How to Make Spectral Arrows in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Surround 1 arrow with 4 glowstone dust in a crafting table to get 2 spectral arrows (Java Edition only). A hit target glows for 10 seconds with an outline visible through walls - perfect for tracking players and mobs.

What you need

1 arrow per craft
4 glowstone dust per craft
A crafting table

Step by step

Gather glowstone dust: mine glowstone in the Nether (a Fortune pickaxe increases drops, Silk Touch gives the block) or buy it from cleric villagers.
Get arrows: skeletons drop 0-2, fletcher villagers sell them, or craft 4 from 1 flint + 1 stick + 1 feather.
Place the arrow in the center of the crafting grid and glowstone dust at the top, bottom, left and right.
Take the 2 spectral arrows from the output. Each craft doubles your arrow count, converting 1 arrow into 2.
Shoot a target: it receives the Glowing effect for 10 seconds, showing a bright outline through blocks in its team color (white by default).
Use them to mark players in PvP, reveal mobs behind walls in caves, or light up the wither and ender dragon for your team.
Note: spectral arrows are still consumed with an Infinity bow - they are the exception to the Infinity enchantment.

Java vs Bedrock

Java Edition only. Bedrock has no spectral arrows - use tipped arrows or the Glowing effect from bells on raid mobs instead.

Versions: Spectral arrows were added in Java 1.9 and remain Java-exclusive. In Bedrock they do not exist; tipped arrows are the closest equivalent.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get spectral arrows without crafting?

Yes: bartering with piglins has about an 8.5% chance to give 6-12 spectral arrows, and they can appear in pillager outpost chests.

Does Infinity work with spectral arrows?

No. Spectral arrows are always consumed, even with an Infinity bow - and you can pick them back up after shooting them.

Do spectral arrows work on Bedrock?

No, they are Java Edition exclusive. Bedrock players should use tipped arrows instead.