Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To make a water elevator in Minecraft, build an enclosed shaft, fill it with a continuous column of source water, and put soul sand at the bottom for an upward bubble column. For a downward bubble column, use magma instead. If bubbles stop partway up, check for a gap in the water column.
What you need
- Blocks to build an enclosed vertical shaft.
- Water to fill the shaft with source blocks.
- Soul sand for an upward elevator, or a magma block for a downward elevator.
- Signs for the entrance, if you want to help contain the water while leaving an opening.
How to build an upward water elevator
- Build an enclosed shaft to the height you need. Leave an entrance at the bottom and an exit at the top.
- Fill the shaft with source water from bottom to top, placing a source block at each level. A continuous column matters: a gap can stop the bubbles from rising through the shaft.
- Place soul sand in the bottom block position. The bubble column it creates carries entities upward.
- At the entrance, leave a two-block-high opening. A sign at eye level can help contain the water while preserving the entrance.
- Test the elevator by entering the water column and checking that the bubbles carry you upward to the exit.
How to make the elevator go down
Use the same enclosed shaft and continuous source-water column, but place a magma block at the base instead of soul sand. Magma produces a downward bubble column.
| Direction | Block at the base | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Up | Soul sand | Creates an upward bubble column. |
| Down | Magma block | Creates a downward bubble column. |
Troubleshooting a bubble column that stops early
- Check for missing source water. Inspect each level of the shaft and fill any gap so the water column is continuous.
- Check for an interruption. Make sure nothing breaks the water column between the base and the point where bubbles stop.
- Test the full route again. Once the column is continuous, check that the bubbles reach the intended exit.
Version note
The documented construction steps describe the general mechanics and do not establish whether every detail is identical across Java Edition, Bedrock Edition, or specific game versions. If you need the build to work in a particular version, test it in that version.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Bestseller No. 2
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
Best Value
Sale
Ravensburger Minecraft Labyrinth - A Strategic Maze Challenge Featuring Steve, Alex, Creepers, Spiders,Llamas, and More - Fun Family Game for 2-4 Players - Ages 7 and Up
- The Minecraft Labyrinth invites 2-4 people aged 7 and over to immerse themselves in the world of Minecraft, move corridors and search for hidden characters and items
- The classic in the look of the well-known and popular computer game Minecraft! The labyrinth has been delighting children and adults for decades and has become a highlight among board games
- A fun family game for children and adults: This board game for ages 7 and up is a must-have in any game collection! Simple rules, entertaining games and exciting rounds ensure long-lasting fun
- A search and slide game that challenges and encourages logical thinking in a playful way
- A great gift or souvenir for all Minecraft fans: the characteristic illustrations provide an authentic gaming experience
Rank #4
Mattel Games UNO Minecraft Card Game with Storage Tin,Ages 7+
- The classic UNO card game builds fun on game night with a Minecraft theme.
- UNO Minecraft features a deck and storage tin decorated with graphics from the popular video game.
- Players match colors and numbers to the card on top of the discard pile as in the classic game.
- The Creeper card unique to this deck forces other players to draw 3 cards.
- Makes a great gift for kid, teen, adult and family game nights with 2 to 10 players ages 7 years and older, especially Minecraft and video game fans.
Rank #3
Minecraft | Java & Bedrock Deluxe Collection | Windows Digital Code
- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition, three Bedrock add-ons, three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE YOUR WORLD — Build whatever you imagine in an infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE AND CRAFT — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, then craft your way through a sandbox world filled with surprises.
- SURVIVE THE ADVENTURE — Face mysterious foes, travel across exciting landscapes, and venture into perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Play cross-platform with friends in Bedrock Edition on console, mobile, and PC, or join community servers in Java Edition on PC, Mac, and Linux. Online console multiplayer requires a platform-specific subscription (sold separately).
Rank #2
Minecraft
- Skins! We have biome settlers, city folk, town folk, and more!
- The Nether and all its inhabitants. Fight Ghasts and make friends with Pigmen
- Cross platform play for up to five players between Pocket Edition and Windows 10
- Revamped touch controls, controller support, and a controller mapping screen
- Enhanced Weather effects! Accumulating snow and more
#1 Best Overall
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone. 
