Firework Rocket

"Firework" redirects here. For other uses, see Firework (disambiguation).
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Please update this page to reflect recent updates or newly available information.
Reason: Firework rocket entity have an arrow-like model in Bedrock Edition
Firework Rocket
Firework Rocket.png: Infobox image for Firework Rocket the item entity in Minecraft
Invicon Firework Rocket.png: Inventory sprite for Firework Rocket in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Firework Rocket
Rarity tier

Common

Renewable
Stackable

Yes (64)

Size

Height: 0.25 blocks
Width: 0.25 blocks

A firework rocket is an item and entity used for creating decorative explosions, boosting when flying with elytra, and loading into a crossbow as ammunition.

Obtaining

Firework rockets can be obtained by crafting.

In Java Edition, firework rockets with no explosive effects and 3 different flight durations are available in the Creative inventory. In Bedrock Edition, 16 firework rockets with the different base colors and the "small ball" effect, and a single firework with no explosion are available in the Creative inventory; these all have a flight duration of 1.

By crafting the rocket using firework star(s), colors, trail, and explosion effects can be added to the fireworks.

Crafting

Ingredients Crafting recipe Description
Paper +
Gunpowder
Invicon Paper.png: Inventory sprite for Paper in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Paper with description: PaperInvicon Gunpowder.png: Inventory sprite for Gunpowder in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gunpowder with description: GunpowderInvicon Gunpowder.png: Inventory sprite for Gunpowder in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gunpowder with description: GunpowderInvicon Gunpowder.png: Inventory sprite for Gunpowder in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gunpowder with description: GunpowderInvicon Gunpowder.png: Inventory sprite for Gunpowder in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gunpowder with description: Gunpowder
Invicon Firework Rocket.png: Inventory sprite for Firework Rocket in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Firework Rocket3
When crafted without a firework star, the rocket does not have explosion effects. The amount of gunpowder used increases the flight duration to a maximum of three.
Any Firework Star +
Paper +
Gunpowder
Invicon White Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for White Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to White Firework Star with description: Firework Star WhiteInvicon Light Gray Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Light Gray Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Light Gray Firework Star with description: Firework Star Light GrayInvicon Gray Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Gray Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gray Firework Star with description: Firework Star GrayInvicon Black Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Black Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Black Firework Star with description: Firework Star BlackInvicon Brown Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Brown Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Brown Firework Star with description: Firework Star BrownInvicon Red Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Red Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Red Firework Star with description: Firework Star RedInvicon Orange Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Orange Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Orange Firework Star with description: Firework Star OrangeInvicon Yellow Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Yellow Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Yellow Firework Star with description: Firework Star YellowInvicon Lime Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Lime Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Lime Firework Star with description: Firework Star LimeInvicon Green Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Green Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Green Firework Star with description: Firework Star GreenInvicon Cyan Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Cyan Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Cyan Firework Star with description: Firework Star CyanInvicon Light Blue Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Light Blue Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Light Blue Firework Star with description: Firework Star Light BlueInvicon Blue Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Blue Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Blue Firework Star with description: Firework Star BlueInvicon Purple Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Purple Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Purple Firework Star with description: Firework Star PurpleInvicon Magenta Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Magenta Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Magenta Firework Star with description: Firework Star MagentaInvicon Pink Firework Star.png: Inventory sprite for Pink Firework Star in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Pink Firework Star with description: Firework Star PinkInvicon Paper.png: Inventory sprite for Paper in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Paper with description: PaperInvicon Gunpowder.png: Inventory sprite for Gunpowder in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gunpowder with description: GunpowderInvicon Gunpowder.png: Inventory sprite for Gunpowder in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gunpowder with description: GunpowderInvicon Gunpowder.png: Inventory sprite for Gunpowder in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gunpowder with description: GunpowderInvicon Gunpowder.png: Inventory sprite for Gunpowder in Minecraft as shown in-game linking to Gunpowder with description: Gunpowder
Invicon Firework Rocket.png: Inventory sprite for Firework Rocket in Minecraft as shown in-game with description: Firework Rocket3
Up to three gunpowder can be used, which increases flight duration. Any remaining spaces can be filled with firework stars to combine various effects. All firework stars explode almost simultaneously when the rocket detonates.

Usage

Launching fireworks

A firework rocket can be launched up vertically by using its item on a block. Firework rockets can also be launched from dispensers and crossbows.

