How to Change the Time on a Command Block?

You can change the in-game time using a command block by executing the /time set command. This powerful command allows you to control the day-night cycle, set the time to specific moments, or even create dynamic time-based events within your Minecraft world.

Understanding the `/time set` Command

The core command for adjusting time is /time set. This command is placed inside a command block and activated by a Redstone signal.

Command Syntax:

/time set <value|day|midnight|night|noon>

Here's a breakdown of the command components:

/time set: The base command.
<value>: A numerical value representing the time in ticks. A Minecraft day lasts 24,000 ticks.
<day|midnight|night|noon>: Keywords that correspond to specific times of the day.

Time Values and Keywords

These values can be used interchangeably with their numerical equivalents in the /time set command:

Keyword	Numerical Tick Value	Time of Day (Approximate)
`day`	1000	Morning / Sunrise
`noon`	6000	Midday
`night`	13000	Evening / Sunset
`midnight`	18000	Middle of the Night

Note: Time 0 (zero) is dawn.

Setting Up a Command Block to Change Time

To implement time changes, you'll need a command block and a Redstone mechanism to activate it.

Obtain a Command Block:
You can get a command block by typing /give @s command_block in the chat.
Place the Command Block:
Place the command block where you want it in your world.
Enter the Command:
Right-click the command block to open its interface. In the "Command Input" field, type your desired /time set command.
- Example 1: Set to Day
```
/time set day
```
- Example 2: Set to Midnight
```
/time set midnight
```
- Example 3: Set to a Specific Tick (e.g., 6000 for noon)
```
/time set 6000
```
Configure Command Block Type (Optional but Recommended):
- Block Type:
  - Impulse: Executes once when powered. Ideal for single-shot time changes.
  - Repeat: Executes every game tick while powered. Useful for constantly maintaining a specific time (e.g., perpetual day).
  - Chain: Activates when the previous command block in a chain executes.
- Condition:
  - Unconditional: Executes regardless of previous command block success.
  - Conditional: Executes only if the previous command block succeeded.
- Redstone:
  - Needs Redstone: Requires a Redstone signal to activate.
  - Always Active: Executes continuously without Redstone (only for Repeat and Chain blocks).
Activate with Redstone:
Connect a Redstone power source (e.g., lever, button, pressure plate, Redstone clock) to the command block. When activated, the command will execute, and the time will change.

Edition-Specific Behavior for `/time set`

There is a notable difference in how the /time set command functions between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition:

Java Edition: The /time set command directly sets the "internal daytime" to the specified numerical value or its keyword equivalent. For instance, /time set 6000 will instantly make the time exactly 6000 ticks, regardless of the current time.
Bedrock Edition: When a specific time value or keyword is provided with /time set, the game increases the "internal daytime" until it meets the specified time. This means if you set a time that has already passed in the current day cycle (e.g., it's currently evening and you set it to day), the time will advance to that specified moment in the next day cycle, effectively always moving time forward to reach the target.

Practical Implications:

Java Example: If it's 10,000 ticks (evening) and you execute /time set 1000 (day), the time will immediately jump backward to 1,000 ticks.
Bedrock Example: If it's 10,000 ticks (evening) and you execute /time set 1000 (day), the time will advance through midnight and continue until it reaches 1,000 ticks on the next day.

Advanced Time Control with Command Blocks

You can combine command blocks and Redstone to create more complex time-based systems:

Perpetual Day/Night:
- Place a Repeat command block set to "Always Active."
- Enter /time set day (for perpetual day) or /time set night (for perpetual night).
- This will constantly reset the time, effectively freezing it at that specific period.
Day-Night Cycle Acceleration:
- Use the /time add command to speed up the day-night cycle.
- Place a Repeat command block set to "Always Active."
- Enter /time add 100 (this will add 100 ticks every game tick, significantly accelerating time).
- You can adjust the numerical value to control the speed.
Timed Events:
- Set up a Redstone clock to periodically activate a command block.
- Example: A clock activates a command block with /time set 0 every few minutes, causing a rapid succession of sunrises.

By understanding the /time set command and its nuances across editions, you can precisely control the flow of time within your Minecraft creations using command blocks.