Smite is one of the most useful enchantments in Minecraft for players who often face off against undead mobs. It increases the amount of damage dealt to specific enemy types, helping you take them down more efficiently. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Smite enchantment: how it works, which mobs it affects, how to get it, and how it compares to other enchantments.
What Does Smite Do in Minecraft?
Smite is an enchantment that increases your attack damage specifically against undead mobs. These include:
- Zombies
- Skeletons
- Wither Skeletons
- Strays
- Husks
- Drowned
- Zoglins
- The Wither
Each level of Smite increases the damage dealt to these mobs. Smite can be applied to swords and axes.
Smite Enchantment Levels
Smite can go up to level V (5). At maximum level, it adds +2.5 extra damage per level to undead mobs. So:
- Smite I = +2.5 damage
- Smite V = +12.5 damage
This bonus is not applied to other mob types like Creepers, Spiders, Endermen, or Blaze.
Smite vs. Sharpness – What’s the Difference?
You cannot combine Smite with Sharpness or Bane of Arthropods on the same weapon without commands or cheats. Each serves a specific purpose:
| Enchantment | Best Against | Applies To | Versatile? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smite | Undead mobs | Swords, Axes | ❌ |
| Sharpness | All mobs & players | Swords, Axes | ✅ |
| Bane of Arthropods | Spiders & silverfish | Swords, Axes | ❌ |
If you’re planning to fight a lot of undead mobs (like in a dungeon, stronghold, or during Wither battles), Smite is the best choice.
How to Get Smite Enchantment
You can obtain Smite in several ways:
- Enchanting Table: Use experience levels and lapis lazuli.
- Anvil + Enchanted Book: Combine a Smite book with a sword or axe.
- Trading with Villagers: Librarians can offer Smite books.
- Looting Chests: Sometimes Smite-enchanted items appear in generated structures.
For best results, surround your Enchanting Table with 15 bookshelves to unlock high-level enchantments.
How to Use Smite Efficiently
- Use Smite-enchanted weapons in areas with high undead spawn rates (e.g. dungeons, Nether fortresses).
- Combine Smite with Looting, Unbreaking, and Mending for the ultimate mob-farming tool.
- Keep a separate weapon with Sharpness for general combat or PvP.
Can You Remove Smite from a Weapon?
Yes, using a Grindstone, you can remove all enchantments (including Smite) from a weapon. This also resets the item’s repair cost but consumes 1 XP level.
Common Questions About Smite
Can Smite be used in PvP?
No. Smite only affects undead mobs, not other players or regular mobs. Sharpness is better for PvP.
What is the max level of Smite in Minecraft?
The maximum level is Smite V (5).
Does Smite work on the Wither?
Yes. The Wither is classified as an undead mob, so Smite deals extra damage to it.
Final Thoughts
Smite is a highly effective enchantment when used in the right situation. If your adventure involves lots of zombie-slaying or Wither fighting, don’t hesitate to enchant your sword or axe with Smite. Just remember to keep a Sharpness weapon around for everything else!
Whether you’re exploring strongholds, clearing mob farms, or just want to hit harder in the Nether, Smite offers a strategic edge in your Minecraft journey.
