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.
Pillars
Pillars is a last-player-standing minigame where everyone starts on their own pillar high above the void with blocks and a knockback weapon. Bridge across, knock or break other players off, and be the last one who has not fallen.
How does Pillars work?
Each player stands on a narrow pillar over the void. You get building blocks and a weapon with knockback, and the map has nothing else to hide behind. You can bridge toward another player and knock them off, or break the blocks under them. Whoever is still standing at the end wins.
Because there is no floor, every hit that pushes someone off the edge is a kill. In vanilla Minecraft, falling far enough below the world drains about 4 HP every half-second regardless of armour, so there is no coming back.
How does knockback decide Pillars?
A sprint hit (hitting while sprinting) deals extra knockback and stacks with the Knockback enchantment, which goes up to level II. minecraft.wiki's PvP guide explains that the goal of a sprint-knockback hit is to send the opponent up and out of reach; on a pillar that sends them into the void. Jumping as you are hit (a jump-reset) reduces how far you fly.
How do you win Pillars?
- Build a wider platform first so you are harder to knock off.
- Bridge with your back to the void as little as possible; see bridging.
- Break the blocks under players who bridge toward you.
- Let others fight first when only a few are left.
Where can you play Pillars?
/g; see Minigames on Artemis PvP.Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.