then you'll place another two slime blocks on top of it. Just like before, you are going to attach another Observer (2) to the Slime block. However, this Observer (2) must be attached to the side of the tallest Slime and must be facing the sky. This is necessary for it to activate the sticky piston (3) that will be placed under it. As the sticky piston (1) moves the slime tower, the observer (2) will observe the height change and actuate the sticky piston (3) below.

Place another two slime blocks under the sticky piston (3) and you are done with the lower mechanism. Remember to attach one more block to the button block before moving on. This will be the block that you ascend to in the elevator.

Construction of the upper part of the elevator

As for the top, you can build it as tall as you like, but you'll need more redstone, another button, obsidian, and a normal piston. So, build a frame for your elevator on top, and in the center of this frame you're going to place an obsidian on one side and a button block on the other. Next, place a decorative block on the back of the obsidian. This block will be used to fix a normal piston underneath. Be sure to use a normal piston, as a sticky piston will cause the entire lift to stop.

Then all you have to do is draw a line of redstone on these four blocks. Pressing the button activates the piston and pushes the mechanism down. And there it is! This is one of the easiest ways to build an elevator. It can also be customized. So make it as big or small as you like. As long as it fits into your Minecraft world and your adventures in it. However, in case you need more visual help, here's a video of an even simpler elevator build.