10 Most Powerful Weapons in Minecraft (& Where to Find Them)

Minecraft is a world where creativity meets survival, and having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re battling mobs or exploring dangerous terrains, the most powerful weapons give you an edge. From close-range brawlers to long-distance strikers, these items pack a punch and keep you safe. Let’s dive into the gear that turns a regular player into a force of nature.

I’ve always loved how Minecraft mixes simple crafting with epic adventures. The thrill of finding or making something that can take down a creeper in one hit is hard to beat. We’re about to explore ten standout weapons that rule the game. Stick around to see what they are and how to get your hands on them—it’s worth the read if you want to up your game.

Netherite Sword

This blade is a beast in melee fights, slicing through enemies with ease. It deals 8 damage per hit, more than any other sword, and lasts ages with a durability of 2031. Add enchantments like Sharpness, and it becomes a mob’s worst nightmare. It’s fast too, swinging at 1.6 speed, perfect for quick strikes.

To snag one, start with a diamond sword. Then head to the Nether, mine ancient debris around level 15, and smelt it into netherite scraps. Mix those with gold ingots for a netherite ingot, and upgrade your sword at a smithing table. It’s a trek, but the power’s worth it.

Netherite Axe

Axes hit harder than swords, and this one tops the list with 10 damage per swing. It’s slower at 1 speed, but that single blow can drop most foes fast. It also breaks shields in PvP, giving you a tactical edge. Durability sits at 2031, so it’s built to last.

Crafting it follows the same path as the netherite sword. Mine ancient debris in the Nether, turn it into a netherite ingot, and upgrade a diamond axe at a smithing table. A bit of effort, but you’ll wield one of the game’s heaviest hitters.

Trident

The trident is a rare gem, dealing 9 damage up close and 8 when thrown. It’s versatile, working underwater or on land, and shines with enchantments like Loyalty, which makes it return like a boomerang. It’s a two-in-one weapon for any situation.

You can’t craft it—only drowned mobs drop them, and even then, it’s a slim 15% chance with a trident in hand. Farm them in ocean biomes, especially near ruins or shipwrecks. Patience pays off when you score this beauty.

Crossbow

For ranged combat, the crossbow delivers up to 11 damage with arrows, or 18 with fireworks. It’s slower to load than a bow but hits harder and stays ready in your inventory. Enchant it with Multishot or Quick Charge, and you’re a walking turret.

Craft one with three sticks, two strings, an iron ingot, and a tripwire hook. Pillagers sometimes drop them too—check outposts or patrols. It’s an easy grab for distance fighters.

Bow

A classic choice, the bow deals up to 10 damage when fully charged. It’s fast to reload at 1.1 seconds and pairs well with enchantments like Infinity, letting you fire endlessly with one arrow. It’s a must for safe, long-range attacks.

Make it with three sticks and three strings. Arrows need flint, sticks, and feathers—stock up by mining gravel and hunting chickens. Skeletons drop bows sometimes, so keep an eye out.

Diamond Sword

Before netherite stole the show, this was king, hitting for 7 damage per strike. It’s quick at 1.6 speed and durable at 1561 uses. With enchantments, it still holds its own against tough mobs like the wither.

Craft it with two diamonds and a stick on a crafting table. Mine diamonds deep underground, around levels 2-16, using strip mining. Villages or chests might offer one too if you’re lucky.

Diamond Axe

This tool doubles as a weapon, swinging for 9 damage. It’s slower than a sword at 0.9 speed but packs a punch and breaks shields like its netherite cousin. With 1561 durability, it’s a solid pick for combat and chopping.

Use three diamonds and two sticks to craft it. Dig for diamonds between levels 2-16, or trade with a village weaponsmith. It’s easier to get than netherite and still deadly.

TNT

Not your typical weapon, TNT explodes for massive damage—up to 32.5 hearts if you’re clever with it. It’s risky since it can backfire, but set up a cannon with redstone, and you’ve got a long-range destroyer.

Craft it with four sand blocks and five gunpowder. Sand’s everywhere, and gunpowder comes from creepers or witches. Place it, light it with flint and steel, and watch the chaos unfold.

Mace

New in the 1.21 update, the mace is wild—it deals 7 base damage, but jumps higher the farther you fall before striking. Drop from a height, and it can one-shot anything. It’s tricky to master but devastating when timed right.

Craft it with a heavy core from ominous trial vaults in trial chambers and breeze rods from breeze mobs in the same spot. Activate ominous spawners with a bad omen effect to start the hunt.

Splash Potion of Harming

This isn’t a blade or bow, but it’s lethal, dealing 6-12 damage instantly to multiple targets. Throw it into a mob pack, and watch them melt. It ignores armor, making it a sneaky ace up your sleeve.

Brew it with a potion of poison or healing, then add gunpowder for the splash effect. Use a brewing stand, nether wart, and spider eyes or melons to get started. It’s a crafty way to fight.