Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, community sites named in the text and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Explosion Damage in PvP
Explosion damage depends on the explosion's power, how close you are and how much of you is in its line of sight. A TNT blast right next to you deals up to 56 health on Normal and 84.5 on Hard. End crystals (power 6) and beds or anchors (power 5) hit even harder, which is why crystal fighters stack Blast Protection and totems.
How strong is each explosion?
| Source | Power | Reaches entities up to |
|---|---|---|
| Ghast fireball | 1 | 2 blocks |
| Creeper | 3 | 6 blocks |
| TNT, TNT minecart (base) | 4 | 8 blocks |
| Bed or respawn anchor (wrong dimension) | 5 | 10 blocks |
| End crystal, charged creeper | 6 | 12 blocks |
From minecraft.wiki's explosion table. TNT minecarts can reach power 11.5 when moving fast; see TNT minecarts.
How is the damage worked out?
minecraft.wiki: an impact value is calculated from your distance (falling to zero at twice the power) times your exposure, the share of rays from the blast that reach you. Damage then rises with that impact and the power. Anyone in range takes at least 1 damage even when fully covered. Only the single biggest explosion in a tick counts. See explosion mechanics.
Does difficulty change explosion damage?
For players, yes: Peaceful takes none, Easy takes about half (half plus 1, never more than Normal), Normal takes the full amount and Hard takes 1.5 times. That is why the TNT page lists 56 on Normal but 84.5 on Hard.
How do you protect yourself?
- Blast Protection: 8% explosion damage resistance per level; in Java also explosion knockback resistance, two Blast Protection IV pieces cancelling it.
- Cover: blocks between you and the blast lower your exposure.
- Shields: block explosion damage from the front.
- Totems for crystal fights; see crystal PvP.
- Height: the PvP guide notes crystal damage is far higher if your legs are level with or above the crystal.
Enchantment details: PvP enchantments.
Does TNT hurt players in factions raids?
Yes, if they are in range: defenders near a breach can be hit by the same TNT breaking the walls. Loading a cannon is also risky, which is why buffer cannons keep the loader 8 blocks away; see loading types.
Frequently asked questions
How much damage does TNT do to a player?
Up to 56 health on Normal difficulty and 84.5 on Hard when right next to it.
What explosion is strongest in PvP?
End crystals and charged creepers (power 6); a fast TNT minecart can reach 11.5.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.