Minecraft wiki entry for Your_first_10_minutes, associated text: This hole can be your first basic shelter if you want, so pick a suitable place. Remember to never mine straight down. Once you have stone tools, you will be able to explore caves, so be on the lookout for a cave opening. These are quite easy to find, occurring in every biome, and contain ores, which give resources and are very useful. However, do not venture far into one this early in the game. If you see a monster in one, retreat right away, sealing the passage between you and the monster with basic blocks (dirt, etc.) as you currently don't have any weapons or armor.