Netherite Sword

Attack properties

In Java Edition, the sword has 8 HP base attack damage and an attack-speed modifier of −2.4. The damage figure is for a fully charged hit; attacking before sufficient recovery can produce a weak attack. Sharpness adds damage broadly, while Smite and Bane of Arthropods specialize against undead and arthropod targets. Those three damage enchantments are mutually exclusive. Sweeping Edge increases sweeping damage in Java, and Looting increases drops from entities killed with the sword.

Upgrade and enchantment tradeoffs

Smithing a diamond sword with one netherite ingot and one Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template increases durability and attack damage while preserving enchantments, name, and other item data. Its maximum durability is 2,031. For general combat, Sharpness is the broad option; Smite or Bane of Arthropods makes sense when targeting those respective categories. Fire Aspect ignites targets, Knockback increases displacement, and Unbreaking or Mending can help manage wear. These choices trade broad usefulness or utility against specialized effects.

Durability and secondary block use

Anvil repair with a netherite ingot restores 25% of maximum durability, rounded down; anvil repair and combining preserve enchantments. Crafting-grid or grindstone combining adds a 5% durability bonus but does not preserve them. Swords can break some blocks quickly, but breaking a non-instant block costs two durability. Use a dedicated tool for routine block breaking if preserving sword durability matters.

Limitations and tradeoffs

• The smithing upgrade spends a netherite ingot and template for improved durability and attack damage.
• Sharpness, Smite, and Bane of Arthropods cannot coexist on one sword.
• Breaking blocks with the sword can cost two durability per block.