Depth Strider enchantment in Minecraft
Depth Strider makes you move faster in water. Each level removes a third of the water's drag, so at level III you move through water as fast as on land. It goes on boots and cannot be combined with Frost Walker.
Depth Strider at a glance
- Max level
- III
- Works on
- Boots
- Enchanting table
- Yes
- Incompatible with
- Frost Walker
- Rarity
- Rare (weight 2)
- Anvil cost
- ×4 on an item, ×2 on a book
What does Depth Strider do?
Makes you move faster underwater; at level III you swim as fast as you walk. Can't be combined with Frost Walker.
Depth Strider IDepth Strider IIDepth Strider III How to get Depth Strider
Best wayEnchanting tableAppears on the table for boots. The level depends on the XP you spend and your bookshelves.
RandomLibrarian villagersLibrarians can sell a Depth Strider book. Reset an unemployed villager’s lectern until the trade appears.
RandomChests and fishingEnchanted books in structure chests, and fishing treasure, can carry Depth Strider.
CombineAnvilCombine a Depth Strider book with the item on an anvil.
Items that take Depth Strider
Primary items show up on the enchanting table; the others only get it through an anvil.
Combining Depth Strider
Can’t combine withFrost WalkerMutually exclusive: an item can only carry one of them.
Commands
/enchant @s minecraft:depth_strider 3/give @s minecraft:enchanted_book[stored_enchantments={"minecraft:depth_strider":3}]Depth Strider or Frost Walker?
Boots can carry only one of the two, and they solve different problems. Frost Walker lets you walk over still water by freezing it, which is handy for crossing a lake but useless once you are under the surface. Depth Strider works in any water, at any depth. For a main pair of boots, Depth Strider is usually the better pick; some players keep a second pair with Frost Walker for travel.
Where you feel the difference
- Exploring the seabed and an Ocean Monument, together with Respiration and Aqua Affinity on the helmet.
- Fighting Drowned and Guardians: you can close in or back off instead of crawling.
- Crossing rivers and swamps on foot without losing speed.
Stacking it with Dolphin's Grace
Swimming next to dolphins gives you Dolphin's Grace, which also speeds you up in water. The two add up, and together they make long swims much shorter.
Depth Strider fits alongside Feather Falling and Protection on the same boots. The best boots enchantments page gives the full set and the anvil order.
✓ Checked in Java Edition 26.3 · updated 1 November 2026
Depth Strider — FAQ
Can you have Depth Strider and Frost Walker on the same boots?
No. The two are mutually exclusive, so a pair of boots carries one or the other.
Does Depth Strider work in lava?
No. It only reduces the drag of water. Moving through lava is not affected.
Can you get Depth Strider from an enchanting table?
Yes. Depth Strider can appear on the enchanting table for boots.
What is the max level of Depth Strider?
Depth Strider goes up to level III.
What is Depth Strider incompatible with?
Depth Strider can’t go on the same item as Frost Walker.