How to Crawl, Slide, and Fit Through One-Block Gaps

Entering the Crawl State

Crawling lets you move through spaces only one block tall, which is essential for tight tunnels and hidden bases. Press the crawl key (default is usually a modifier combined with sneak — confirm in your controls) while standing still or moving slowly. Your character will lower to the ground and your hitbox shrinks. You can now walk forward under low ceilings and through gaps that would normally block you.

Sliding for Speed

Sliding is the fast cousin of crawling. While sprinting, tap the slide key to drop into a slide that carries your momentum forward. This is useful for escaping mobs, crossing open ground quickly, or slipping under a closing door or low opening without stopping. Sliding has a cooldown and consumes momentum, so chain it with sprint jumps for maximum distance.

Getting Back Up

To stand, release the crawl key or press jump. If there is a block directly above you, you will stay crouched until you move to open space. Watch for this in mineshafts — trying to stand under a low ceiling will keep you crawling, which can be confusing if you forget why you are stuck.

Tips

• Crawling is slower than walking; use it only when height is restricted.
• You can crawl and slide on the same key setup, so test both in a safe area first.
• Combine crawl with the grab key to enter one-block-high tunnels on walls.