Target
Target Block emits a redstone signal proportional to how close an arrow lands to the centre — used for archery games and triggers.
Description
When any arrow, trident, or other projectile strikes the block, it emits a redstone signal whose strength varies with proximity to the centre: a perfect bullseye gives signal strength fifteen, edge hits give signal one, and intermediate landings produce intermediate values. Players use this for archery mini-games (highest score wins), automatic doors that require a precise shot to open, redstone clocks driven by repeated arrow strikes, and trap mechanisms where a thrown trident or fired arrow precisely activates a circuit at distance. Any projectile registers — arrows, tridents, snowballs, eggs, and ender pearls all trigger the signal — and an arrow that sticks to the block holds the signal longer than projectiles that bounce off.
Java & Bedrock Guide
How to craft and use a Target Block in Minecraft
-
1
Gather the materials
Collect one hay bale (nine wheat in a crafting grid) and four redstone dust from mining redstone ore below Y level fifteen.
-
2
Craft the target block
Place the hay bale in the centre of the 3x3 crafting grid and one redstone dust in the top, bottom, left, and right slots to get one Target Block.
-
3
Place and aim at it
Set the Target Block where projectiles can reach it; the closer a hit lands to the central bullseye, the stronger the redstone signal it outputs.
-
4
Wire the redstone output
Run redstone dust or a comparator from the Target Block to read signal strength one to fifteen and trigger doors, lamps, dispensers, or note blocks.
The Target Block was added in the Minecraft 1.16 Nether Update for both Java and Bedrock Edition; any projectile — arrow, trident, snowball, egg, or ender pearl — activates it.
How to craft this block
Frequently asked questions
Can you craft a Target Block?
Yes. Place one hay bale in the centre of the crafting grid and four redstone dust in a plus shape around it to make one Target Block.
What activates a Target Block?
Any projectile activates a Target Block — arrows, tridents, snowballs, eggs, and ender pearls all work. The closer the hit is to the centre, the stronger the signal.
How strong is the redstone signal from a Target Block?
A Target Block outputs a signal from one to fifteen: a dead-centre bullseye gives strength fifteen and a hit on the outer edge gives strength one.
What version added the Target Block?
The Target Block was added in the Minecraft 1.16 Nether Update and is available in both Java and Bedrock Edition.
Does an arrow keep the signal on longer than a snowball?
Yes. An arrow that sticks to the Target Block holds the redstone signal until it despawns, while projectiles that bounce off, like snowballs, give only a brief pulse.
Minecraft and all related materials are trademarks and copyrights of Mojang Studios © 2009–2026. This site is not an official Minecraft product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mojang Studios or Microsoft Corporation.