Dispenser

Using firework rockets with a dispenser is different than launching it on a block. The direction the dispenser is facing launches the firework in that direction; for example, if the dispenser is facing downward, the firework goes downward instead of going up.

Crossbow

A firework rocket can be used as ammunition for crossbows, although it deals damage only if it has an explosion effect. A higher flight duration gives the firework rocket a longer range, and more damage is added per firework star. If shot from a Multishot crossbow, then 3 rockets fire with the same effects. The Piercing enchantment has no effect on firework rockets shot from a crossbow.

In Java Edition, if a firework rocket shot from a crossbow hits an entity, the rocket instantly explodes, no matter the flight duration. Attempting to do this in Bedrock Edition, however, results in the firework passing through the entity,[1] so the player must plan where to aim.

Boosting elytra

Normally, elytra can glide for a short distance, but with the use of fireworks, the player can fly a long distance, gain speed, and take off from the ground. Using a firework rocket while flying with elytra propels the player in the direction they are facing. Using a firework rocket on a block while gliding propels the player instead of launching the firework. If the rocket is equipped with a firework star of any kind, the player takes damage when it explodes.

If any entities are leashed to the player, they instantly detach from the player when they use a firework rocket while gliding with elytra.

The duration of the speed boost depends on the flight duration of the rocket - a higher flight duration means a longer boost.

Elytra flight boost duration per level of firework (somewhat random)
Firework flight duration Elytra flight boost duration
1 ~1.17 seconds
2 ~1.48 seconds
3 ~2.22 seconds

Village raids

After successfully defending a village from a raid, the villagers may celebrate by setting off firework rockets. If a firework rocket set off by a villager hits a neutral or hostile mob by accident, the mob retaliates and attacks the villager. Additionally, if a villager accidentally attacks the player by setting off a firework rocket, the player’s tamed wolves and trusting foxes attack the villager.

Behavior

Once launched, fireworks fly out vertically, with random horizontal offset up to 5 blocks. Fireworks can fly in any of the 6 directions a dispenser can point. After some time, the firework explodes into a colorful explosion based on the effects of the firework stars added upon crafting, or no explosion if no firework star was used. If multiple firework stars were added to the rocket upon crafting, they all explode simultaneously.

The explosion of a firework rocket deals damage to mobs and players that are within 5 blocks and not obstructed by solid blocks. The maximum damage of a rocket with one firework star is 7HP♥♥♥♥, with the damage decreasing with distance. Each additional firework star on the rocket adds 2HP♥ points of damage, for a maximum damage of 19HP♥ × 9.5 with 7 stars. Using commands to add additional firework stars results in more damage. The damage dealt is unaffected by any other ingredients used. The explosion does not destroy end crystals, item frames, or paintings, but does destroy armor stands and decorative pots.

There is a delay between the detonation and the player hearing the sound, emulating real fireworks, but this sound travels much more slowly than in the real world.[2][3] The explosion of a firework can be seen 64 blocks away, regardless of its height.

If the explosion exceeds the particle limit of 16,384, the oldest particles are removed before displaying new ones, resulting in severely diminished firework quality / duration. At most a firework should have 3 trail stars, more than that could waste diamonds, firework stars, and other fireworks. Particle counts per star are:

Ball type Plain Trail
Small 98 ~1300
Large 387 4000+
Star 122 ~1600
Creeper 266 ~3500
Burst 72 ~930

Twinkle effect adds 2 particles to the count.

Like most other entities, fireworks can be moved by water and explosions, and teleported via portals. They also cannot move through solid surfaced blocks: upon hitting one, they either move to a side or explode based on the duration. If a firework explodes under a block, its explosion is flattened.

Non-lethal fireworks and fireworks crafted with firework stars behave differently around terrains. Lethal fireworks when shot at a solid block explode immediately upon impact, while non-lethal fireworks glide on whatever surface they encounter along their paths for the remainder of their duration and may resume their original trajectories upon exiting the surface.

Duration and direction

Fireworks travel different heights based on the amount of gunpowder added. The number is displayed as a tag on the item's tooltip with the description of "Flight Duration".

Each firework determines its lifetime in ticks by 10 × (number of gunpowder + 1) + random value from 0 to 5 + random value from 0 to 6, after which it explodes.

