5 most important ores to mine in Minecraft 1.18 update

Minecraft 1.18 served as the biggest update Minecraft has ever received. The update, aptly named Caves and Cliffs part 2, features groundbreaking (literally) changes to Minecraft’s world and terrain generation.

Caves are now huge and hollow caverns, while mountains are now colossal in size, with mountain peaks reaching the new world limit of Y level 320.

Another massive feature Minecraft 1.18 adds is the change in ore generation and distribution. Y level 11 is no longer the best level to mine most overworld ores. Each ore has a different and unique height level at which they dominantly spawn. This article will talk about the five most important ores in Minecraft 1.18.

Top 5 ores to mine in Minecraft 1.18

5). Gold

Gold ore in Minecraft (Image via WallpaperAccess/Minecraft)

Gold ore is a rare core block found deep underground, within the Overworld realm. Gold nuggets are also available in the Nether realm, which can be used to raft gold ingots. Tools crafted with gold have significantly faster speed and efficiency, but lower durability compared to tools made with other materials.

4). Iron

Iron ore in Minecraft (Image via WallpaperAccess/Minecraft)

Iron ore is one of the best ores players can find in Minecraft 1.18's early game phase. It drops raw iron when mined with a stone pickaxe or better, and is used to craft a plethora of items, the most notable being armor, weapons, tools, shields, shears, and water buckets.

Y level 15 is the best underground level for iron, but it is found in large quantities at level 250 as well.

3). Lapis Lazuli

Lapis Lazuli is an important ore, as it allows the player to enchant their weapons, tools, and armor. It can be termed as semi-rare and can generate as low as Y level 0 and -1, which are the most profitable levels for this ore in Minecraft 1.18. Lapis is rarely exposed to air and can generate from Y level 64 to -64.

2). Diamonds

Diamond ore in Minecraft (Image via Minecraft)

One of the most sought-after ores, even in Minecraft 1.18, Diamond ore spawns below Y level 0, in the deep-slate layer of the map. It drops diamonds, which can be used to make weapons, armor, tools, enchanting tables, and more.

The most profitable level for Diamonds is level -58. Most of the ground below this level is covered by bedrock, therefore providing diamond-searching players fewer ores they can mine beneath their feet.

1). Ancient debris

Netherite, one of the rarest resources in the game, generates in the form of an ore block called Ancient debris, which can be mined only with a diamond or netherite pickaxe.

Ancient debris can be smelted to produce netherite scraps, which can be combined with gold ingots to make netherite ingots. Netherite ingots can further be combined with diamond gear to upgrade it to Netherite gear, using a Smithing table.

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The new ore distribution system enables players to take more time and search thoroughly for the ore they desire. Minecraft 1.18 came out on November 30, and since then, the players, as well as the developers, have been hyped to see how it progresses.

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Note: This article is subjective and solely reflects the opinion of the writer.