Redstone · Contraption · Java & Bedrock
How to Make a TNT Cannon
A TNT cannon launches a projectile across the map. Charge TNT explodes over a water cushion that keeps the cannon intact, and the blast throws a single TNT on a long arc to its target.
Water cushions the cannon
more charge = more rangeIgnite the charge TNT over water and the blast launches a projectile TNT in an arc to a far-off target. The water is what stops the cannon blowing itself up.
What you need
Water (the cushion)Charge + projectile TNT
Redstone to ignite
Or flint & steel to testThe water cushion
The trick that makes a cannon possible is water. When the charge TNT detonates, the water absorbs the blast on the blocks so the cannon does not destroy itself, while the explosion still flings the projectile TNT forward. Add more charge for a longer arc; nudge the projectile to aim. Build it on your own land or where TNT is allowed.
Quick answers
How does a TNT cannon work?
A row of charge TNT sits in a water trough and is ignited all at once. The explosion is cushioned by the water so the cannon survives, and the force launches a separate projectile TNT in an arc toward a distant target, where it detonates.
Why does my TNT cannon blow itself up?
Almost always the water. The trough of water absorbs the charge blast so the structure holds together; without it, or with the water placed wrong, the first shot destroys the whole cannon.
How do you increase a TNT cannon's range?
Add more charge TNT to the trough and fire it together. More charge means more push, which sends the projectile on a longer arc. The projectile's starting position also tunes where it lands.
What is the difference between charge and projectile TNT?
The charge is the line of TNT that explodes to provide the push. The projectile is the single piece of TNT that gets thrown by that push and flies to the target.
Are TNT cannons allowed on servers?
It depends on the server. Many disable or restrict TNT, or only allow it on land you have claimed. Use cannons on your own builds or where TNT and PvP are explicitly allowed.
Do TNT cannons work on Bedrock?
Yes, but explosion and entity timing differ a little between editions, so a cannon tuned on Java may need its charge count or projectile placement adjusted on Bedrock.