What are enchantments in Minecraft

Enchantments in Minecraft let you boost your gear with unique attributes. They help you mine faster, fight more effectively and survive longer. You can select enchantments through an enchantment table, enchanted books and anvils. Let's unpack how they work and why they matter.

First, build an enchantment table from four obsidians, two diamonds and a book. Surround it with up to 15 bookshelves, placed one block away, to unlock level 30 enchantments. You can enchant an item by using enchantment levels and lapis lazuli. The cost depends on the enchantment's strength. Books can also be enchanted, and you can later transfer their enchantments using an anvil.

Each enchantment has maximum levels and applies only to compatible item types. Some also conflict and can't go together on the same item. For example, you can't combine Sharpness with Smite or Bane of Arthropods, or fuse Silk Touch with Fortune. You also can't have Infinity and Mending on a bow at the same time. Certain armour enchantments clash as well, so you must choose wisely.

To improve your enchantments, build an enchantment table to access level 30 options. Refresh the pool by enchanting a low-value item if none of them suit you. Additionally, you can minimise costs and determine the most efficient order for combining enchanted books on an anvil by using tools like an enchantment order calculator.

Enchantments maximise the performance and lifespan of your gear. Mending restores durability using experience and prevents resource waste. Others like Efficiency and Fortune save time and increase yield. Combat-focused enchantments like Protection, Sharpness and Power turn gear into high-damage assets. Together, they streamline every part of Minecraft, from resource gathering to defence.

Enchantments bring a strategic edge to your gameplay. Apply the right ones, identify incompatibilities and you'll elevate every tool, weapon and armour piece into a powerful companion for your journey.