How to Get Tears Music Disc in Minecraft

TL;DR

  • Complete the Return to Sender challenge by deflecting ghast fireballs back at them
  • Ghasts spawn in Soul Sand Valleys, Basalt Deltas, and Nether Wastes biomes
  • Bring iron armor, sword, shield, and building blocks for effective combat
  • Avoid Basalt Deltas for easier combat due to hazardous lava terrain
  • Use precise timing to deflect fireballs and claim your Tears music disc reward

Minecraft’s ‘Chase the Skies’ update introduces six captivating musical compositions that enhance your in-game atmosphere. Among these, the Tears music disc stands out as a particularly rewarding acquisition that requires mastering a specific combat technique. Unlike standard music discs found in chests, this track demands you complete the ‘Return to Sender’ advancement – a unique challenge that tests your defensive combat skills against one of the Nether’s most formidable flying enemies.

The Tears music disc represents one of Minecraft’s more challenging obtainable items, requiring precise timing and strategic positioning. You must locate a ghast in the Nether dimension and defeat it using its own explosive projectiles against it, creating a satisfying reversal of combat dynamics that rewards skillful play rather than brute force.

Before venturing into the Nether, thorough preparation significantly increases your success rate. Constructing a Nether portal requires 10-14 obsidian blocks arranged in a vertical frame, activated using flint and steel. However, portal creation represents only the beginning of your preparation – your combat readiness determines whether you’ll return victorious or become another Nether casualty.

Your gear selection should prioritize defense and mobility. Equip at minimum full iron armor for adequate protection against ghast fireballs, which deal substantial explosive damage. A shield proves invaluable for blocking direct fireball impacts, while a sword serves dual purposes for both deflection and close-quarters combat. Additionally, carry 20-30 building blocks like cobblestone or netherrack to create instant barricades and strategic positioning advantages.

soul sand valleys minecraft

Advanced preparation includes bringing fire resistance potions for emergency situations, especially in lava-rich biomes. Many players underestimate the importance of food – bring cooked steak or golden carrots to maintain health during extended ghast hunts. Consider enchanting your gear with Protection and Unbreaking to maximize survivability during multiple deflection attempts.

Upon entering the Nether, your ghast hunt begins in specific biomes where these floating terrors naturally generate. The three primary hunting grounds include Soul Sand Valleys with their haunting blue fog, Basalt Deltas characterized by treacherous terrain, and Nether Wastes featuring open spaces ideal for combat maneuvering.

basalt deltas minecraft

Strategic biome selection dramatically impacts challenge difficulty. Attempting the Return to Sender challenge in Basalt Deltas presents significant hazards due to extensive lava pools and precarious basalt columns that limit movement. Instead, prioritize Soul Sand Valleys or Nether Wastes where terrain allows better positioning and escape routes.

nether wastes minecraft

Edition-specific spawn mechanics require adaptation. Java Edition players may encounter ghast groups of up to four, creating chaotic multi-target scenarios requiring rapid deflection sequencing. Bedrock Edition features individual spawns, allowing more methodical single-combat approaches. Neither edition spawns ghasts inside Nether Fortresses, though they may patrol nearby areas in compatible biomes.

Once you’ve located your target, combat execution requires precision and patience. Ghasts possess 10 health points (5 hearts) and fire explosive projectiles that create fire upon impact. Their attack pattern involves charging fireballs for 2-3 seconds before launch, providing a clear visual cue for deflection timing.

ghasts attacking
Image Credit: Minecraft/Mojang (screenshot by Bipradeep Biswas/Beebom)

Mastering fireball deflection represents the core challenge mechanic. Time your sword swing to connect precisely as the fireball approaches – successful deflection sends it back toward the ghast with perfect accuracy. Many players fail by swinging too early or too late; practice the timing in safe conditions before engaging.

Environmental manipulation provides tactical advantages. Construct 2-block high barriers for cover while maintaining visibility of the ghast. Position yourself with solid blocks behind you to prevent being knocked into lava or off edges. Use pillars to break line of sight when needing to reposition or recover health.

Common combat mistakes include standing near explosive terrain, attempting deflection without adequate cover, and underestimating ghast movement patterns. Advanced players recommend engaging from elevated positions where ghast fireballs follow predictable trajectories easier to intercept.

Successful ghast elimination via fireball deflection immediately rewards you with the Tears music disc dropping at the death location. Quickly retrieve your prize before it despawns or falls into lava – experienced players recommend positioning fights over solid ground whenever possible.

tears music disc
Image Credit: Minecraft/Mojang (screenshot by Bipradeep Biswas/Beebom)

To enjoy your hard-earned musical acquisition, craft a jukebox using eight wood planks arranged around one diamond in the crafting grid. Place the jukebox in your base and insert the Tears disc to experience Lena Raine’s melancholic composition that perfectly captures the Nether’s haunting atmosphere.

music disc jukebox
Image Credit: Minecraft/Mojang (screenshot by Bipradeep Biswas/Beebom)

The Tears music disc plays for approximately 2 minutes and 55 seconds, providing atmospheric background music that enhances your Minecraft experience. Unlike other discs, it features unique instrumentation that reflects the challenge’s difficulty and the Nether’s dangerous beauty.

Action Checklist

  • Gather obsidian, flint and steel for Nether portal creation
  • Equip full iron armor, sword, shield, and building blocks
  • Enter Nether and locate ghast in Soul Sand Valley or Nether Wastes
  • Deflect 3-5 ghast fireballs back at it using precise sword timing
  • Collect Tears music disc and craft jukebox for playback

No reproduction without permission:Tsp Game Club » How to Get Tears Music Disc in Minecraft Master the Return to Sender challenge to unlock Tears music disc with expert Nether strategies