How Much Paper Do You Need for Level 30 Enchants?
The quest for powerful enchantments in Minecraft is a cornerstone of the game, and reaching the coveted level 30 enchantment tier requires careful preparation. One of the key ingredients in this process is paper, a seemingly humble resource that plays a vital role in crafting the necessary bookshelves. So, exactly how much paper will you need? To reach a level 30 enchantment, you need 135 pieces of paper. This might seem like a lot, but knowing the reasons for the quantity will make it seem less daunting.
Understanding the Paper Requirement
The paper needed for level 30 enchantments isn’t used directly on the enchantment table. Instead, it goes toward crafting the books, which are then used to create the bookshelves that surround the enchanting table. Here’s the breakdown:
- Bookshelves: To achieve the highest enchantment level (level 30), you need 15 bookshelves.
- Books per Bookshelf: Each bookshelf requires 3 books. Therefore, you need a total of 45 books.
- Paper per Book: Each book requires 3 pieces of paper. Thus, you need a grand total of 135 paper (45 books * 3 paper/book) to make all the books you need for the bookshelves you need for level 30 enchantments.
It’s vital to note that paper is crafted from sugar cane, which requires players to go out and harvest. You’ll need 405 sugar cane to make the 135 paper required.
Paper’s Role in the Enchanting Process
While you’re gathering your sugar cane, understanding why paper is so crucial will further motivate you. It’s not just about having the right quantity of bookshelves; their very existence stems from the crafted paper. The enchantment table itself only gives you the ability to perform enchantments. The power of those enchantments is determined by your bookshelf set up.
The Connection Between Bookshelves and Enchantment Level
The enchantment table is designed to work in conjunction with bookshelves. Here’s how it works:
- Basic Enchantments: Without any bookshelves, you can only perform very low-level enchantments.
- Adding Bookshelves: Placing bookshelves around the enchantment table increases the potential power of the enchantments.
- Level 30 Cap: The game has a maximum enchantment level of 30. To unlock these powerful enchantments, you need 15 bookshelves surrounding your enchantment table. This number of bookshelves will give you access to the highest tier of enchantments.
- Layout of Bookshelves: The bookshelves need to be arranged in a specific pattern. It’s most common to place them in a 5×5 square outline with the enchantment table in the center.
Why Bookshelves Need Books (and therefore, Paper)
Each bookshelf requires 3 books to create. These books are crafted using the paper you make. Thus, the cycle begins with harvesting sugar cane to produce paper, which then makes books, which then become bookshelves, which power up your enchantment table. The need for 135 paper is therefore not just an arbitrary amount. It’s a critical piece of the bigger puzzle for better enchantments.
Beyond the Basic Paper Requirement: Additional Considerations
Once you’ve gathered your 135 paper, there are a few more things to keep in mind about your enchanting setup.
Placement of Bookshelves
The position of your bookshelves matters. Bookshelves must be one block away from the enchantment table, and the gap between them must be clear of obstructions, such as torches, carpets, etc. Any obstruction prevents them from being read by the enchanting table. The bookshelves must also be the same height as, or one block higher than, the enchantment table. This is not to say they must be stacked. Bookshelves stacked three high, however, will not function correctly.
Enchantment Level Variations
Keep in mind that while 15 bookshelves enable level 30 enchantments, the exact results are always varied. The enchantment you get is not guaranteed to be a good one. You might find the enchantment you receive at level 30 to be undesirable, and combining lower level enchants at an anvil may produce a better final result. In addition, if you are fishing for a specific enchant, like mending, it’s often more efficient to use a trading system with villagers, or to explore structures such as jungle temples, rather than trying to roll it at an enchantment table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many bookshelves do I need for level 30 enchantments?
You need 15 bookshelves to reach the maximum enchantment level of 30.
2. How many books are needed to craft 15 bookshelves?
You need a total of 45 books to craft 15 bookshelves. Each bookshelf requires 3 books.
3. How much sugar cane is needed to make 135 pieces of paper?
You need 405 pieces of sugar cane to make 135 paper, since three sugar cane produce 3 paper.
4. What is the ideal arrangement for bookshelves around the enchantment table?
The ideal layout is a 5×5 square outline with the enchantment table in the center. There must be a one block gap between the bookshelf and the enchantment table with no obstructions.
5. Can I use more than 15 bookshelves for level 30 enchantments?
No, 15 bookshelves is the maximum number that affects the enchantment table. Adding more bookshelves will not increase the level beyond 30.
6. Do I need to use a specific type of wood for bookshelves?
No, any type of wood planks can be used to craft bookshelves. The type of wood does not affect their performance.
7. Can I place bookshelves directly next to the enchantment table?
No, there must be a one block gap between the bookshelves and the enchantment table.
8. Is it possible to get level 50 enchantments in Minecraft?
No, level 30 is the maximum enchantment level in the standard game. There are no level 50 enchantments.
9. Can I get the Mending enchantment from an enchanting table?
No, Mending is a treasure enchantment and cannot be obtained directly from an enchantment table. You can find it by fishing, from trading with villagers, or in loot chests.
10. What is the most important enchantment for tools?
That depends on your needs. Efficiency is beneficial for digging faster, Unbreaking increases durability, and Fortune increases the number of drops when mining.
11. What are some good enchantments for swords?
Sharpness increases damage output, Looting increases item drops, and Knockback pushes enemies away.
12. Can I combine two of the same enchantments at an anvil for more power?
Yes, combining two items with the same enchantment (if they aren’t at the max enchantment level) at an anvil will increase the level of that enchant. However, sometimes it’s best to combine 2 items with different enchants, and not always with the same enchant.
13. What is the maximum level for the Sharpness enchantment?
The maximum level for Sharpness is Level 5 (Sharpness V).
14. What is the maximum level for the Unbreaking enchantment?
The maximum level for Unbreaking is Level 3 (Unbreaking III).
15. Can I get Protection V in Minecraft Survival Mode?
No, the maximum level for the base Protection enchantment obtained from the table is Protection IV. You can obtain Protection V by combining two items with Protection IV using an anvil.
By understanding the process and keeping these answers in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to gather your paper and reach the level 30 enchantment tier, granting you the power to enchant some of the best items in the game!