Spectral Arrow — Minecraft block

Spectral Arrow

Spectral Arrow is a Java Edition arrow that applies Glowing, outlining the target through walls for 10 seconds.

Block ID minecraft:spectral_arrow
Mod Vanilla
Game versions
1.21

Description

Spectral Arrow is a Java-Edition-exclusive projectile in Minecraft that applies the Glowing status effect to any entity it hits for 10 seconds. Glowing renders a white outline around the target that remains visible through blocks at any range, making Spectral Arrow the standard tool for tracking mobs, players, or runaway animals across caves, forests, and PvP arenas. The outline appears in the entity's scoreboard team color when applicable. Spectral Arrow deals the same damage as a regular Arrow (2 to 11 hearts depending on bow charge and critical hit) and can be fired from both bows and crossbows. A Multishot crossbow loaded with one Spectral Arrow fires three glowing-applying projectiles in a spread. Spectral Arrow was added in Java Edition 1.9 (the Combat Update) and is not present in Bedrock Edition. The Infinity bow enchantment does not preserve Spectral Arrows; each shot consumes one from the inventory. Spectral Arrows also cannot be retrieved after striking a block or entity in Survival mode. The crafting recipe places 1 Arrow in the center of a 3×3 grid surrounded by 4 Glowstone Dust on the cardinal sides, yielding 2 Spectral Arrows per craft.

How to craft

How to craft Spectral Arrow in Minecraft

  1. 1

    Open the crafting table

    Place a Crafting Table and open its 3×3 grid in Java Edition.

  2. 2

    Place the base arrow

    Put 1 Arrow in the center slot of the 3×3 grid.

  3. 3

    Add Glowstone Dust

    Place 1 Glowstone Dust on each cardinal side of the arrow (top, bottom, left, right) — 4 dust total.

  4. 4

    Collect the result

    The output slot yields 2 Spectral Arrows per craft. Move them to your inventory.

  5. 5

    Load and fire

    Equip a Bow or Crossbow, hold Spectral Arrows in the hotbar, and shoot — the target glows for 10 seconds.

Java Edition only

Spectral Arrow does not exist in Bedrock Edition. On Bedrock, the Glowing effect can only be applied through commands, beacons, or Tipped Arrows configured by data packs/add-ons.

How to craft this block

Ingredients:
Glowstone Dust Glowstone Dust x4
Arrow Arrow x1
Crafting
Glowstone Dust
Glowstone Dust
Arrow
Glowstone Dust
Glowstone Dust
Spectral Arrow
2
Spectral Arrow

Related blocks

Frequently asked questions

Does Spectral Arrow work in Bedrock Edition?

No. Spectral Arrow is a Java-Edition-exclusive item. Bedrock Edition has no Spectral Arrow; the Glowing effect on Bedrock can only come from commands, beacons, or add-ons.

How long does the Glowing effect from a Spectral Arrow last?

The Glowing effect lasts exactly 10 seconds, drawing a white outline around the hit entity that is visible through walls at any render distance.

What is the crafting recipe for Spectral Arrow?

Place 1 Arrow in the center of a 3×3 grid and 1 Glowstone Dust on each of the four cardinal sides. One craft produces 2 Spectral Arrows.

Does Infinity work with Spectral Arrows?

No. The Infinity enchantment does not preserve Spectral Arrows. Every shot consumes one Spectral Arrow from the inventory, even with an Infinity bow.

Can a Crossbow fire Spectral Arrows?

Yes. Crossbows can load and fire Spectral Arrows. A Crossbow with Multishot fires three Spectral Arrows in a spread, each applying Glowing on hit.

Can I pick up a Spectral Arrow after shooting it?

No. Spectral Arrows cannot be retrieved in Survival mode after striking a block or entity. Only Creative players can recover them.