Modern namespaced IDs are recommended. This numerical form is only for old Java releases.
/give @p 399 1
Give command syntax by version
Java 1.13+
/give @p minecraft:nether_star 1
Namespaced ID (current format)
Java 1.8–1.12.2
/give @p 399 1 0
Numerical ID + data value
Bedrock Edition
/give @p minecraft:nether_star 1
Same namespaced ID (namespace optional)
Rows appear only when the underlying value is verified: the Java 1.8–1.12.2 row requires a reviewed historical numerical ID, and the Bedrock row appears only when this exact namespaced ID exists in the Bedrock registry.
How to Get Nether Star
Finding Nether Star
Nether Star cannot be crafted at a crafting table. It must be obtained through normal gameplay.
Nether Star in Minecraft: From Wither Fight to Beacon
Quick answer: Use minecraft:nether_star in Java Edition commands. In survival the only source is the Wither boss: summon it with soul sand and three wither skeleton skulls, defeat it, and the nether star it drops becomes the core ingredient for a beacon.
Getting a nether star safely
The Wither is summoned by placing four soul sand or soul soil blocks in a T shape and putting three wither skeleton skulls on top. It explodes after charging up, so summoning it in a confined underground space, or under the End exit portal bedrock, limits the destruction.
A nether star cannot be destroyed by explosions and never despawns into lava or cactus the way normal drops do, but the fight itself is the real risk. Bring regeneration and strength effects, a smite-enchanted sword, and a clear escape route.
3 wither skeleton skulls: farm wither skeletons in Nether fortresses, ideally with a Looting III sword.
4 soul sand or soul soil: gather in soul sand valleys before the fight.
Spawn the Wither away from your base; its initial explosion and wither skulls destroy most blocks.
What to do with a nether star
The single crafting use is the beacon: three obsidian, five glass, and one nether star. Once placed on a pyramid of mineral blocks, the beacon grants area effects such as Speed, Haste, Resistance, Jump Boost, Strength, or Regeneration.
Because the Wither can be summoned repeatedly, late-game players farm nether stars to power several beacons. A full four-layer pyramid unlocks a secondary effect, so most players plan the pyramid layout before spending their first star.
Nether Star Command Examples
Give 1 to nearest player: /give @p minecraft:nether_star 1
Give 1 to yourself: /give @s minecraft:nether_star 1
Give to a specific player: /give PlayerName minecraft:nether_star 1
Clear from inventory: /clear @p minecraft:nether_star
Nether Star FAQ
What is the item ID for Nether Star?
The item ID for Nether Star is minecraft:nether_star. Java Edition commands such as /give, /clear, and /setblock use this namespaced ID.
What is the numerical ID for Nether Star?
Nether Star has the historical numerical ID 399, used in Java Edition 1.12.2 and earlier. Current versions use minecraft:nether_star instead.
How do I give myself Nether Star in Minecraft?
Open the chat window and run /give @p minecraft:nether_star 1 to give the nearest player one Nether Star. Replace @p with a player name to target someone else.
How many Nether Star can stack in one slot?
Nether Star stacks up to 64 per inventory slot.
Can you get a nether star without killing the Wither?
No. In Java Edition survival the Wither is the only source of nether stars, and each Wither always drops exactly one. Commands such as /give @p minecraft:nether_star are the alternative for creative or server setups.
Can the nether star be destroyed or despawn?
The dropped nether star item is immune to explosions, but it can still despawn after five minutes like a normal item, and it can be destroyed by lava, fire, cactus, or the void, so pick it up quickly after the fight.
How many nether stars do you need for a full beacon?
One nether star crafts one beacon. A full power beacon needs a four-layer pyramid of 164 mineral blocks plus the beacon itself, and one star is still enough because a single beacon serves the whole pyramid.
Sources and Data Review
Item facts were reviewed for Java Edition 1.21.11 on .
