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.
PvP Traps: How They Work
Many traps have three parts: a lure that draws the target in, a trigger that the target sets off, and a damage source that does the work. In a simple landmine, the lure is a base behind it, the trigger a pressure plate and the damage TNT.
Which triggers are used?
| Trigger | What it detects (minecraft.wiki) |
|---|---|
| Wooden pressure plate | Any entity, including thrown items; full signal |
| Stone pressure plate | Only players and mobs; full signal |
| Weighted pressure plates | Signal grows with the number of entities |
| Observer | Block changes: an ore being mined, a chest opening, TNT lighting |
| String with tripwire hooks | Anything walking through; hard to see, but shears cut it silently |
| Button | A press; minecraft.wiki's trap design guide says the target must be tricked into thinking it does something else, like opening a door |
| Daylight sensor | Time of day |
| Lectern | The page someone turns to, a nasty lure for a 'secret book' |
What does the damage?
- TNT: the most common; TNT minecarts go off almost instantly. See TNT minecarts.
- Fall damage: the cheapest; a pit, ideally with pointed dripstone.
- Pistons pushing players into pits or lava.
- Dispensers firing arrows, lava or fire.
- Nether portals and mobs, for more creative traps.
How are traps used in PvP?
To defend bases (catching raiders who get past the walls), to punish chasers (leading them over a landmine) and to slow intruders. minecraft.wiki's PvP guide suggests leading a chasing enemy over a premade trap. See war planning and base security.
Where can I see trap designs?
Trap types: explosive and pitfall traps. Design principles and disarming: trap design and disarming. Redstone basics: redstone basics.
Are traps allowed on ArtemisPvP?
Check the rules before building traps, especially near other players' land.
Frequently asked questions
What are the parts of a Minecraft trap?
A lure, a trigger and a damage source.
Which pressure plate only detects players and mobs?
The stone pressure plate.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.