Mining was pretty simple before Minecraft 1.18 update. Players can just dig down to Y level 12 to find pretty much all types of ores they want. However, this is no longer the case, as the 1.18 caves and cliffs part 2 update has completely overhauled ore spawn locations in the game. In this article, we are going to showcase a complete guide for ore distribution in Minecraft 1.18 caves and cliffs update.
Minecraft 1.18 Ore Distribution pattern
Overall, ores in Minecraft follow a triangular pattern of distribution, with spawn rates decreasing as players move up and down the Y levels. This means players need to stick to the mid point of the distribution range to get the best result. Below is the graph for ore distribution pattern in Minecraft 1.18:
Coal spawn locations
Coal is probably the most common ore in the game, with a very large distribution range. Players can find coal from Y-level 256 to Y-level 0. However, they only spawn underground and are affected by exposure to air below Y136.
This means players might not be able to find coal in caves and would have to dig for a bit to acquire it.
Copper spawn locations
Players can find copper from Y 112 to Y -16 in all biomes. Regardless of players' location, it is recommended to target Y48 to acquire copper. Its spawn rate is also significantly increased in dripstone caves, which are fairly common in 1.18.
Diamond & Redstone spawn locations
Both Diamond and Redstone in Minecraft 1.18 have a spawn range or height level between Y 16 and Y -64, which means Y -58 and Y -59 is the best height level for Diamond. Players should focus on that level to acquire these valuable resources.
Emerald spawn locations
Emerald has not changed its original spawn location on mountains. With 1.18 increasing the sizes of the mountain biomes, players will need to do much more to gather them now. The best level to hunt for Emerald is Y 232, which can only be found in tall mountain biomes.
Gold spawn locations
Gold is also one of the more common types of ore in the game, spawning from Y-level 256 all the way down to Y-level -64. However, this only applies to the Badland biome, and only if there's a landmass big enough to support it.
If players are looking for gold outside of badlands, they need to dig down from Y 32 to Y -64, with Y -16 being the best option.
Iron spawn locations
Iron is a very flexible ore. It can appear at any height, as long as there is a landmass that can support it. Y 232 is the best option to look for iron in the mountains. On the other hand, if players want to dig down, Y 16 is where they should go.
Lapis Lazuli spawn locations
Lapis Lazuli has always been a rare ore, and 1.18 does not change this issue. Players can find the mineral between Y 64 and Y -64, with a small frequency. It is possible to increase the spawn rate if players focus solely on Y 0, however, they would need to strip mine.
>>> Read more: 4 New Biomes To Be Added In Minecraft 1.19: The Wild Update