MINECRAFT’S NEW CUSHION UPDATE ACTUALLY OVERHAULS BUILDING, TRANSPORT + REDSTONE FOREVER...

Minecraft's new cushion, introduced in a recent snapshot, is a brand new wool-craftable item that players have long requested. Available in 16 colors, the cushion is technically an entity rather than a block, giving it unique placement properties. It's slightly smaller than a full block, allowing it to fit seamlessly on various surfaces without protruding. This "weird placement" has been confirmed as intended by the developers. The cushion can be placed on any flat surface, including solid blocks, half slabs, and staircases, offering two placement options on stairs. Even tiny flat surfaces, like those on fences, can support a cushion. You can sit on a cushion regardless of its placement, even on trapdoors or doors. The cushion's bottom surface mirrors its top, albeit slightly darker. Its entity status allows for complex placements on blocks with intricate hitboxes, such as lanterns, which have multiple flat surfaces. This means cushions can be placed on different levels of a lantern. The same applies to stonecutters, enchanting tables, and grindstones, where cushions can be placed on the floor, arms, or tops. The ability to target different parts of a block means multiple cushions can be placed on a single item, like the grindstone's arm and top. This extensive customization is a key game-changer. The cushion's versatility extends to blocks like path blocks, which are slightly lower than grass. The cushion adapts, allowing for smooth gradients and the creation of "the world's longest staircase." Shelves, with their multiple horizontal surfaces, also offer diverse cushion placements, including "double-decker" setups. Even composters, with their layered interiors, can have cushions placed on each fill level, creating a unique "composter chair." Beyond placement, the cushion offers revolutionary building possibilities. A green cushion with a cactus flower creates a convincing lily pad. Placed on top of a candle, it forms a mushroom, ideal for decorating bases. A candle on the ground with a cushion around it resembles a "squished pumpkin" or "weird squash." A cushion on top of a candle can even form the start of a hamburger. For seating, cushions are transformative. A backwards shelf with a cushion in front creates a perfect campfire seat. Flipping the shelf forward and adding a cushion on the floor with another on top makes a fancy seat. Arranging shelves in a square with cushions creates a small armchair. Adding a carpet or trapdoor under the cushion enhances realism for a "big fancy dining chair" or throne. Modern chairs can also be built by placing a cushion on a classic chair design, perhaps with trapdoors for a fancy backrest. Cauldrons with cushions can mimic potions, especially on Java edition. Cushions also serve as elegant display pedestals for valuable items like dragon eggs or golden axes, making them appear as "fancy tables." The cushion's ability to conform to various surfaces makes it revolutionary for roofs. An initial idea from Tom Lockwood, using cushions with straw beds, creates a "cool looking yellow stall roof." This concept can be expanded for realistic market stalls in shopping districts. Another idea, also inspired by Lockwood, uses cushions for modern roads and streetlights, making it "the best thing of all time for building." Functionally, the cushion offers more. It can create a "whoopy cushion" effect when sat on, by placing a sculk sensor (waterlogged for quietness) beneath it, connected to a note block. This triggers a sound every time someone sits. Secret doors are another innovative use. Due to the cushion's entity status, players can target it and move through a narrow gap, creating a hidden entrance to a secret base. Mobs cannot interact with cushions, making these doors undetectable to them. The brown cushion blends well with coarse dirt, enhancing its stealth. Cushions can also be disguised as "weird growing crops" for added security. Elevators can be built by stacking cushions. Interacting with a cushion allows players to "zoom up" to the next one, quickly ascending multiple blocks. The idea of cushions cancelling fall damage, similar to a hay bale, is also proposed. The cushion also enables "cushion lines," a new form of zip line, as showcased by Plant the Minecraft guy. With cushions spaced two blocks apart, players can travel long distances (over 100 blocks) quickly in survival mode, with zero hunger cost. Once engaged, simply holding the "use" button allows continuous travel and easy stopping at exit points. Dispensers can shoot through cushions, allowing them to be hidden for redstone machines. Redstone dust can also be hidden under cushions, or even placed directly on top for "sneaky" wiring. Finally, cushions can act as switches. Placing a cushion on a pressure plate will hold it down indefinitely, powering a lamp 24/7. This can also be done by placing the cushion on the side of a block adjacent to the pressure plate, creating a seamless power source. Future wishes for the cushion include the ability to trap mobs, similar to a boat, which would be revolutionary for trading halls or creating unique world lore (e.g., a chicken sitting on a throne). Another wish is for observers to detect interactions with cushions, allowing for super-secret switches for doors or contraptions. Even without these additional functionalities, the cushion is considered one of the "craziest additions to Minecraft of all time."