In the expansive and pixelated world of Minecraft, enchantments are key to upgrading gear, fighting mobs more efficiently, and surviving longer in the game. Among these powerful enhancements is the Smite enchantment—specifically designed to make dealing with certain hostile entities easier. Understanding what Smite does, how it works, and how best to use it can give players a significant advantage in their adventures across the Overworld, Nether, and beyond.
What Does Smite Do in Minecraft?
Smite is a weapon enchantment that increases damage dealt to undead mobs. This includes a wide range of enemies, such as:
- Zombies
- Skeletons
- Wither Skeletons
- Strays
- Zombified Piglins
- Drowned
- Phantoms
- The Wither boss
With Smite applied, players can kill these enemies more quickly. The enchantment adds extra damage to every strike using a sword or axe equipped with it.
How Smite Works
Smite increases damage based on its level. The enchantment has five levels, from Smite I to Smite V. For each level, it adds an additional 2.5 (or 1.25 hearts) points of damage to undead mobs.
Formula: Extra damage = 2.5 × level of Smite enchantment
For instance, a weapon with Smite V will deal an extra 12.5 points of damage (or over 6 full hearts) per hit against any undead creature.
How to Apply Smite
Smite can be added to swords and axes using the following methods:
- Enchantment Table: By placing a sword or axe and using experience levels.
- Anvil: Combining an item with a book enchanted with Smite.
- Grinding: Players can acquire enchanted books from villagers, loot chests, or by fishing.
One important note: Smite is incompatible with other damage-increasing enchantments like Sharpness and Bane of Arthropods. Players must choose only one of these on any given weapon.
Is Smite Better Than Sharpness?
This is a common question among Minecraft players. The answer depends on a player’s goals:
- Choose Smite if your main concern is fighting undead, such as in the Nether or during a boss battle with the Wither.
- Choose Sharpness if you want a general-purpose weapon that deals increased damage to all enemies.
Since Smite specifically buffs undead damage, it is more effective than Sharpness against those mobs. However, Sharpness is more versatile overall.
Best Weapons to Use with Smite
Smite is generally applied to axes or swords. Each choice depends on the player’s fighting style:
- Swords: Faster swing speed makes them a better choice for players who prefer rapid attacks.
- Axes: Deal more base damage, slower swing, but highly effective with Smite for heavy blows.
Tips for Using Smite Effectively
- Create a separate Smite-enchanted weapon for specific missions, like Wither boss fights or Nether exploration.
- Combine Smite weapons with other enchantments like Looting or Unbreaking for added efficiency and durability.
- Use with Diamond or Netherite tools for maximum effectiveness and resistance.
Conclusion
The Smite enchantment is a powerful tool in a Minecraft player’s arsenal, particularly when facing off against hordes of undead. With its targeted damage increase and ability to make tough enemies easier to eliminate, Smite turns a regular weapon into a zombie-slaying machine. As long as you’re smart about when and where to use it, this enchantment will absolutely prove its worth.
FAQ About Smite in Minecraft
- Q: Can Smite be used on a bow?
A: No, Smite can only be applied to swords and axes. - Q: Is Smite compatible with Sharpness?
A: No, weapons can only have one of Sharpness, Smite, or Bane of Arthropods. - Q: Is Smite useful in PvP?
A: Not usually. Since most PvP involves fighting other players and not undead mobs, Sharpness is more effective for those encounters. - Q: What’s the maximum level of Smite?
A: Smite goes up to level V (Smite V). - Q: Does Smite work on the Ender Dragon?
A: No, the Ender Dragon is not classified as undead.
