How do compasses work in Minecraft?

Compasses in Minecraft work like compasses in the real world as long as players aren't in the Nether.

A compass in Minecraft can be a great tool for players that need a sense of direction. After a player makes a compass out of iron and Redstone, it can work similarly to one in the real world. The compass needle points north no matter what direction the player is standing.

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Compasses in Minecraft

On the surface

Image via Mojang

While a player is on the surface of Minecraft, they can use a compass to navigate around their world. They can also add a compass to their map and create a locator map.

A locator map will show players where they are on the map and what direction they're facing. Locator maps can be made of a crafting table.

In Minecraft, the red needle always points towards the world spawn point. World spawn point refers to the location where players spawn for the first time in a new world. Minecraft compasses do not point towards the North or any specific direction, unlike real-life compasses.

Players can use a compass on lodestone to make a lodestone compass, which always points towards that lodestone block. If the block is broken or is inside another dimension, the lodestone compass will start spinning randomly in all directions.

In the Nether

Image via Mojang

When a player attempts to take a compass or a clock into the Nether, they behave differently. The compass needle points to several locations and does not stay still.

The red needle on a compass while in the Nether is constantly moving. The needle doesn't move in one direction as if the Nether is spinning under the player. Instead, the needle changes directions abruptly. Even if the player is completely still, the needle will not stop moving. The same can be said for the clock in Minecraft.