When spawned by player or command, the height it rises is between 8 and 20 blocks with 1 gunpowder, 18 to 34 blocks with 2 gunpowder, and 32 to 52 blocks with 3 gunpowder. (Note: In Java Edition, it is possible to use commands to create firework rockets with higher durations. These rockets go higher and keep accelerating with virtually no terminal velocity. If the duration is long enough, the firework rocket could reach heights of over 1,000,000 blocks and speeds of over 10,000 m/s in a matter of minutes. Such fireworks with significant X and Z motions speed up sideways exponentially and reach outside the world boundary in a matter of seconds.)

When spawned, fireworks have a vertical speed of .05 and a random small X and Z speed (random value near zero with a standard deviation of .001). Each tick, the firework accelerates horizontally by multiplying its X and Z velocities by 1.15, and vertically by adding a constant factor of 0.04.

When shot from a dispenser, it travels 9 to 10 blocks with 1 gunpowder, 14 to 15 blocks with 2 gunpowder, and 19 to 20 blocks with 3 gunpowder in the direction it was dispensed. When dispensed, the firework has a random velocity close to 0.5 (with a maximum deviation of .009) in the direction it was dispensed and a random small velocity in both other directions (random value near zero with a maximum deviation of .009). The firework's velocity does not change over the lifetime of the rocket.

Fireworks can be made to travel different directions by being dispensed or launched under flowing water. The firework's direction combines with the flow of the water to go diagonally. The direction changes significantly less if the firework is shot by a dispenser instead of by hand.

Sounds

Java Edition:
Firework rockets use the Friendly Creatures sound category for entity-dependent sound events.

Sounds
SoundSubtitlesSourceDescriptionResource locationTranslation keyVolumePitchAttenuation
distance
​Firework blastsAmbient/EnvironmentWhen a non-large firework rocket explodes within a 16-block radius of the playerentity.firework_rocket.blastsubtitles.entity.firework_rocket.blast20.00.95-1.0516
​Firework blastsAmbient/EnvironmentWhen a non-large firework rocket explodes greater than 16 blocks away from the playerentity.firework_rocket.blast_farsubtitles.entity.firework_rocket.blast20.00.95-1.0516
​Firework blastsAmbient/EnvironmentWhen a large firework rocket explodes within a 16-block radius of the playerentity.firework_rocket.large_blastsubtitles.entity.firework_rocket.blast20.00.95-1.0516
​Firework blastsAmbient/EnvironmentWhen a large firework rocket explodes greater than 16 blocks away from the playerentity.firework_rocket.large_blast_farsubtitles.entity.firework_rocket.blast20.00.95-1.0516
​Firework twinklesAmbient/EnvironmentWhen a twinkle firework rocket explodes within a 16-block radius of the playerentity.firework_rocket.twinklesubtitles.entity.firework_rocket.twinkle20.00.9-1.0516
​Firework twinklesAmbient/EnvironmentWhen a twinkle firework rocket explodes greater than 16 blocks away from the playerentity.firework_rocket.twinkle_farsubtitles.entity.firework_rocket.twinkle20.00.9-1.0516
​Firework launchesAmbient/EnvironmentWhen a dispenser shoots, a player uses, or a crossbow fires a firework rocketentity.firework_rocket.launchsubtitles.entity.firework_rocket.launch3.01.016
​Firework launchesFriendly MobsWhen a dispenser fires a firework rocketentity.firework_rocket.shootsubtitles.entity.firework_rocket.launch1.01.216

Bedrock Edition:

Sounds
SoundSourceDescriptionResource locationVolumePitch
Ambient/EnvironmentWhen a non-large firework rocket explodesfirework.blast1.01.0
Ambient/EnvironmentWhen a large firework rocket explodesfirework.large_blast1.01.0
Ambient/EnvironmentWhen a twinkle firework rocket explodesfirework.twinkle1.01.0
Ambient/EnvironmentWhen a dispenser shoots, a player uses, or a crossbow fires a firework rocketfirework.launch1.01.0
Ambient/EnvironmentUnused sound eventfirework.shoot1.01.0

Data values

ID

Java Edition:

