All 7 Bow Enchantments in Minecraft (Ranked)

Bows and enchantments go really well together in Minecraft. What’s usually an underappreciated weapon gets tons more utility and power with the right combination of enhancements. Not all enchantments in Minecraft, however, are compatible. Some are mutually exclusive, and to make the perfect combination, you need to know all the facts. This is why we decided to rank all Minecraft Bow enchantments so you can see which ones are worth your time. Let’s see which ones are the best and how to find them.

Editor’s Note: This ranking was updated in November 2023 and reflects most up-to-date mechanics in the game.

1. Power

Power is absolutely a must-have enchantment on a bow. The primary benefit of the Power enchantment is that it increases the damage your arrows deal. This is crucial for taking down enemies, especially powerful ones like the Ender Dragon or Wither. Higher damage means fewer shots are needed to defeat enemies, making your combat more efficient. It’s particularly useful when dealing with mobs or other players in PvP. The increased damage applies to all types of mobs and players, making it a versatile enchantment for various situations.

2. Infinity

Infinity, like Power, is essential when you’re dealing with projectile weapons. The most significant advantage of Infinity is that it allows you to shoot an infinite number of arrows without consuming them. This means you don’t need to worry about running out of arrows during battles or exploration. With Infinity, you save resources that would otherwise be spent on crafting or acquiring arrows. This can be especially valuable in survival mode, where resources are limited.

Infinity is mutually exclusive with the Mending enchantment, meaning you can’t have both on the same bow. Mending is useful for repairing your bow over time, so you need to choose which enchantment is more important for your play style.

3. Unbreaking

Unbreaking increases the durability of your bow. This means your bow will last longer before it breaks, providing better longevity and cost-effectiveness. With Unbreaking, you can save resources that would otherwise be spent on crafting or repairing bows. It reduces the frequency at which you need to replace your bow, making it a more sustainable choice. Over time, Unbreaking can save you experience points and materials that would be used for repairing or crafting new bows. It’s a cost-efficient enchantment in the long run.

4. Flame

Flame adds a burning effect to your arrows, causing the target to take extra damage over time. This can be especially effective against mobs and players, providing a continuous source of damage. The burning effect can be useful for crowd control, as it can damage multiple enemies over time. It’s particularly effective against groups of mobs, making it easier to handle swarms.

5. Punch

The primary advantage of Punch is that it increases the knockback of your arrows. This can be useful for pushing mobs or players away, creating distance between you and your target. Punch is excellent for crowd control, as it can push back multiple enemies simultaneously. It’s especially effective when dealing with swarms of mobs, giving you some breathing room.

In PvP situations, Punch can disrupt your opponent’s movements, making it more challenging for them to aim or approach you. It provides a tactical advantage in ranged combat.

6. Mending

The primary advantage of Mending is that it automatically repairs your bow over time by consuming experience orbs. This can significantly extend the lifespan of your bow without the need for additional resources. Mending reduces the need to constantly craft or acquire new bows, saving valuable resources. It’s a sustainable option that can save you time and effort in the long run.

Since it relies on collecting experience orbs to repair your bow, if you’re not actively gaining experience, your bow may not repair as quickly, especially during periods of low activity.

7. Curse of Vanishing

Curse of Vanishing is the absolute worst since it adds a challenging and risky element to your gameplay. If you die with a bow enchanted with Curse of Vanishing, it will disappear rather than drop as an item.

In PvP situations, the Curse of Vanishing can be used strategically. If you manage to defeat an opponent, their enchanted bow will vanish, denying them the chance to retrieve it, however.

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