Punch enchantment in Minecraft
Punch makes arrows from a bow push their target further back, one extra step of knockback per level up to Punch II. It adds no damage: it is the bow version of Knockback, great for keeping threats away but not always welcome.
Punch at a glance
- Max level
- II
- Works on
- Bow
- Enchanting table
- Yes
- Incompatible with
- None
- Rarity
- Rare (weight 2)
- Anvil cost
- ×4 on an item, ×2 on a book
What does Punch do?
Arrows knock targets further back.
Punch IPunch II How to get Punch
Best wayEnchanting tableAppears on the table for bow. The level depends on the XP you spend and your bookshelves.
RandomLibrarian villagersLibrarians can sell a Punch book. Reset an unemployed villager’s lectern until the trade appears.
RandomChests and fishingEnchanted books in structure chests, and fishing treasure, can carry Punch.
CombineAnvilCombine a Punch book with the item on an anvil.
Items that take Punch
Primary items show up on the enchanting table; the others only get it through an anvil.
Combining Punch
No incompatibility: it combines with every other enchantment its item can take.
Commands
/enchant @s minecraft:punch 2/give @s minecraft:enchanted_book[stored_enchantments={"minecraft:punch":2}]When Punch helps
- A creeper closing in: one shot sends it back and buys time for the next one.
- Melee mobs charging you, such as zombies or vindicators, which you can keep at bow range.
- Edges: a Punch arrow knocks mobs or players off bridges, towers and cliffs, or into the void in the End.
When it works against you
Every hit pushes the target further away, so your next shot is longer and harder to land. Against skeletons and other ranged mobs, it can push them out of sight behind cover. If you want drops close to you, or you shoot into a mob farm, Punch is a nuisance.
Heavy mobs barely move anyway: the iron golem, the warden and the ravager resist knockback.
Punch on a bow build
Punch has no exclusivity, so it fits next to Power, Flame, Unbreaking and Mending or Infinity. Punch II is part of the recommended best bow enchantments build. It only goes on the bow: a crossbow cannot take it. For melee weapons, the equivalent is Knockback.
✓ Checked in Java Edition 26.3 · updated 1 November 2026
Punch — FAQ
Does Punch add damage?
No. Punch only adds knockback. For damage, use Power.
Can a crossbow have Punch?
No. Punch only goes on bows.
Does Punch work with spectral and tipped arrows?
Yes. The game files apply it to every arrow fired by the bow, normal, tipped or spectral.
Can you get Punch from an enchanting table?
Yes. Punch can appear on the enchanting table for bow.
What is the max level of Punch?
Punch goes up to level II.