The Spawn Chunks 414: A Step In A Colourful Direction

Aug 10, 2026 | podcast

Joel, and Jonny explore new maps, and discuss the addition of concrete stairs and slabs to the already packed new Minecraft drop. Plus, sci-fi themes, and improve sketch comedy on a special extended episode as The Spawn Chunks turns 8!

To celebrate 8 years, the full Render Distance episode – normally a Patron exclusive – is available for everyone this week! Plus, there are discounts available on your first month on Patreon. Join The Spawn Chunks community and get 40% OFF your first month! Link here, or use the code 8YEARS. If you’d like to go the extra mile and join at one of our producer levels, use the code 8YEARSPRO to get 20% OFF your first month.

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  • The Citadel | Command Center

Minecraft News

FROM: ThePotatoArchivist
SUBJECT: Spawnproofing With Necrotic Ash

Hi Pix and Joel!

In Episode 412, you described wanting a way to detect areas that are not lit up, and I’ve thought of a way to do that that keeps with the medieval-level technology theme. As a bonus it creates a use for all the rotten flesh you accumulate.

Craft a necrotic urn from a decorated pot and undead drops such as rotten flesh, bone, and phantom membrane, then fill it with rotten flesh like a bundle. You can then right click to sprinkle necrotic ash in a radius. Necrotic ash is a snow-like block which combusts in any area bright enough to prevent mob spawning, kind of like how undead mobs burn in the sunlight. The remaining ash will indicate where you need to light up, and once you’ve done that the ash there will combust too. Each area usage would only consume 1 rotten flesh, and the combustion wouldn’t set any blocks on fire.

Do you think this mechanic would fit in the game?

ThePotatoArchivist survived the night because he used necrotic ash to spawnproof his base.

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Steps In A Colourful Direction

This week in the now “feature complete” snapshot for Minecraft 26.3 Mojang added stairs, and slabs for all sixteen colours of concrete. Joel, and Jonny discuss then boon for builders in 26.3, and how more stairs, and slabs open up building in more ways than one.