Do You Smelt Netherite? Unlocking the Secrets of Minecraft’s Strongest Material
No, you cannot directly smelt Netherite. Netherite itself is the final product of a crafting process, not a raw material. You smelt Ancient Debris to obtain Netherite Scraps, which are then combined with gold ingots to create Netherite Ingots. Smelting Netherite Ingots or armor will not yield anything. Think of it as the blacksmith’s final masterpiece, ready to be used, not broken down.
Understanding the Netherite Progression
Before diving into the FAQs, let’s solidify the core process of obtaining and utilizing Netherite:
- Mining Ancient Debris: This rare block is found exclusively in the Nether dimension, typically buried deep within the bedrock layers. It’s resistant to explosions, making mining a bit of a challenge.
- Smelting Ancient Debris: You smelt the Ancient Debris in a Furnace or Blast Furnace to obtain Netherite Scraps. This is the only smelting step in the Netherite process.
- Crafting Netherite Ingots: Combine 4 Netherite Scraps and 4 Gold Ingots at a Crafting Table to create a single Netherite Ingot.
- Upgrading Diamond Gear: Use a Smithing Table to upgrade your existing diamond armor and tools into Netherite versions. This requires a Netherite Ingot per item.
Frequently Asked Questions About Netherite
Here are 15 of the most frequently asked questions about Netherite, answered in detail to provide a comprehensive understanding of this valuable Minecraft resource.
1. What happens if I try to smelt Netherite Ingots or Armor?
Absolutely nothing. Netherite Ingots are not designed to be smelted. They are the crafted end-product. Similarly, attempting to smelt Netherite armor will not yield any resources. You’re better off keeping or using it.
2. Can I get Netherite Scraps directly without smelting?
While rare, Piglins in the Nether can sometimes offer Netherite Scraps as part of a trade, especially when offered gold blocks. However, relying on Piglin trades as your primary source of Netherite Scraps is not efficient, and is really only helpful early game. Mining and smelting Ancient Debris is the most reliable method.
3. What is the Blast Furnace used for in the Netherite process?
A Blast Furnace simply smelts Ancient Debris into Netherite Scrap faster than a regular Furnace. It doesn’t produce different results, only accelerates the process. If you have a lot of Ancient Debris to process, a Blast Furnace can save you time.
4. Is Netherite better than Diamond?
Yes! Netherite is definitively superior to Diamond. Netherite armor and tools have higher durability, greater enchantability, and provide knockback resistance. Netherite tools also mine slightly faster, and weapons deal more damage. Plus, Netherite items float in lava, preventing them from being lost if dropped.
5. Will Netherite burn in lava?
No. One of the key advantages of Netherite is its fire resistance. Netherite items will not burn or be destroyed by lava. This makes them invaluable for exploring the Nether and other lava-filled environments.
6. Do I need a special tool to mine Ancient Debris?
Yes, you need at least a Diamond Pickaxe to mine Ancient Debris. Any pickaxe made of lower tier materials will break the debris without dropping anything, and you don’t want that! Efficiency enchantments on your pickaxe can significantly speed up the mining process.
7. How much Ancient Debris do I need for a full set of Netherite gear?
To upgrade a full set of armor (helmet, chestplate, leggings, boots) and all the tools (sword, pickaxe, axe, shovel, hoe) from Diamond to Netherite, you’ll need 9 Netherite Ingots in total. Since each Netherite Ingot requires 4 Ancient Debris, you’ll need to mine 36 Ancient Debris.
8. What is the best level to find Ancient Debris?
While Ancient Debris can be found at any level in the Nether, it is most commonly located at a height of Y=15. Many players have found success mining in straight lines with a good pickaxe in this location.
9. How can I safely mine Ancient Debris?
Ancient Debris is often found near lava pockets and other hazards. Using enchantments like Fire Protection on your armor and bringing along potions like Fire Resistance can significantly increase your safety. Also, be cautious of Ghasts and other Nether mobs.
10. Can I use Netherite to power a beacon?
Yes, Netherite Blocks can be used to power a Beacon. However, Netherite Blocks are significantly more expensive to craft than other Beacon base options, such as Iron, Gold, Emerald, or Diamond. It is recommended to build a Beacon base with a cheaper material, and simply have one Netherite Block to complete the look.
11. Is there a real-life equivalent to Netherite?
No, there is no real-life equivalent to Netherite. It is a fictional material designed for the game. Its properties are not based on any known substance.
12. How does Netherite armor protect against fire damage?
A full set of Netherite armor doesn’t grant complete fire immunity, but it significantly reduces the damage you take from fire and lava. While you’ll still take some damage in lava, it’s much less severe than without the armor. It makes traversing the Nether considerably safer.
13. Can I recycle Netherite gear?
While you can’t directly turn Netherite armor back into ingots through smelting, you can, in effect, do this by crafting it into tools, smelting those tools and then using the output, along with gold, to make a Netherite ingot. It’s a roundabout way to recover some value.
14. How much more durable is Netherite compared to Diamond?
Netherite armor and tools have approximately 1.3 times the durability of diamond gear. This means they can withstand significantly more use before breaking.
15. Is Netherite blast-resistant?
Netherite blocks are extremely resistant to explosions when placed. In fact, the blocks are almost unbreakable from explosions. However, if in item form, Netherite can be blown up.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t smelt Netherite itself, understanding the entire Netherite process – from mining Ancient Debris to crafting ingots and upgrading your gear – is crucial for mastering Minecraft. Hopefully, this guide has clarified any confusion and provided valuable insights into this powerful material. For more information on Minecraft and other educational games, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.