ItemIdentifierFormTranslation key
ItemSprite firework-rocket.png: Sprite image for firework-rocket in Minecraft Firework Rocketfirework_rocketItemitem.minecraft.firework_rocket
EntityIdentifierTranslation key
EntitySprite firework-rocket.png: Sprite image for firework-rocket in Minecraft Firework Rocketfirework_rocketentity.minecraft.firework_rocket

Bedrock Edition:

ItemIdentifierAlias ID Numeric ID FormTranslation key
ItemSprite firework-rocket.png: Sprite image for firework-rocket in Minecraft Firework Rocketfirework_rocketfireworks519Itemitem.fireworks.name
EntityIdentifierNumeric ID Translation key
EntitySprite firework-rocket.png: Sprite image for firework-rocket in Minecraft Firework Rocketfireworks_rocket72entity.fireworks_rocket.name

Item data

Java Edition:

  • [NBT Compound / JSON Object] components: the item's components tag.
    • [NBT Compound / JSON Object] minecraft:fireworks
      • [NBT List / JSON Array] explosions: List of the explosion effects caused by this firework rocket. Has a maximum of 256 explosions.
        • [NBT Compound / JSON Object]: A single explosion effect.
          • [String] shape: The shape of the explosion. Can be small_ball, large_ball, star, creeper or burst.
          • [NBT List / JSON Array] colors: The colors of the initial particles of the explosion, randomly selected from.
            • [Int] A color as a packed integer
          • [NBT List / JSON Array] fade_colors: The colors of the fading particles of the explosion, randomly selected from.
            • [Int] A color as a packed integer
          • [Boolean] has_trail: Whether or not the explosion has a trail effect (diamond).
          • [Boolean] has_twinkle: Whether or not the explosion has a twinkle effect (glowstone dust).
      • [Byte] flight_duration: The flight duration of this firework rocket, i.e. the number of gunpowders used to craft it. Must be an integer between -128 and 127. Defaults to 1.

Bedrock Edition:

Entity data

Java Edition:

Main article: Entity format
  • [NBT Compound / JSON Object] Entity data
    • Tags common to all entities see Template:Nbt inherit/entity/template
    • Tags common to all projectiles see Template:Nbt inherit/projectile/template
    • [NBT Compound / JSON Object] FireworksItem: The crafted firework rocket.
      • A single item stack see Template:Nbt inherit/itemnoslot/template
    • [Int] Life: The number of ticks this fireworks rocket has been flying for.
    • [Int] LifeTime: The number of ticks before this fireworks rocket explodes. This value is randomized when the firework is launched: ((Flight + 1) * 10 + random(0 to 5) + random(0 to 6))
    • [Boolean] ShotAtAngle: 1 or 0 (true/false) - If true, this firework was shot from a crossbow or dispenser.

Bedrock Edition:

See Bedrock Edition level format/Entity format.

Advancements

IconAdvancementIn-game descriptionActual requirements (if different)
BullseyeHit the bullseye of a Target block from at least 30 meters awayBe at least 30 blocks away horizontally when the center of a target is shot with a projectile by the player.
Ol' BetsyShoot a Crossbow

