Understand Efficiency
Useful when…
- Mining with the correct tool for the block
- Speeding up repeated block gathering with picks, axes, shovels, hoes, or shears
Effect and levels
Efficiency adds mining efficiency equal to one plus the enchantment level squared: level I adds 2, II adds 5, III adds 10, IV adds 17, and V adds 26. This value applies when breaking a block with the correct tool. The supplied reading notes that Efficiency has no effect when a tool is used on the wrong block type.
Tools and sensible investment
It applies to pickaxes, axes, shovels, hoes, and shears across the listed materials. Level V is the maximum. Stone and diamond tools can receive only up to Efficiency IV from an enchanting table in the supplied reading; level V can be reached by combining two Efficiency IV items in an anvil. The reading also lists Efficiency V diamond tools in end city, ancient city, and bastion remnant chests.
Limits and use
Efficiency is most valuable on tools used for sustained block breaking, especially when matched to the block. It is not an attack-damage enchantment, and its stated mining benefit does not repair poor tool choice. Enchanted books and tools with random Efficiency levels are listed as villager-trading sources; enchanted books also appear in several structure chests and trial chamber vaults.
Limitations and tradeoffs
- Mining speed improves when tool and block type match.
- The formula adds more efficiency at higher levels, but the enchantment does nothing for the wrong block type.
- Stone and diamond tools require an anvil combination to reach level V through the methods described.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting Efficiency to speed up mining with the wrong tool type.
- Applying it as though it increased melee damage.
- Assuming stone or diamond tools can obtain level V directly from an enchanting table.