Understand Netherite Spear
Useful when…
- Use the grounded jab when a target may be within the listed reach; actual hit distance can vary.
- Charge when relative movement with a target can meet the relevant damage condition.
- Consider the listed upgrade path if you have its required materials.
Jab and reach
The jab is performed while standing on the ground. Its listed Java reach bounds are 2 to 4.5 blocks; 4.5 blocks is an upper limit, not a guaranteed hit distance, because target hitbox and other mechanics can matter. The stab animation lasts 23 ticks. That describes the animation, not the jab’s recharge cooldown.
Charge conditions
Holding the use key lowers the spear into an attack position. Charge damage depends on the combined relative velocity of the user and target. Its damage condition specifies minimum relative speed 4.6 within a maximum duration of 175 ticks. Dismounting has a separate minimum speed of 9.0 within 50 ticks, and knockback has a minimum speed of 5.1 within 110 ticks. These conditions apply to different effects; the reference says later charge states can stop dismounting or knockback while damage can still be full.
Durability and repair
The spear has 2,031 maximum durability and stacks to one. It is repairable with netherite tool materials, and netherite ingots are specified as a repair material. Its use effects allow sprinting while it is being used.
Listed smithing upgrade path
The upgrade record lists one Diamond Spear, one Netherite Ingot, and one Smithing Template as the costs for the Netherite smithing upgrade. The reference reading’s smithing table is empty, so it provides no additional recipe details.
Limitations and tradeoffs
- Charge damage, dismounting, and knockback have different speed and duration conditions.
- The listed smithing upgrade path requires a Diamond Spear, Netherite Ingot, and Smithing Template.
- The listed maximum reach does not guarantee a hit at that distance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating 4.5 blocks as guaranteed hit distance or as minimum reach.
- Treating the 23-tick stab animation as the jab cooldown.
- Describing the damage, dismount, and knockback conditions as the same type of speed condition.
- Describing the listed costs as more recipe detail than the upgrade record provides.