Staying Alive on One Life (old version)

Most deaths on a hardcore server aren't bad luck - they're avoidable mistakes. These habits will keep you alive much longer.

The golden rules#

Never dig straight down. You could fall into lava, a cave or a ravine. Dig in a staircase instead.
Never dig straight up under sand or gravel - it can fall and suffocate you.
Always carry a water bucket. Place it below you to survive a long fall, and use it to put out fire.
Keep a Totem of Undying in your offhand once you have one - it saves you from one death. See Getting a Totem of Undying.
Wear armor and carry a shield. A raised shield blocks most attacks, including creeper explosions from the front.
Stay fed. Your health only regenerates when your hunger bar is (nearly) full.

Danger	How to stay safe
Creepers	Back off when you hear the hiss, or block with a shield. Never let one reach you in a tight space.
Caves	Light them up as you go and always know your way out. Don't explore deep caves with low health.
Lava	Never mine the block you're standing on in deep caves. Keep a water bucket ready - and Fire Resistance potions are even better.
Falls	Sneak near edges (you won't fall off while sneaking). Use your water bucket to cancel big falls.
Night	Stay inside or sleep. Most deadly mobs only spawn in the dark.
Drowning	Watch your air bubbles. A door or Respiration helmet helps underwater.

Don't trust everyone. Keep your base location and valuables private until you know people well.
Never log out during a fight - it counts as a death. See Combat Log.
Use /trust on friends so an accidental hit doesn't start a combat timer.

WarningLogging out to escape danger from a mob is fine - but logging out while you're in PvP combat eliminates you.

Low health? Run, eat, and wait until you're fully healed before fighting again.
Lost? Leave a trail of torches or blocks when you explore, so you can always find your way back.
Died to a bug or lag? Open a ticket and choose Appeal a death - staff will look into it.