Best bow enchantments in Minecraft
The best bow build in Java Edition is Power V, Punch II, Flame, Unbreaking III and Mending. Swap Mending for Infinity if it suits your play style better.
Recommended build · 5 enchantments
Java Edition 26.3Cheapest anvil order
Calculated for this build. Combining in the wrong order can make the last step “Too Expensive!”.
Enchantment planner: the cheapest anvil order
Pick the item and the enchantments you want. The planner tests every possible order and keeps the one that costs the fewest levels.
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Too expensive: one step costs 40 levels or more, which survival refuses. Remove an enchantment or apply it later with an enchanting table.
Anvil steps · Put the left item in the first anvil slot and the right one in the second.- Step 1 Bow BookPower V 5 levels
- Step 2 BookPunch II BookMending 2 levels
- Step 3 BowPower V BookPunch II, Mending 8 levels
- Step 4 BookUnbreaking III BookFlame 2 levels
- Step 5 BowPower V, Punch II, Mending BookFlame, Unbreaking III 9 levels
Have at least 9 levels for the most expensive step. In XP points, the whole order costs about 334 if you level up just enough before each step.
Calculated from the Java Edition 26.3 game files
Pick one of these
They exclude each other: the item can carry only one of them.
AlternativeInfinityShooting doesn't use up normal arrows: one arrow in your inventory is enough. Tipped and spectral arrows are still used. Can't be combined with Mending.
Take itMendingRepairs the item you hold or wear with the experience orbs you pick up: each XP point restores 2 durability. Treasure enchantment, can't be combined with Infinity.
What the enchanting table gives the bow
Each enchantment’s weight in the table’s draw, from the game files.
Power50%Unbreaking25%Flame10%Punch10%Infinity5%Share of the total weight (20) · the level depends on the XP spent
All 7 bow enchantments
| Enchantment | ID | Max | Enchanting table | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curse of Vanishing | I | No (curse) | Avoid | |
| Flame | I | Yes | Take it | |
| Infinity | I | Yes | Alternative | |
| Mending | I | No (treasure) | Take it | |
| Power | V | Yes | Take it | |
| Punch | II | Yes | Take it | |
| Unbreaking | III | Yes | Take it |
Bow — FAQ
What is the best enchantment for the bow?
Power V, with Punch II, Flame, Unbreaking III and Mending.
How many enchantments can go on the bow?
7 enchantments can go on it; 5 of them together in the recommended build.
Which enchantments can’t go together on the bow?
Only one per group: Infinity / Mending.
Which enchantments for the bow can’t you get from the enchanting table?
Not on the table: Mending. Look for enchanted books from other sources; each enchantment page says where.