History

Java Edition
November 24, 2012Jeb stated that there may be fireworks in Minecraft at the Future Updates with the Minecraft PC Team panel at MINECON 2012.
December 5, 2012Jeb released the first image of fireworks, along with the information that colors, fade, height, effects and shapes are craftable.
December 7, 2012Jeb mentions that fireworks should probably scare wolves and potentially have other effects on mobs.
1.4.612w49a Added firework rockets.
Firework rockets cannot be obtained within the Creative inventory.
12w50aAdded sound and more effects to firework rockets.
1.915w32aUsing fireworks now plays the hand animation.
1.1016w20aThe firework rocket crafting recipe now produces 3 rockets, rather than 1.
1.11.116w50aFirework rockets can now cause damage to entities that are within their explosion radius.
Firework rockets can now boost players while flying with elytra.
1.1317w47aThe fade effects on fireworks can now be added by combining the firework star with dyes.
?Firework rockets with no flight duration are now available in the Creative inventory.
1.1418w43aFireworks can now be shot from crossbows.
The texture of firework rockets has been changed.
Villagers now shoot a firework of a random color after winning a raid.
1.1519w36aFirework rockets dispensed from a dispenser now travel in the direction they were fired.
19w37aUsing a firework rocket now plays the hand animation when boosting elytra flight.[4]
1.1720w45aSimple firework rockets with one gunpowder can now be crafted using the recipe book.
1.19.322w45aAll three flight durations of firework rockets are now available in the Creative inventory.[5]
1.21.525w06aTooltips for fireworks now show a compact form of multiple repeated stars that are identical.
1.21.625w16aFirework rockets now boost players gliding with elytra even if the player is targeting a block.
Bedrock Edition
1.2.0beta 1.2.0.2 Added firework rockets.
Firework rockets are available in the Creative inventory in 17 variants, sixteen colors in small ball duration 1, plus one additional preset with duration 1.​
1.8.0beta 1.8.0.10Firework rockets can now be held in the off-hand and be shot from crossbows.
1.10.0beta 1.10.0.3 The texture of firework rockets has been changed.
1.21.80Preview 1.21.80.27Firework rockets now boost players gliding with elytra even if the player is targeting a block.
Legacy Console Edition
Xbox 360Xbox OnePS3PS4PS VitaWii USwitch
TU19CU71.121.121.12Patch 11.0.1 Added firework rockets.
Firework rockets are available in five types in the Creative inventory. The presets are as follows:
  • Duration 1, small ball, light blue, twinkle
  • Duration 2, creeper shaped, green
  • Duration 2, burst, red, fade to orange
  • Duration 3, burst, magenta, fade to blue, twinkle
  • Duration 2, star shaped, yellow, fade to orange, trail
TU36CU251.281.281.28Patch 7Firework rockets now show their flight duration and explosive effects above the HUD when switching items in the hotbar instead of just when hovering over them in the inventory.
TU46CU361.381.381.38Patch 15Using fireworks now plays the hand animation.
The crafting interface has been updated to allow crafting firework stars and fireworks.
TU53CU431.491.501.49Patch 231.0.3Firework rockets can now boost players while flying with elytra.
Firework rockets now damage players if there is a firework star applied to the firework rocket.
TU56CU471.551.551.55Patch 261.0.6Firework rockets now produce 3 rockets upon crafting them instead of 1.
TU60CU511.641.641.64Patch 301.0.11Added new firework rocket models.
Fireworks dispensed from a dispenser now travel in the direction fired.
1.90 The texture of firework rockets has been changed.
Fireworks can now be shot from crossbows.

Data history

Java Edition
1.1116w32aThe entity ID has been changed from FireworksRocketEntity to fireworks_rocket.
1.1317w47aThe ID has been changed from fireworks to firework_rocket.
Prior to The Flattening, this item's numeral ID was 401.​
pre5The entity ID of firework rockets has been changed to firework_rocket.
Bedrock Edition
1.16.100beta 1.16.100.56The ID of firework rockets has been changed from fireworks to firework_rocket.

Issues

Issues relating to "Firework Rocket" are maintained on the bug tracker. Issues should be reported and viewed there.

Trivia

  • Launching a rocket by hand on a wooden pressure plate activates it. The same doesn't hold for stone pressure plates, or for a dispenser placing a rocket onto a wooden pressure plate.
  • New Year's Eve is what inspired Jeb to add fireworks.[6]
  • If the player shoots a firework into a Nether portal, it explodes in the Nether.
  • There are around 2×10136 distinct fireworks.
  • When a firework crafted without a firework star touches the surface of a block, it emits footstep noises.

Gallery

Screenshots

In other media

References

  1. MCPE-52675 — Fireworks do not explode on impact with entity and blocks
  2. "However, no sound effects for fireworks yet... but everything's implemented, so they can be added without doing a new snapshot"@jeb_ (Jens Bergensten) on X (formerly Twitter), December 7, 2012
  3. "Haha, @igblan , the speed of sound is 40 m/s, because the realistic speed of ~340 m/s didn't work well in Minecraft scale"@jeb_ (Jens Bergensten) on X (formerly Twitter), December 7, 2012
  4. MC-161073
  5. MC-194390 — A firework rocket from the creative inventory doesn't show a flight duration — resolved as "Fixed".
  6. "@SPvs_TheWorld New Year's Eve"@jeb_ (Jens Bergensten) on X (formerly Twitter), December 7, 2012
  7. "Minecraft Java Edition 1.21"Minecraft.net, June 13, 2024.

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