Updated 23 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Beacons: Pyramid, Range and Effects
A beacon sits on a pyramid of iron, gold, emerald, diamond or netherite blocks and gives everyone nearby a status effect. A full 4-level pyramid takes 164 blocks, reaches 50 blocks and unlocks Strength, a level II effect or Regeneration.
How do you make and activate a beacon?
A beacon is crafted from glass, obsidian and a Nether star, which the Wither drops. Place it on top of a pyramid of mineral blocks with a clear view of the sky. Any mix of iron, gold, emerald, diamond or netherite blocks works; the type is purely cosmetic.
How big does a beacon pyramid need to be?
| Level | Mineral blocks | Layers | Range | Unlocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 9 | 3x3 | 20 blocks | Speed, Haste |
| 2 | 34 | 5x5 + 3x3 | 30 blocks | Resistance, Jump Boost |
| 3 | 83 | 7x7 + 5x5 + 3x3 | 40 blocks | Strength |
| 4 | 164 | 9x9 + 7x7 + 5x5 + 3x3 | 50 blocks | Regeneration or level II primary |
The range in this table is Java Edition's. The effect is refreshed for a duration of the pyramid size x 2 + 9 seconds, and its reach is also limited by the simulation distance.
How do you choose the beacon effect?
Open the beacon and pay one iron ingot, gold ingot, emerald, diamond or netherite ingot (it does not matter which), then pick a Primary Power. With a 4-level pyramid you can also pick a Secondary Power: Regeneration, or the primary power raised to level II. Changing the power costs another item. If the pyramid breaks and you repair it, the old powers come back for free.
Why build a beacon?
- Haste II speeds up mining a lot.
- Regeneration heals you nearby, one of the few heals in UHC.
- Speed and Jump Boost help around a base.
- The beam is a landmark you can see from far away.
Are there beacons on ArtemisPvP?
Frequently asked questions
How many blocks for a full beacon?
164 mineral blocks for a 4-level pyramid.
What is the range of a full beacon?
50 blocks in Java Edition.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.