The Minecraft universe just got a major upgrade! Minecraft‘s July 2025 update makes copper useful with new tools, armor, copper chests, and the long-awaited return of the Copper Golem. For players who’ve been stockpiling copper ingots wondering what to do with them, the new copper chest system offers an exciting storage solution that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What Are Copper Chests in Minecraft?
Copper chests are a new block that has waxed and oxidized variants introduced in Minecraft’s latest update. Unlike regular chests, copper chests offer unique oxidization mechanics and work seamlessly with the new Copper Golem for automated item sorting.
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How to Unlock the Copper Chest Recipe
Before you can craft a copper chest, you need to unlock the recipe. You can only unlock the Copper Chest recipe in-game after crafting your first Copper Golem using a Carved Pumpkin and a Block of Copper.
Step 1: Create Your First Copper Golem
- Craft a Block of Copper using 9 copper ingots
- Place the block on the ground
- Place a carved pumpkin on a copper block. Once that’s done, the golem will spawn, together with a copper chest
Copper Chest Crafting Recipe
Once you’ve unlocked the recipe, crafting a copper chest is straightforward:
| Materials Required | Quantity | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Copper Ingots | 8 | Surrounding the chest |
| Regular Chest | 1 | Center of crafting table |
Copper Chest Variants and Features
Oxidation States
Copper Chests oxidize over time and can be waxed like other Copper blocks. This creates four distinct variants:
| Variant | Appearance | How to Obtain |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Copper Chest | Bright orange | Fresh crafting |
| Exposed Copper Chest | Slightly weathered | Natural oxidation |
| Weathered Copper Chest | Green patina | Extended oxidation |
| Oxidized Copper Chest | Full green | Complete oxidation |
Waxing Your Chest
Apply Honeycomb to any copper chest variant to prevent further oxidation, preserving its current appearance permanently.
Copper Golem Integration
The real magic happens when you combine copper chests with Copper Golems:
- Drop items into a copper chest, and then sit back and relax as your copper golem sorts them into normal chests around your base
- The search area for chests from the Copper Golem’s position is horizontally 32 blocks and vertically 8 blocks
- Creates an automated sorting system for your storage room
Storage Capacity and Benefits
Storage Space: Copper chests provide the same 27-slot capacity as regular chests but with added functionality:
- Automated sorting when paired with Copper Golems
- Aesthetic variety with oxidation states
- Weather resistance when waxed
- Unique visual appeal for themed builds
Comparison with Other Chest Types
| Chest Type | Capacity | Special Features | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wooden Chest | 27 slots | Basic storage | Standard |
| Copper Chest | 27 slots | Oxidation, automation | Enhanced |
| Ender Chest | 27 slots | Personal storage | Unbreakable |
| Shulker Box | 27 slots | Portable storage | High |
Where to Find Copper for Crafting
Mining Locations:
- Found between Y-levels 0-96
- Most abundant at Y-level 48
- Requires stone pickaxe or better
- Drops 2-5 raw copper per ore (Fortune enchantment increases yield)
Smelting: Convert raw copper to copper ingots using furnaces or blast furnaces.
Building Tips and Design Ideas
Themed Builds: Copper chests work perfectly for:
- Steampunk-style storage rooms
- Industrial-themed bases
- Rustic farmhouse designs
- Weathered pirate ship interiors
Organization System: Use different oxidation states to categorize items:
- Fresh copper chests for frequently used items
- Weathered chests for seasonal materials
- Oxidized chests for long-term storage
Check out our comprehensive Minecraft storage organization guide for more creative ideas.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Recipe Not Showing: Ensure you’ve crafted a Copper Golem first to unlock the recipe.
Oxidation Too Fast: Use honeycomb to wax chests at your preferred oxidation stage.
Golem Not Sorting: Verify regular chests are within the 32-block search radius.
Advanced Automation Setups
For experienced players, copper chests enable sophisticated automation:
- Multi-tier sorting systems using multiple Copper Golems
- Redstone integration for complex storage networks
- Hopper compatibility for input/output systems
Explore our Minecraft automation tutorials for advanced techniques.
Future Updates and Possibilities
Since it’s the early stages, the crafting recipe can be different in the final version of the update. Stay tuned for potential changes and new features as Minecraft continues evolving the copper chest system.
Conclusion
The copper chest represents a significant addition to Minecraft’s storage options, combining practical functionality with aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re building an automated sorting system or simply want unique-looking storage, copper chests offer versatility that regular chests can’t match.
The integration with Copper Golems creates exciting possibilities for base automation, making copper finally feel valuable in survival gameplay. Start collecting those copper ingots – your storage room will thank you!
For more Minecraft crafting guides and building tutorials, visit our Minecraft section and level up your gameplay today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do copper chests have more storage space than regular chests?
A: No, copper chests have the same 27-slot capacity as regular wooden chests. Their main advantages are the oxidation mechanics, automation capabilities with Copper Golems, and unique aesthetic appeal for themed builds.
Q: Can I stop my copper chest from oxidizing?
A: Yes! You can wax your copper chest with honeycomb at any oxidation stage to prevent further changes. This allows you to preserve the exact appearance you want, whether it’s the bright orange of fresh copper or the green patina of fully oxidized copper.
