Should I Use Mending on My Pickaxe? A Minecraft Masterclass
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Absolutely, you should absolutely put Mending on your pickaxe in Minecraft! It’s not just a good idea; it’s practically essential for any serious player. A Mending pickaxe is a game-changer, allowing you to indefinitely maintain your most used tool and saving you the headaches of constant repairs or, even worse, a broken pickaxe mid-mining session. Let’s delve into why Mending is so vital and how to make the most of it.
The Power of Mending: Why It’s a Must-Have
A pickaxe is arguably the most important tool in Minecraft. You use it constantly for mining ores, clearing stone, and building underground bases. Without Mending, your pickaxe’s durability will inevitably deplete, requiring frequent trips back to your base for repairs or, if you’re unlucky, leaving you stranded deep underground with a broken tool.
Mending solves this problem elegantly. This enchantment uses the experience points (XP) you gain from mining, killing mobs, or other activities to automatically repair your pickaxe. Each XP orb you collect contributes to restoring your pickaxe’s durability. This creates a beautiful synergy: the more you use your pickaxe, the more XP you earn, and the more your pickaxe repairs itself!
Mending vs. Unbreaking: A Clear Winner
You might be wondering if the Unbreaking enchantment, which increases a tool’s durability, is a viable alternative. While Unbreaking is helpful, it pales in comparison to Mending. Unbreaking only slows down the rate at which your pickaxe loses durability; it doesn’t prevent it entirely. Eventually, even with Unbreaking III, your pickaxe will break and need repair. With Mending, you can potentially use the same pickaxe forever!
Optimizing Your Mending Pickaxe
To maximize the effectiveness of your Mending pickaxe, consider the following:
- Combine with Efficiency: The Efficiency enchantment increases your mining speed. This means you’ll be mining more blocks, earning more XP, and repairing your pickaxe faster. Efficiency V is the sweet spot.
- Add Fortune or Silk Touch: Fortune III increases the number of ores you get from certain blocks, while Silk Touch allows you to mine blocks like diamond ore or nether quartz ore without them dropping their usual items. These enchantments, combined with Mending, make your pickaxe incredibly versatile.
- Netherite is Best: While Diamond pickaxes are great, upgrading to a Netherite pickaxe gives you a significant durability boost. The extra durability means it will be more forgiving if you go a period without gaining XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mending on Pickaxes
1. What is the max level of Mending?
The max level of Mending is Mending I. There is only one level.
2. Can I combine Mending with other enchantments?
Yes, you can combine Mending with most other useful enchantments, such as Efficiency, Fortune, Silk Touch, and Unbreaking. The only exception is with bows; Mending and Infinity are mutually exclusive.
3. How do I get a Mending enchantment?
Mending is a treasure enchantment, meaning you can’t find it on an enchantment table. You can obtain Mending books through several methods:
- Fishing: This is a common method, although the chance is low.
- Trading with Librarian Villagers: Finding a librarian villager who sells Mending is ideal. Keep refreshing their trades until you find it.
- Loot Chests: Mending books can be found in chests within structures like strongholds, jungle temples, and ancient cities.
- Raid Drops (Bedrock Edition Only): In Bedrock Edition, you have a chance to get a Mending book as a raid drop.
4. What happens if my pickaxe breaks before it’s fully repaired by Mending?
Items with Mending can break if you’re using them for actions that don’t yield experience points. For example, using a mending pickaxe to mine only stone will break it eventually if you’re not earning enough XP to keep it repaired.
5. Should I put Mending on my sword instead of my pickaxe?
Generally, prioritize your pickaxe. Swords break less frequently than pickaxes.
6. What tool should I put my first Mending enchantment on?
Your pickaxe should be the first item you enchant with Mending.
7. Is a Gold pickaxe with Mending worth it?
No. Gold tools have significantly lower durability than Diamond or Netherite tools, making them a poor choice even with Mending.
8. Is Mending better than Unbreaking?
Yes, Mending is significantly better than Unbreaking because it fully repairs the tool. Unbreaking only slows down the rate of durability loss.
9. How do I get Mending II?
There is no Mending II. The Mending enchantment only has one level (Mending I).
10. Should I put Silk Touch on my pickaxe?
It depends on what you’re trying to do. Silk Touch allows you to mine blocks like ore blocks without them dropping the usual items. This is useful for moving ore blocks or collecting blocks like glass without breaking them. If you want to maximize ore yield, Fortune is a better choice.
11. Should I get Mending on everything?
Yes, eventually. Mending is incredibly useful for any valuable tools, weapons, or armor. However, prioritize your most frequently used items first.
12. Can my tool break with Mending?
Yes, your tool can break with Mending if you’re not earning enough XP to repair it faster than it’s losing durability.
13. Why isn’t my Mending pickaxe working?
This can happen if you’re using the pickaxe for actions that don’t generate experience or if you have other damaged armor pieces equipped. The XP orbs will prioritize repairing other damaged items before your pickaxe. Unequip any damaged armor to ensure all the experience is going towards your pickaxe repair. Also, ensure you are earning some form of experience (mining ores, killing mobs, etc.).
14. Is Mending I better than Unbreaking III?
Yes, Mending I is far superior to Unbreaking III. Mending fully repairs the tool using XP, while Unbreaking only reduces the rate of durability loss.
15. What is a maxed-out pickaxe in Minecraft?
A maxed-out pickaxe in Minecraft is a Netherite pickaxe with the following enchantments:
- Efficiency V
- Unbreaking III
- Fortune III (or Silk Touch I)
- Mending I
Beyond Mining: The Educational Value
Minecraft, with its complex systems and strategic decision-making, offers invaluable learning opportunities. Players develop problem-solving skills, resource management abilities, and even coding fundamentals through the game’s Redstone mechanics. Organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are dedicated to exploring and promoting the educational potential of games like Minecraft. They research how games can be used to enhance learning across various subjects and age groups. By supporting initiatives like the Games Learning Society, we can unlock even more of the educational benefits that Minecraft and other games offer.
Conclusion: Mending is Non-Negotiable
In conclusion, Mending is an absolutely essential enchantment for your Minecraft pickaxe. It provides unparalleled durability and convenience, saving you time, resources, and frustration. Combining Mending with other powerful enchantments like Efficiency and Fortune transforms your pickaxe into an unstoppable mining machine. Don’t hesitate—find a Mending book and enchant your pickaxe today! Happy mining!