Use Hand-Held Light Sources While Mining

Equip a Light Source

When mining in dark caves or deep underground, hold a glowing item in your main hand to illuminate your surroundings as you move. The light will follow you dynamically, making it easier to spot ores, mobs, and hazards.

Best items for mining:

• Lanterns or sea lanterns (Level 15) provide the brightest, widest light radius
• Torches (Level 14) are lightweight and stackable
• Lava buckets (Level 14) work but require careful handling

Manage Your Inventory

Since you need to hold the light source in your hand, consider:

• Keeping your mining tool in the off-hand (shield slot) if using a single-hand tool
• Switching between your pickaxe and light source as needed
• Using torches early on, then upgrading to lanterns once crafted

Combine with Placed Lights

For permanent lighting in your mine, place torches or lanterns on walls and ceilings. The hand-held dynamic light supplements these fixed sources, ensuring no dark corners remain as you explore.