Smite

Targets and damage

Smite adds damage only when the target is sensitive to Smite. In Java Edition, the bonus per qualifying hit is 2.5 at level I, 5 at II, 7.5 at III, 10 at IV, and 12.5 at V. Zombies and their variants, skeletons and their variants, phantoms, and withers are examples of affected groups; they do not define the full target group.

Supported weapons and application

The 22 supported weapons are copper, diamond, golden, iron, netherite, stone, and wooden axes, swords, and spears, plus the mace. In released Java Edition, axes cannot receive Smite from an enchanting table; the reference notes that an anvil can apply it. Spear charge attacks made with a spear in the offhand do not apply Smite.

When to choose Smite

Each level adds another 2.5 damage per qualifying hit, up to 12.5 at level V. Higher levels are useful when you expect to hit targets sensitive to Smite often. It provides no bonus against targets that do not meet that condition.

Incompatibilities

Smite is incompatible with Bane of Arthropods, Breach, Density, Impaling, and Sharpness. Impaling is not a Survival weapon choice conflict: no weapon type can receive both enchantments in Survival. The other incompatibilities matter when choosing a weapon's enchantment role.

Limitations and tradeoffs

• The damage bonus applies only against targets sensitive to Smite.
• Smite is incompatible with Bane of Arthropods, Breach, Density, Impaling, and Sharpness.
• Java Edition spear charge attacks made with a spear in the offhand do not apply Smite.