In Minecraft, survival depends heavily on the strength of your gear. Players spend time mining, enchanting, and crafting to stay alive in hostile environments. Among all the armor types available, Netherite armor is the strongest and most durable. It represents a late-game achievement and is sought after by players who want to conquer the Nether, the End, and every challenge the game throws at them.
Getting Netherite armor is not as simple as making iron or diamond armor. It requires rare resources and a specific upgrade process. In this guide, we’ll cover how to make Netherite armor step by step from mining Ancient Debris to upgrading your diamond gear and explore its benefits and practical tips.
What is Netherite Armor?
Netherite armor was introduced in Minecraft’s Nether Update (Java Edition 1.16). Unlike other armor sets, it cannot be crafted directly. Instead, diamond armor must be upgraded using Netherite Ingots at a Smithing Table.
Netherite armor offers several advantages over diamond armor. It provides more durability, higher toughness, and knockback resistance. Another unique feature is that Netherite items do not burn in lava or fire when dropped, preventing permanent loss of gear in dangerous situations. For these reasons, Netherite armor is considered the ultimate form of protection in Minecraft.
Step 1 – Mining Ancient Debris
The journey to Netherite armor begins with Ancient Debris, one of the rarest resources in the game. Ancient Debris generates only in the Nether and requires a diamond or Netherite pickaxe to mine.
The best Y-level range for finding Ancient Debris is between 8 and 22, with the highest chance at level 15. However, mining in these areas often brings you close to lava lakes, so caution is essential. Always carry fire resistance potions, food, and plenty of blocks to stay safe.
There are a few strategies for mining Ancient Debris effectively:
- Branch Mining: Dig long tunnels at level 15 with side passages. This method is safe and consistent.
- TNT Method: TNT explosions clear large areas without destroying Ancient Debris, making it efficient for large-scale mining.
- Bed Explosions: Beds explode in the Nether, and while risky, they can uncover Ancient Debris quickly. This method requires careful planning and protection.
Mining Ancient Debris is time-consuming, but every block you find gets you closer to your first Netherite upgrade.
Step 2 – Smelting Ancient Debris into Netherite Scrap
After gathering Ancient Debris, the next step is smelting it into Netherite Scrap. Place the blocks in a furnace or blast furnace, and each piece of Ancient Debris will produce one Netherite Scrap.
Netherite Scrap cannot be used on its own to craft tools or armor. Instead, it serves as one of the main components of Netherite Ingots. For a full set of Netherite armor, you will need 16 scraps in total, since each Netherite Ingot requires four.
Step 3 – Crafting Netherite Ingots
With Netherite Scraps ready, you can combine them with gold to make Netherite Ingots. The crafting recipe requires 4 Netherite Scraps and 4 Gold Ingots in any arrangement. This combination yields one Netherite Ingot.
To upgrade a complete set of diamond armor, you need:
- 16 Netherite Scraps (from 16 Ancient Debris)
- 16 Gold Ingots
- 4 Netherite Ingots total
Gold can be mined in the Overworld or gathered from Nether Gold Ore and chests inside Bastion Remnants. While gold is more common than Ancient Debris, gathering enough still takes time.
Because Netherite is so rare, many players choose to upgrade weapons and tools first. However, armor is essential for survival in boss fights and hostile environments.
Step 4 – Upgrading Diamond Armor
Netherite armor is created by upgrading diamond armor using a Smithing Table. You cannot craft it directly. A Smithing Table can be crafted with 2 iron ingots and 4 wooden planks or found in villages.
To upgrade your gear:
- Place the diamond armor piece in the Smithing Table.
- Add one Netherite Ingot.
- The result is the upgraded Netherite Armor.
Each Netherite Ingot upgrades one piece of diamond armor. Therefore, upgrading all four armor pieces helmet, chestplate, leggings, and boots requires four ingots. Importantly, all enchantments on your diamond armor carry over to Netherite, so it’s best to enchant your diamond gear before upgrading.
Benefits of Netherite Armor
The main reasons to pursue Netherite armor are its powerful benefits:
- Durability: Netherite armor lasts longer than diamond, reducing the need for constant repairs.
- Toughness: It absorbs more damage, helping players survive longer in combat.
- Knockback Resistance: Reduces how far you are pushed back when hit, useful in PvP and while fighting mobs.
- Lava Protection: Netherite items don’t burn in lava, making them safer in the Nether.
- Prestige: Wearing a full set of Netherite armor is a sign of skill and dedication in multiplayer servers.
For late-game challenges such as the Wither or Ender Dragon battles, Netherite armor provides the extra edge needed for success.
Extra Tips for Players
Reaching Netherite armor is an achievement, but a few strategies can make the process easier and the armor more effective:
- Enchant Before Upgrading: Enchant your diamond armor first, then upgrade it. Enchantments like Protection IV, Unbreaking III, and Mending are highly recommended.
- Carry Backup Gear: The Nether is dangerous, and accidents happen. Keep extra armor handy while mining.
- Use Fire Resistance Potions: These are lifesavers against lava lakes and explosions.
- Balance Weapons and Armor: Don’t forget to upgrade swords, pickaxes, and other tools. They are just as important as your armor.
- Efficient Mining: Use TNT or beds strategically to uncover more Ancient Debris quickly.
Conclusion
Crafting Netherite armor requires patience and skill, but the reward is unmatched. From mining Ancient Debris in the Nether to smelting scraps, forging ingots, and upgrading diamond gear, every step feels like progress toward ultimate survival.
The benefits of Netherite armor durability, toughness, knockback resistance, and lava protection make it the best gear in the game. More than just protection, Netherite armor is a badge of achievement that shows you’ve mastered Minecraft’s toughest challenges.
If you’re ready to take on the most dangerous parts of the game, set your sights on Netherite armor. It’s more than just equipment it’s proof that you can conquer Minecraft’s toughest environments and thrive.
FAQs
Can I make Netherite armor without diamond armor?
No, you cannot. Netherite armor is only obtained by upgrading existing diamond armor pieces at a Smithing Table.
How many Ancient Debris blocks are needed for a full set of Netherite armor?
You need 16 Ancient Debris in total, which smelt into 16 scraps. These scraps, combined with 16 gold ingots, create the 4 Netherite Ingots needed.
Do enchantments transfer when upgrading diamond armor to Netherite?
Yes, all enchantments carry over during the upgrade. That’s why it’s smart to enchant diamond armor before upgrading.
Can Netherite armor make me fireproof?
Not exactly. While Netherite items don’t burn when dropped in lava, the player still takes damage from fire and lava without additional protection.
Should bI upgrade armor first or tools first?
It depends on your playstyle. Many players prioritize tools and weapons, but armor should come first if you’re preparing for boss fights or dangerous Nether exploration.
