Best chestplate enchantments in Minecraft
The best chestplate build in Java Edition is Protection IV, Unbreaking III and Mending.
Recommended build · 3 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 Netherite Chestplate BookProtection IV 4 levels
- Step 2 Netherite ChestplateProtection IV BookUnbreaking III 4 levels
- Step 3 Netherite ChestplateProtection IV, Unbreaking III BookMending 5 levels
Have at least 5 levels for the most expensive step. In XP points, the whole order costs about 135 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.
OptionalBlast Protection IVReduces explosion damage (8% per level) and the knockback of explosions. Can't be combined with the other protections.
OptionalFire Protection IVReduces fire and lava damage (8% per level) and shortens how long you burn. Can't be combined with the other protections.
OptionalProjectile Protection IVReduces damage from arrows, tridents, fireballs and other projectiles (8% per level). Can't be combined with the other protections.
Take itProtection IVReduces almost all damage by 4% per level and per armor piece (capped at 80% in total). The best all-round armor enchantment.
What the enchanting table gives the chestplate
Each enchantment’s weight in the table’s draw, from the game files.
Protection36%Fire Protection18%Projectile Protection18%Unbreaking18%Blast Protection7%Share of the total weight (28) · the level depends on the XP spent
All 9 chestplate enchantments
| Enchantment | ID | Max | Enchanting table | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blast Protection | IV | Yes | Optional | |
| Curse of Binding | I | No (curse) | Avoid | |
| Curse of Vanishing | I | No (curse) | Avoid | |
| Fire Protection | IV | Yes | Optional | |
| Mending | I | No (treasure) | Take it | |
| Projectile Protection | IV | Yes | Optional | |
| Protection | IV | Yes | Take it | |
| Thorns | III | Yes | Optional | |
| Unbreaking | III | Yes | Take it |
Chestplate — FAQ
What is the best enchantment for the chestplate?
Protection IV, with Unbreaking III and Mending.
How many enchantments can go on the chestplate?
9 enchantments can go on it; 3 of them together in the recommended build.
Which enchantments can’t go together on the chestplate?
Only one per group: Blast Protection / Fire Protection / Projectile Protection / Protection.
Which enchantments for the chestplate 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.
