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.
Light Levels and Mob Spawning
Light in Minecraft runs from level 0 to 15, from sky light and block light such as torches. Most hostile mobs in the Overworld spawn only in total darkness, so lighting every block to level 1 or more stops new natural spawns.
How do light levels work?
There are 16 light levels, from 0 (dark) to 15 (full). Light comes from the sky and from light-giving blocks such as torches. On Java you can see the level in the F3 debug screen next to "Client Light".
A torch gives light level 14 at its block and loses 1 for each block away, reaching 13 blocks in taxicab distance (counting each step east, west, north, south, up or down).
What light level do mobs spawn at?
Most hostile mobs in the Overworld spawn only in complete darkness (light level 0). So lighting every floor block to 1 or more stops new natural hostile spawns. In open areas, a torch every 12 to 14 blocks is usually enough. Hostile mobs never spawn naturally within 24 blocks of a player.
Some mobs follow their own rules: slimes spawn in slime chunks below Y=40 in any light, and in swamps at light level 7 or less; see slime chunks. Spawners still need the right light for their mob.
Do plants need light?
Yes. Wheat, carrots, potatoes and beetroot need light level 9 or more at the plant, which torches can provide underground; see crop farming.
How do you light up a base?
- Ring your walls and interior corners with torches.
- Light caves near your base so mobs cannot spawn under it.
- No coal? Smelt logs into charcoal for torches.
- Use slabs or glass on roofs: most mobs cannot spawn on transparent blocks or bottom slabs.
Do ArtemisPvP mobs follow these rules?
Frequently asked questions
What light level stops mobs spawning?
Light level 1 or more stops most Overworld hostile mobs, which spawn only at 0.
How far does a torch light?
Light level 14 at the torch, dropping 1 per block.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.