5 best blocks to build with in Minecraft 1.21 update

Minecraft 1.21, otherwise known as the Tricky Trials update, introduced more than a few new in-game blocks. Though some are more functional than others and many are of the copper or tuff variety, there are plenty of great blocks in this update to use in future builds. Players can always have a preference, but they may want to experiment with some of these new blocks while building incredible structures.

With that in mind, it doesn't hurt to examine some of the best Minecraft 1.21 blocks to use for building. Whether they're sturdy, have additional functions, or simply look great in general, here are some excellent blocks that fans should try integrating into their builds.

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Five of the best Minecraft 1.21 blocks to build with

1) Copper Grate

Copper grates provide a plethora of colors and some visibility in Minecraft 1.21 (Image via Mojang)

In Minecraft 1.21, Copper Grates can either be found naturally generated in trial chambers or they can be crafted with four standard blocks of copper. They offer limited transparency thanks to their grated nature and come in multiple colors based on their current oxidation stage. However, if players don't want these blocks to change color over time, they can be waxed by combining them with a honeycomb via a crafting table.

While not the sturdiest blocks ever, copper grates would be an excellent pick for steampunk or overall industrial builds, and they could have plenty of applications outside of these themes as well.

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2) Copper Bulb

Copper bulbs are the latest light source to arrive in Minecraft 1.21 (Image via Mojang)

Minecraft has plenty of light source blocks, and the 1.21 update introduced a new one in the form of copper bulbs. In addition to being found in trial chambers, they can be crafted with blocks of copper, redstone dust, and blaze rods in a crafting table interface. When supplied with a redstone pulse, these blocks will give off a light based on their oxidation level.

Moreover, copper bulbs can send a signal strength of 15 to redstone comparators regardless of oxidation, making them an intriguing addition to redstone machines. Like other copper blocks, they can also be waxed with honeycombs to prevent oxidation, and they make for quality industrial or steampunk-themed creations.

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3) Chiseled Tuff

Chiseled tuff blocks have a unique pattern texture in Minecraft 1.21 (Image via Mojang)

In addition to naturally generating in trial chambers, chiseled tuff blocks can be crafted by combining two tuff slabs via a crafting table or placing standard tuff blocks in a stonecutter. Although they are pretty fragile with a hardness stat of 1.5, chiseled tuff blocks have a very aesthetically pleasing spiral-like pattern on their textures that can be applied to multiple builds.

As a stone-like block, chiseled tuff should fit well in medieval builds as well as those going for an ancient look like temples, settlements, or similar archetypes. Chiseled tuff could also make for very interesting stonework when incorporated into more modern-styled builds.

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4) Chiseled Copper

Chiseled copper's metallic look is great for many different Minecraft 1.21 builds (Image via Mojang)

Arguably the most industrial-feeling building blocks in the Minecraft 1.21 update come in the form of chiseled copper, which can be found in trial chambers and crafted via crafting tables by combining two cut copper slabs or by placing blocks of copper or cut copper blocks in a stonecutter. Chiseled copper has a very intriguing texture. It oxidizes and can be waxed like other copper blocks.

Thanks to its variable color palette and detailed metallic texture, chiseled copper can serve well in a wide range of builds, both modern and antiquated. It's also a natural fit in technological builds, machines, or retrofuturistic/industrial/steampunk designs.

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5) Polished Tuff Wall

Polished tuff walls complement Minecraft builds that use stone blocks magnificently (Image via Mojang)

While these tuff blocks aren't the sturdiest in the 1.21 update, they do benefit from a nicely muted color scheme that allows players to implement them into builds across a wide variety of themes. They're easily craftable by combining six polished tuff blocks with a crafting table or placing polished tuff in a stonecutter. They have a neutral and clean texture that makes polished tuff very flexible for builds.

Because it's such a versatile block, players are encouraged to incorporate polished tuff walls into a wide variety of different builds. They won't always work out as intended, but fans might surprise themselves with just how well these new walls incorporate into their newly built structures.