Minecraft wiki entry for Navigation, associated text: The simplest way to avoid getting totally lost is to write down the X and Z coordinates of your main base and other locations of interest. Then simply compare your current coordinates to the recorded coordinates and travel in the appropriate directions until the coordinates match. This method of navigation is particularly important for exploring the Nether. In Java, a convenient way to record coordinates in-game is to use F3 + C to copy your current position in teleport command form, then simply paste it in the chat (remove the /), optionally adding your own annotations.