This Minecraft tutorial explains how to craft soul sand with screenshots and step-by-step instructions.
When walking on soul sand, you will sink down a bit and slow down. Soul sand is an item that you can not make with a crafting table or furnace. Instead, you need to find and gather this item in the game.
Let’s explore how to add soul sand to your inventory.
TIP: When you walk on soul sand, you will move very slowly. So make sure you don’t walk across soul sand in the middle of a mob battle.
Where to find Soul Sand in Creative Mode
Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
Here is where you can find soul sand in the Creative Inventory menu:
Platform
Version(s)
Creative Menu Location
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
1.8 – 1.19
Building Blocks
Java Edition (PC/Mac)
1.19.3
Natural Blocks
Platform is the platform that applies.
Version(s) is the Minecraft version numbers where the item can be found in the menu location listed (we have tested and confirmed this version number).
Creative Menu Location is the location of the item in the Creative Inventory menu.
How to get Soul Sand in Survival Mode
You can add soul sand to your inventory in Survival mode by finding a block of soul sand to dig up. So, let’s get started!
1. Find a Block of Soul Sand
First, you need to find a block of soul sand in your Minecraft world. Soul sand is found in the Nether.
This is what soul sand looks like:
TIP: If you are having trouble seeing in the Nether, try drinking a Potion of Night Vision.
2. Mine the Soul Sand
You can use a tool or your hand to mine the soul sand. In this example, we will use our hand.
The game control to mine the soul sand depends on the version of Minecraft:
For Java Edition (PC/Mac), left click and hold on the block of soul sand.
For Pocket Edition (PE), you tap and hold on the block of soul sand.
For Xbox 360 and Xbox One, press and hold the RT button on the Xbox controller.
For PS3 and PS4, press and hold the R2 button on the PS controller.
For Wii U, press and hold the ZR button on the gamepad.
For Nintendo Switch, press and hold the ZR button on the controller.
For Windows 10 Edition, left click and hold on the block of soul sand.
For Education Edition, left click and hold on the block of soul sand.
You will need to continue to dig until the block breaks and a smaller block of soul sand finally appears. The block of soul sand will float on the ground.
3. Pick up the Soul Sand
Make sure you pick up the soul sand before it disappears.
Once you pick up the soul sand, it will appear in your hotbar.
Soul Sand is a useful item and should be kept in your inventory to be used later.
Item ID and Name
Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
In Minecraft, soul sand has the following Name, ID and DataValue:
Item
Description
(Minecraft ID Name)
Minecraft ID
Data Value
Stack Size
Platform
Version(s)
Soul Sand
(minecraft:soul_sand)
88
0
64
Java
1.8 – 1.12
Soul Sand
(minecraft:soul_sand)
88
64
Java
1.13 – 1.19.3
Description is what the item is called and (Minecraft ID Name) is the string value that is used in game commands.
Minecraft ID is the Internal number for the item.
Data Value (or damage value) identifies the variation of the block if more than one type exists for the Minecraft ID.
Stack Size is the maximum stack size for this item. While some items in Minecraft are stackable up to 64, other items can only be stacked up to 16 or 1. (NOTE: These stack sizes are for vanilla Minecraft only. If you are running a mod, some mods may change the stack size for an item.)
Platform is the platform that applies.
Version(s) is the Minecraft version numbers that the Minecraft ID and Name are valid for.
Give Command for Soul Sand
Give Command in Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac)
In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.13, 1.14, 1.15, 1.16, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 and 1.19.3, the /give command for Soul Sand is:
/give @p soul_sand 1
In Minecraft Java Edition (PC/Mac) 1.8, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11 and 1.12, the /give command for Soul Sand is:
/give @p soul_sand 1 0
Things to Make with Soul Sand
You can use soul sand to make items in Minecraft such as:
How to make a Soul Torch How to make a Soul Campfire
Things to Do with Soul Sand
Here are some activities that you can do with soul sand in Minecraft:
How to Build a Wither Boss How to Make a Nether Wart Farm