Key Takeaways
- Copper tools are better than stone but worse than iron—use them only if iron is scarce.
- Copper armor offers a cost-effective alternative to iron gear in the early game.
- The update is in testing, so stats and functionality may change before full release.
Minecraft’s long-awaited Copper Update introduces a new tier of craftable equipment. Copper tools and armor aim to bridge the gap between stone and iron gear, but are they truly worth using, or just another shiny distraction?
Copper Tools vs Stone and Iron: A Middle Ground
Copper tools, available in the game’s experimental preview, offer improved durability and mining speed compared to stone, but still fall short of iron. Players starting a new world may find themselves tempted by the ease of crafting copper gear, as copper ore drops twice as many resources per block than iron.
However, the functional benefits may not justify the detour. Copper axes and pickaxes are noticeably faster than stone but can’t mine key resources like redstone, gold, or diamonds. This means players must carry both copper and iron tools—or just skip copper altogether in favor of iron’s versatility and superior performance.
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Is Crafting Copper Tools Worth It?
While copper gear is easier to craft due to abundant ore deposits, it remains an optional step rather than a core upgrade path. Unless Mojang changes copper’s mineability with wooden pickaxes (currently not possible), it won’t replace stone as the true early-game tier. And since iron ore is often found at similar depths, many players will find themselves geared in iron shortly after starting out, skipping copper entirely.
Still, for those who enjoy efficiency and have limited access to iron early on, copper tools may offer a viable, if short-lived, upgrade.
Copper Armor: A Cost-Effective Alternative to Iron
Unlike copper tools, copper armor offers a compelling reason to craft. With a full set offering 5 armor points—less than iron’s 7.5 but more than leather—copper armor provides a solid early-game defense while preserving iron for essential utility items like buckets, compasses, and weapons.
Given the high ingot requirements for a full armor set (24 ingots), players often avoid crafting full iron armor early on. Copper presents a valuable alternative that reduces the pressure to choose between protection and progress.
What Else Can You Do With Copper?
Beyond tools and armor, copper remains useful for crafting blocks, lightning rods, and the long-teased copper golem. As the update remains in beta, it’s worth noting that stats and crafting mechanics could still change before the final release. Currently, only Minecraft Bedrock Edition supports the copper update via experimental features, with a Java snapshot version expected soon.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
