How to make a Nether Star in Minecraft

This Minecraft tutorial explains how to craft a nether star with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.

In Minecraft, a nether star is an item that you can not make with a crafting table or furnace. Instead, you need to find and gather this item in the game.

nether star

Let's explore how to add a nether star to your inventory.

Supported Platforms

A nether star is available in the following versions of Minecraft:

PlatformSupported (Version*)
Java Edition (PC/Mac) Java Edition (PC/Mac)Yes (1.4.2)
Pocket Edition (PE) Pocket Edition (PE)Yes (0.16.0)
Xbox 360 Xbox 360Yes (TU19)
Xbox One Xbox OneYes (CU7)
PS3 PS3Yes (1.12)
PS4 PS4Yes (1.12)
Wii U Wii UYes
Nintendo Switch Nintendo SwitchYes
Windows 10 Edition Windows 10 EditionYes (0.16.0)
Education Edition Education EditionYes (1.0)

* The version that it was added or removed, if applicable.
NOTE: Pocket Edition (PE), Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows 10 Edition are now called Bedrock Edition. We will continue to show them individually for version history.

Where to find a Nether Star in Creative Mode

How to get a Nether Star in Survival Mode

You add a nether star to your inventory in Survival mode by killing a wither boss. So let's get started!

A wither boss does not spawn naturally in the game so you need to either build a wither boss or summon a wither boss.

wither boss

Once you have spawned a wither boss, you need to attack it. When you attack the wither boss, it will turn pink as it takes damage.

attack wither boss

Continue to chase and attack the wither boss. You will see its health bar go down as you attack it.

Once you have killed the wither boss, it will drop a nether star.

wither boss killed

Make sure you pick up the nether star before it disappears.

nether star

A nether star is a useful item and should be kept in your inventory to be used later.

Item ID and Name

Give Command for Nether Star

Things to Make with Nether Star

You can use nether stars to make items in Minecraft such as: