> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://lethium.gitbook.io/custombeacons-or-65-effects-or-35-hooks/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://lethium.gitbook.io/custombeacons-or-65-effects-or-35-hooks/getting-started/your-first-beacon.md).

# Your first beacon

A 5 minute walkthrough of what your players will do.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Build a pyramid

Place blocks of **iron, gold, emerald, diamond or netherite** in layers below where the beacon will go, like a vanilla beacon pyramid: a 3x3 layer, then 5x5, 7x7 and 9x9 below it. A full four layer pyramid is 164 blocks.

You can change which blocks count, and how much each is worth, in `beacon.yml`. See [Beacons, tiers and power](/custombeacons-or-65-effects-or-35-hooks/how-it-works/beacons-tiers-and-power.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Place the beacon

Put a beacon on top. It registers itself, no command needed. The beacon needs open sky above it by default (`require-sky-access` in `beacon.yml`).

Beacons crafted by players are **Bronze** beacons, which can reach up to tier III. See [Beacon types](/custombeacons-or-65-effects-or-35-hooks/how-it-works/beacon-types.md).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Fuel it (if fuel is on)

The shipped `config.yml` has [fuel](/custombeacons-or-65-effects-or-35-hooks/how-it-works/fuel-and-running-costs.md) switched on, and a new beacon starts empty. Open the beacon menu and use the **Fuel** button to add coal, charcoal, coal blocks or blaze rods. Without fuel the beacon does nothing.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Open the menu

**Right-click** the beacon. The main menu shows the beacon's tier, power and range, and buttons for Effects, Upgrades, Settings, Presets, Who benefits and more.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Unlock an effect

Open **Effects**. **Left-click** an effect to unlock it or raise its level, **right-click** to switch it on or off. The price is shown in the item's lore (XP levels, money, items, points, or whatever you configured).

Some effects need a higher tier, and some must be *discovered* first by reaching an activity goal (for example kill 500 mobs near the beacon). With the power budget on, an effect also needs enough free power.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Stand inside

The area is a square around the beacon. Border particles show where it ends. While a player stands inside, active effects apply and they see the beacon's name, tier and effects in their action bar.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## Other things players can do

* **Shift + right-click** with an empty hand opens **Beacon Settings**: particles, animations, info display, hologram and language.
* **Shift + right-click** while holding a block still places the block as normal.
* `/cbeacon list` lists your beacons, `/cbeacon manage` opens a menu of all of them, `/cbeacon info` shows the one you look at, `/cbeacon name <text>` names it.
* Breaking a beacon you own drops an item that **remembers** its unlocked effects, upgrades, trusted players, fuel and settings. Placing it again restores everything.
* An effect on its highest level can be **prestiged** for an even stronger level. See [Prestige](/custombeacons-or-65-effects-or-35-hooks/how-it-works/prestige.md).
* **Bedrock players** get a simple tap menu instead of shift-click and right-click, automatically.

{% hint style="success" %}
Want a quick test? Give yourself a beacon with `/cbeacon give <your name>`, then `/cbeacon setlevel speed 2` while looking at it to skip the price.
{% endhint %}


---

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