Everyone who follows the NHL has heard of Minecraft. Maybe you’ve even heard of it, maybe not. It’s a game that was initially designed for PC and later brought to all major platforms. Now, thanks to the work of numerous indie developers and the community as a whole, it is even available on mobile! This game brings a whole new meaning to the term โsandbox game’. In NHL games, you are given a big open area in which to build your dream rink. However, putting together a real-life replica of a hockey arena is a lot more complicated than it seems. Luckily for you, we’re here to help with some tips on how to build a hockey arena in Minecraft.
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Set Your Sights On The Perfect Location
Before you start building, it’s important to determine where you will put the rink. There are a few factors to consider such as the size of your play area, the amount of sunlight that your area receives, and the surrounding area’s ability to accommodate your rink. In our case, we built our arena in a secluded area near a lake. The setting is peaceful and pretty, not to mention that there are no nearby houses or traffic lights to worry about. When it comes to choosing a place for your rink, always think about safety and convenience. If you live near a lake, you’ll have the advantage of easily securing ice for your team’s practices and games. Plus, it’s always nice to have some green space nearby.
Choose A Suitable Flooring
The arena floor is important because it will have a direct impact on the overall look and feel of your rink. Before we begin our building tips, it is important to mention that not all floors are made equal. There are many different materials that you can use to build your floor, and each one has it’s perks and quirks. For instance, wood floors tend to look the same no matter what color you paint them, giving you a high degree of versatility when it comes to changing up the look of your hockey rink. The downside to a wooden floor is that it can become cold in the winter and extremely hot in the summer. If you live in a place where temperatures can vary greatly, then concrete floors are the way to go. They can also take any color you want to give them, which is a great way to make your rink pop! When it comes to choosing a floor, bear in mind all the elements that make up a perfect hockey arena, and choose a floor that compliments everything else around it.
Decide Whether To Have Basket Or Hangers
If your arena will be used for sports other than hockey, then you might want to consider getting either baskets or hangings to catch the balls and pucks that fly through the air. Baskets are pretty self-explanatory; they are simply small cages where the players and officials will stand while the games are in progress. If you decide to go with this option, then you need to make sure that you get the correct size for your area. Do not get a small basket for an 8 foot by 8 foot area, you’ll have no space to stand while playing. On the other hand, if you have a large area and you want to make the most of it, then you should get a large basket so that everyone can join the fun.
Create Ramp For Easy Ice Access
When it comes to adding more value to your arena, there’s nothing more vital than the ice. Having an easy access to ice is essential for any serious hockey fan, and it makes the game itself a whole lot more fun for everyone involved. This is why you need to work hard to create a ramp that will lead to a beautiful and plentiful supply of ice. Your ramp should be built so that it leads to a door that can be opened every day to allow vehicles and pedestrians free access to and from the street. Also, make sure that your ramp is wide enough to fit a hockey rink, and of course, be careful not to block the doorway with items that are smaller than the ramp itself. If you are running short on money, you can always ask other modders or indie developers for help with this one.
Lighting Is Key
If you are fortunate enough to have space underneath the roof of your arena, then you can use that area to install some nice dimmer lights that will create a dramatic effect on your skating rink. These types of lights will help to give the illusion that you are already inside an NHL arena, even if you are creating this paradise in Minecraft. If you wish to take it a step further, you can also use this area to install some fairy lights that will create a wonderful atmosphere during festive seasons and holidays!
Don’t Forget About The Views
Unless you live in a cave, you’ll always have the chance to catch a glimpse of the sky from some point in your arena. This is why it’s important to work hard to create a perfect view of the outdoors from every spot inside your arena. You can use the floor to your advantage here by creating a panorama of trees, which will not only provide you with a great view of the sunset, but will give the overall atmosphere of your area a more natural atmosphere. Also, be sure to paint the walls that are visible from the outside in a color that compliments the scenery around it. You can use brick or stone for this part of your project if you live in a colder climate, as these materials keep the heat in during the winter and release it slowly in the summer, which is perfect for the climate you’ve chosen.
There are so many different ways that you can use to make a hockey arena in Minecraft. The trick is to think of what you see in an NHL facility and translate that into a perfect replica in your own backyard. It may take some time, but it will all be worth it in the end.
What other items would you add to your perfect hockey arena in Minecraft? Let us know in the comments below!