Players consider diamonds a precious resource in Minecraft, and finding them may be hard. This makes them coveted by many, both in single-player and multiplayer mode. This is what gave rise to numerous “guaranteed” tactics. While we love to see a big community come together and put time and effort over the years, it makes no sense to go at it without a plan, hoping for a streak of luck. Additionally, with the random generation of Minecraft worlds, there is no one proven way. Instead, there are several facts and pointers you should heed to learn how to find diamonds in Minecraft. Let’s begin.
A Minecraft version distinction you must know
Microsoft introduced lots of new stuff with Minecraft version 1.8. However, they also decided to overhaul some parts of the game, and the way diamonds spawn was one. Without going in-depth, they presented new biomes. To adjust to the newly added biomes, they expanded the Minecraft world to go from 320 blocks high (peak) to -64 blocks deep (the lowest point, i.e., the bedrock level).
Hence, depending on the version of your game, you should either upgrade or look at older guides (before November 30, 2021). The basics of going on a hunt for Minecraft diamonds stay true, however. We’ll mention them, so there’s still something in it for you. With all that said, let’s dive into finding Minecraft diamonds in version 1.18 and later.
Where to find diamonds in Minecraft v. 1.18
Unlike Minecraft version 1.17 and earlier, diamond ores now spawn below the height of Y=16 and can generate to the deepest layer, i.e., Y=-64. The fact you may have known from playing the game over the years is still true—the deeper you go, the more of the diamonds there will be. Likewise, there will be more diamonds near lava, hence we suggest bringing a water bucket—more on that later.
These numbers won’t mean a thing unless you know how to show coordinates in Minecraft. It’s also pivotal you keep in mind that coordinates show the block your feet occupy, not the one they’re on. Thus, diamonds begin spawning at layer Y=15. That’s not all—diamonds primarily spawn in groups of 1 to 4 toward the upper limit.
However, there are more of them, and they’re closely packed the deeper you go, i.e., reach what the designers call the diamond deep slate ores. You’ll recognize them by the color—they are darker than the regular diamond ores. These often spawn in underwater ravines and the newly added dripstone caves and lush caves.
All this leads us to conclude you’ll find the largest amount of diamonds in one place between Y=-58 and Y=-64 levels. According to some analysis, layer Y=-59 has the maximum number of diamonds, closely followed by Y=-60, and Y=-58 in third place. Moreover, diamonds spawn in all biomes in Overworld at the same depth but not in the Nether.
Things required for mining diamonds in Minecraft
Even if you were to run into a diamond ore vein by accident, you wouldn’t be able to pick diamonds up without preparation. By this, we mean you should bring this when attempting to find diamonds in Minecraft:
- Pickaxe: Unless you start mining a diamond ore with an Iron Pickaxe (or stronger Pickaxe tool), your effort will be fruitless. You’ll only expend the tool’s durability without ever breaking the ore.
- Lighting: Since you’re descending into the bowels of the in-game Earth, you’ll need light and plenty of it. Not only will it allow you to see where you’re going, but also prevent hostile mobs (deadly ones, might we add) from spawning in the dark. Refer to our guides on making a Torch in Minecraft or crafting a Lantern in Minecraft.
- Food: Going to the center of the earth, so to say, doesn’t mean your hunger disappears. Thus, stock up on food if you plan to avoid starvation far below the surface.
- Weapons: We mentioned hostile mobs and that light provides safety. However, not only can you accidentally create a blind spot, but also likely uncover a cave. With weapons, that’s a good thing, as it means diamonds. Without, it probably means certain death.
- Water Bucket: Diamonds spawn in greater numbers near lava, and, well, lava is deadly. Besides removing the burn effect, a water bucket can turn lava into obsidian instantly, allowing you to pass without damage. Also, a block of water negates fall damage. Thus, if you accidentally fall into a ravine, pop it underneath you to prevent dying.
Best diamonds mining technique for Minecraft
As long as you’re on the right level and remain wary of the dangers, you can dig in any direction you want. However, you’ll likely miss some diamonds. If you seek organization, here are two top mining techniques Minecraft players use:
1. Branch mining
This is a method that provides the best use of your time and effort and is simple to execute. Unfortunately, it also makes it easy to get lost, since it’ll resemble a labyrinth after a time. Branch mining involves digging to a certain depth, say Y=-59. Then, start digging straight in a 2 (h)×1 (w) pattern as long as you want—essentially a tunnel. Once you feel you’re done, go back to the beginning, and start new tunnels two blocks apart in any direction you want. That way, you see blocks in all directions from within a tunnel, but don’t have to dig all the ore in-between tunnels.
2. Strip mining
Strip mining is a popular mining method for Minecraft that hinges on two facts:
- There can only be so many diamonds in one chunk (16×16 blocks) so branch mining a tunnel two blocks apart may be a waste of time.
- You might have struck a poorly diamond-populated level.
It’s also straightforward: select a level, and dig everything in a 16×16 block square. If there are no diamonds, move to a level above or below. Once you exhaust all levels from the optimal range, repeat the process on a different chunk.
Where can I loot diamonds in Minecraft?
The methods above were about diamond ores and required you to bring a pickaxe. There’s an alternative that involves looting diamonds. You can find raw Minecraft diamonds (diamond gems, essentially) in these containers:
- Stronghold altar chest
- Village chest
- Buried treasure
- Chests in a Mineshaft
- Shipwreck treasure chest
- Jungle temple chest
- Desert temple chest
- End city chest
- Fortress chest