We may earn a commission when you buy through links in our articles. Learn more.

Minecraft 1.7.10 introduces command blocks to Realms subscribers this Thursday

The command block: the closest Minecraft gets to sci-fi.

The command block is an orangey-red cube with TV sci-fi LEDs stuck to it. As part of a redstone circuit, it can be used to execute specific commands, like granting experience to a player.

It’s Minecraft’s very own skinner box – and it’s going to be added to the game’s Realms subscription service this Thursday.

Players can set a specific command by right-clicking on the block to open its interface.

Enterprising redstone experimenters can use the command block in conjunction with a redstone comparator to find out whether or not their commands are succeeding – an essential tool for complex circuits.

The command block doesn’t naturally occur in Survival mode, so it’s really the preserve of the sort of Minecraft player who conceives grand machines or supercomputers in Creative.

Those who have cheatily imported it into Survival mode, however, report that it’s not flammable, has the same blast resistance as bedrock, and can only be destroyed by an Ender dragon. Which is quite sweet.

If you’re looking to add some new life to your Minecrafting, you should check out ourtwenty best Minecraft mods.

Minecraft 1.7.10 adds more for Realms besides, of course – including a player activity monitor and some UI changes.

“Personally, I’m really excited about the world uploader,” said Mojang’s Daniel Kaplan. “It lets you bring local worlds to Realms so they can be enjoyed by your friends 24/7!”

No word on when the Guardians and their underwater temples will arrive in the main game, though. Do you think you’ll roll a new world to play about with them?