Netherite Guide
The Netherite Upgrade Path
Netherite is the ultimate material tier in Minecraft and getting there is a multi-step process. You can't mine netherite directly — you find ancient debris, smelt it into netherite scraps, combine scraps with gold ingots, and then smithing-table your diamond gear into netherite. Every step matters.
Here's the full upgrade chain: Ancient Debris → Furnace → Netherite Scrap (×4) + Gold Ingot (×4) → Crafting Table → Netherite Ingot → Smithing Table + Diamond Gear + Smithing Template → Netherite Gear.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Mine ancient debris at Y=15 in the Nether (use beds, TNT, or strip mining)
- Step 2: Smelt ancient debris in a furnace/blast furnace → get Netherite Scraps
- Step 3: Craft 4 Netherite Scraps + 4 Gold Ingots = 1 Netherite Ingot
- Step 4: Find a Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template in a Bastion Remnant
- Step 5: Place Smithing Template + Diamond Gear + Netherite Ingot on a Smithing Table
- Step 6: Your diamond item is upgraded to netherite — all enchantments preserved!
Why Netherite Beats Diamond
The single biggest advantage isn't the stats — it's lava resistance. Drop a netherite pickaxe in lava? It floats on top and doesn't take damage. Drop a diamond pickaxe? Gone instantly. In the Nether, where lava is everywhere, this property alone justifies the upgrade.
| Stat | Diamond | Netherite | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability (pickaxe) | 1,561 | 2,031 | +30% |
| Mining speed | 8.0 | 9.0 | +12.5% |
| Attack damage (sword) | 7 | 8 | +1 damage |
| Armor toughness | 2.0 per piece | 3.0 per piece | +50% |
| Knockback resistance | None | 10% per piece | Unique to Netherite |
| Lava resistance | ❌ Burns | ✅ Floats, doesn't burn | Game-changing |
Finding the Smithing Template
Since Minecraft 1.20, you need a Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template to upgrade diamond gear. This template is found exclusively in Bastion Remnant treasure rooms — the large rooms with a gold block pyramid.
Here's the critical part: the template is rare, but you can duplicate it. Place 1 Netherite Upgrade Template + 7 diamonds + 1 netherrack on a crafting table to get 2 templates back. So you only need to find one, then duplicate it for every subsequent upgrade.
Upgrade Priority Order
With netherite ingots being so expensive (4 ancient debris each), you should upgrade in a specific order to maximize value:
- 1. Pickaxe — most used tool, benefits from speed and durability boost
- 2. Sword — +1 damage is significant in PvE and PvP
- 3. Chestplate — largest armor piece, biggest protection gain
- 4. Helmet — strong protection bonus
- 5. Leggings — solid but less impactful than chestplate
- 6. Boots — last priority unless you're doing a lot of lava walking
- 7. Axe, Shovel, Hoe — only if you have surplus netherite
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I upgrade diamond to netherite?
Place a Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template, your diamond gear piece, and a netherite ingot on a Smithing Table. The item upgrades to netherite with all enchantments preserved.
Where do I find the Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template?
In Bastion Remnant treasure rooms (the big rooms with gold pyramids). You only need to find one — it can be duplicated with 7 diamonds and 1 netherrack on a crafting table.
Is netherite worth the effort?
Yes — the lava resistance alone is game-changing for Nether exploration, and the +30% durability and knockback resistance make it a significant combat upgrade over diamond.