How to Get Flint in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Break gravel blocks: each gravel has a 10% chance to drop flint instead of itself. Use a shovel with Fortune III for a guaranteed flint drop, and re-place your gravel to grind flint fast.

What you need

Shovel (any tier)
Fortune III enchantment (optional, for 100% drops)

Step by step

Find gravel: it generates in pockets underground, on river and ocean floors, on windswept gravelly hills, and along Nether lava sea shores.
Mine gravel with a shovel. Each block has a 10% chance to drop flint instead of gravel.
If the block drops gravel, just place it again and mine it again. Each break is a fresh 10% roll, so a single stack of gravel can yield plenty of flint.
For a better drop rate, enchant a shovel with Fortune. Fortune I raises the chance to 1 in 7 (about 14.3%), Fortune II to 25%, and Fortune III to 100%.
Avoid Silk Touch: a Silk Touch shovel always drops the gravel block itself, so you will never get flint with it.

Java vs Bedrock

Flint drops from gravel use the same chances listed here: 10% base, 1 in 7 with Fortune I, 25% with Fortune II and 100% with Fortune III.

Versions: Describes the current Java and Bedrock releases. See the edition note above for differences.

Frequently asked questions

What is the fastest way to get flint?

Enchant a shovel with Fortune III and mine a gravel patch. Every block drops flint, so one gravel vein gives you stacks in seconds.

Does Silk Touch give flint?

No. Silk Touch always drops the gravel block itself and removes the flint roll entirely. Use Fortune instead.

What is flint used for?

Crafting arrows (1 flint + 1 stick + 1 feather) and flint and steel (1 flint + 1 iron ingot).