Minecraft cheats are in-game slash commands that let you modify nearly every aspect of your world, from teleporting across the map to changing the weather or giving yourself rare items. Officially called "commands," these built-in tools work without any mods and are the fastest way to save time, experiment, or just have fun in your own single-player world.
What are Minecraft cheats (commands)?
Minecraft cheats, officially known as commands, are text-based instructions you type into the chat window to alter gameplay mechanics, spawn items, control time and weather, or manage entities and players. Unlike mods, commands are part of the base game and work on both Bedrock and Java editions.
How to enable Minecraft cheats in your world
Before you can use any command, you need to enable cheats in your world. The process differs slightly depending on which edition of Minecraft you play.
Bedrock Edition (Windows, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, Mobile)
Open your world's settings by pausing the game or selecting the world from the main menu. Navigate to the "Game" tab in the settings menu and toggle on "Allow Cheats." Note that enabling cheats in a Bedrock world will permanently prevent players from unlocking achievements in that world, even if you later disable cheats.
Java Edition (PC, Mac, Linux)
When creating a new world in Java Edition, turn on the "Allow Commands" option in the world creation screen. For an existing world, you can temporarily enable commands by opening the world to LAN and selecting "Allow Commands: ON" in the LAN settings. This workaround lets you use cheats in your current world without starting over.
How to use a command in Minecraft
To use a command, open the chat window by pressing the "T" key on PC (or tapping the chat button on mobile/console). Type a forward slash ("/") followed by the command syntax, then press Enter. All commands must start with the slash to be recognized by the game.
20 Minecraft cheats you should know
Here are 20 essential commands that cover the most useful ways to control your world, manage your inventory, and experiment with gameplay. Each one is simple to type and can dramatically change how you play.
1. /help, get command information
When you're unsure what a command does or how to use it, /help is your best friend. Type "/help" to list all available commands, or "/help " to see specific syntax and usage for a particular command.
2. /give, spawn any item
The /give command places specified items directly into a player's inventory, making it perfect for getting rare blocks or resources without mining. Its syntax is "/give [amount]", for example, "/give Steve Minecraft:diamond 10" gives Steve ten diamonds instantly.
3. /teleport, move instantly
Say goodbye to long journeys across the map. The /teleport (or /tp) command moves players or entities to specific coordinates, to another player, or to structures. Use "/tp " to teleport to exact coordinates, or "/tp " to teleport to another player's location.
4. /kill, eliminate entities
The /kill command instantly eliminates entities, including mobs, animals, and even yourself. Typing "/kill" with no arguments kills the player executing it, while "/kill @e[type=!Minecraft:player]" kills all entities except players, perfect for clearing out a hostile mob infestation without dying.
5. /time set, change the time of day
Control the in-game clock with /time set. Set it to "day" (1000 ticks/sunrise), "noon" (6000 ticks), "night" (13000 ticks), or "midnight" (18000 ticks). This command lets you skip the darkness or enjoy daylight whenever you need it.
6. /weather, control the sky
The /weather command sets the world's weather to "clear," "rain," or "thunder," and can include an optional duration in seconds.
7. /gamerule doDaylightCycle, stop time
This stops the day/night cycle entirely, keeping your world in a permanent state of day or night.
8. /gamerule keepInventory, save your items
Losing all your gear on death is frustrating. The case-sensitive command "/gamerule keepInventory true" prevents players from losing their inventory items and experience points upon death.
9. /difficulty, set mob hostility
Switch between peaceful, easy, normal, and hard modes with the /difficulty command. "/difficulty peaceful" ensures mobs don't attack you, letting you focus purely on building and exploring without combat interruptions.
10. /gamemode creative, unlimited building
Activate creative mode with "/gamemode creative" to gain the ability to fly and access unlimited blocks and items. In this mode, mobs won't attack you, and you can build freely without worrying about resources or survival mechanics.
11. /gamemode survival, standard play
Switch back to survival mode with "/gamemode survival" to return to standard gameplay with resource gathering, health management, and mob attacks. This command is useful when you're done building and want to test your creations in a survival setting.
12. /locate, find structures and biomes
Never wander aimlessly again. The /locate command finds the nearest specified biome or structure, using syntax like "/locate structure Minecraft:stronghold" to provide its coordinates.
13. /summon, create a mob or entity
The /summon command creates any entity at your position, from creepers and zombies to lightning bolts and even custom mobs.
14. /fill, place blocks in bulk
Building large structures manually takes forever. The /fill command fills a rectangular region between two sets of coordinates with a specified block, using the format "/fill [mode]." This is perfect for creating walls, floors, or entire rooms in seconds.
15. /effect, apply status effects
Give yourself or other players potion effects like speed, night vision, or regeneration with the /effect command.
16. /enchant, upgrade your gear
Enchant the item in your hand with any enchantment at any level using /enchant.
17. /xp, add experience levels
Grant yourself or another player experience points or levels with the /xp command.
18. /clear, empty an inventory
Remove all items or a specific item from your or another player's inventory with /clear.
19. /clone, copy a structure
Duplicate any structure by copying a region of blocks from one location to another with /clone. Use "/clone " to copy buildings, redstone contraptions, or terrain features.
20. /seed, reveal the world seed
Display the world generation seed with /seed so you can recreate the same map in a new world. This is perfect for sharing interesting worlds with friends or starting a fresh playthrough with the same terrain.
Play your way with Minecraft cheats
These 20 commands let you customize your Minecraft experience, whether you're building massive structures, exploring dangerous biomes, or just experimenting with game mechanics. From teleportation to weather control, each command gives you more freedom to play the way you want. And if you're ready to take customization even further, check out our list of the "30 all-time best Minecraft mods that'll get you hooked" for even more ways to transform your world.
