What Does a Smithing Template Do?

A smithing template is a valuable item primarily used in Minecraft (Java and Bedrock Editions) to apply a specific trim or upgrade to armor and tools found throughout the game. It acts as a catalyst in the smithing table, allowing players to customize their equipment with decorative patterns or enhance their core functionality in meaningful ways. Think of them as blueprints that guide the application of resources to improve your gear.

Diving Deeper: The Functionality of Smithing Templates

Smithing templates provide two distinct core functions:

• Applying Armor Trims: Smithing templates are primarily used to apply visually distinctive armor trims to your armor pieces (helmets, chestplates, leggings, and boots). These trims add decorative patterns using various materials like copper, iron, gold, diamond, netherite, emerald, lapis lazuli, quartz, redstone, amethyst, and terracotta. The trim pattern is determined by the specific smithing template used, and the color of the trim depends on the material used as the trim ingredient in the smithing table.

• Upgrading Netherite Gear: Some smithing templates, specifically the Netherite Upgrade template, are essential for upgrading diamond gear to Netherite gear. This template is the only way to imbue your diamond armor and tools with the superior durability, enchantability, and knockback resistance of Netherite.

How to Use a Smithing Template

Using a smithing template is a straightforward process performed at a smithing table. The smithing table’s interface requires three items:

1. The item you want to modify (e.g., diamond chestplate, iron helmet).
2. The smithing template itself.
3. The resource you want to use for the trim or upgrade (e.g., diamond, netherite ingot, lapis lazuli).

By placing these items in the appropriate slots within the smithing table interface, you can apply the template’s effect, either adding a trim or upgrading the item, and obtain the modified item. The template itself is not consumed in the process, meaning you can reuse a single template multiple times.

Why Smithing Templates Matter

Smithing templates bring a significant degree of customization and progression to Minecraft. They address a previous lack of personalization options for armor and offer a tangible goal for players to explore and acquire these valuable items. Moreover, the Netherite Upgrade template is fundamental to end-game progression, making it a crucial item for anyone looking to maximize their character’s power and resilience. They provide a compelling reason to explore different biomes and structures, rewarding players with the ability to express their individual style and enhance their gear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Smithing Templates

1. Where can I find smithing templates in Minecraft?

Smithing templates are found in various structures across the Overworld and Nether. Different templates are specific to different locations. Some examples include:

• Netherite Upgrade: Found in Bastion Remnants in the Nether.
• Coast Armor Trim: Found in Shipwrecks.
• Dune Armor Trim: Found in Desert Temples.
• Eye Armor Trim: Found in Strongholds.
• Host Armor Trim: Found in Ocean Monuments.
• Raiser Armor Trim: Found in Pillager Outposts.
• Rib Armor Trim: Found in Nether Fortresses.
• Sentry Armor Trim: Found in Trail Ruins.
• Shaper Armor Trim: Found in Jungle Temples.
• Silence Armor Trim: Found in Ancient Cities.
• Snout Armor Trim: Found in Piglin Bastions.
• Spire Armor Trim: Found in End Cities.
• Tide Armor Trim: Found by defeating Elder Guardians in Ocean Monuments.
• Ward Armor Trim: Found in Ancient Cities.
• Wayfinder Armor Trim: Found in Trail Ruins.

The rarer the structure and the more challenging it is to navigate, the more valuable the template found there is likely to be.

2. Are smithing templates consumed when used?

No, smithing templates are not consumed during the smithing process. You can use a single template multiple times to apply the same trim or upgrade to different pieces of gear. This makes them incredibly valuable resources.

3. Can I craft smithing templates?

Yes, most smithing templates can be crafted after you have found at least one of that type. The crafting recipe generally involves seven of a block type specific to the template, arranged in a specific pattern around a central “crafting item.” For instance, Coast Armor Trim Templates requires seven Cobblestone blocks around one Diamond. Netherite Upgrade templates cannot be crafted; they must be found.

4. What materials can be used for armor trims?

You can use a variety of materials to color the armor trims. The materials that can be used are:

• Diamond
• Netherite Ingot
• Iron Ingot
• Copper Ingot
• Gold Ingot
• Lapis Lazuli
• Emerald
• Redstone Dust
• Amethyst Shard
• Quartz
• Terracotta

The material you choose will determine the color of the trim applied to your armor.

5. Can I remove an armor trim from a piece of armor?

No, currently, there is no way to remove an armor trim once it has been applied. Choose your trims carefully!

6. Does applying an armor trim affect the armor’s durability or enchantments?

No, applying an armor trim does not affect the armor’s durability or existing enchantments. It is purely a cosmetic change.

7. How important is the Netherite Upgrade smithing template?

The Netherite Upgrade template is crucial for anyone aiming to obtain Netherite armor and tools. It is the only method for upgrading diamond gear to Netherite, granting significant improvements in durability, enchantability, and knockback resistance.

8. Can I use smithing templates on items other than armor?

While primarily used for armor, smithing templates can also be used to upgrade diamond tools (swords, pickaxes, axes, shovels, and hoes) to their Netherite counterparts using the Netherite Upgrade template. Armor trims are exclusive to armor pieces.

9. Do smithing templates have different rarities?

Yes, smithing templates have different rarities based on their location. The Netherite Upgrade template is considered one of the rarest due to the danger and complexity of Bastion Remnants. Templates found in readily accessible structures like shipwrecks are more common.

10. Are smithing templates affected by Looting enchantments?

No, the Looting enchantment does not affect the drop rate of smithing templates from chests or other containers. The chances of finding a template are fixed and not influenced by Looting.

11. Can I trade smithing templates with villagers?

No, villagers do not trade smithing templates. The only way to obtain them is by finding them in generated structures or crafting them after finding a template first.

12. Does the type of armor affect the trim that is applied?

No, the type of armor (leather, iron, gold, diamond, netherite) does not affect the trim itself. The smithing template determines the pattern, and the material used determines the color. You can apply the same trim pattern to any type of armor.

13. Are there any commands to give myself smithing templates?

Yes, using commands in a world with cheats enabled, you can use the /give command to obtain any smithing template. This is useful for testing or creative purposes, but not recommended for survival gameplay.

14. Can you dye armor trims?

No, you cannot directly dye armor trims. The color of the trim is determined solely by the material you use in the smithing table alongside the template and armor piece.

15. What are some strategies for finding Netherite Upgrade templates?

Finding Netherite Upgrade templates requires exploring Bastion Remnants thoroughly. Some strategies include:

• Bring good gear: Bastion Remnants are dangerous and require strong armor and weapons.
• Use potions: Potions of Fire Resistance and Invisibility are invaluable for navigating the lava-filled environments and avoiding Piglin aggression.
• Look for chests: Search every corner of the Bastion for chests, paying particular attention to hidden rooms and towers.
• Be careful around Piglins: Wear at least one piece of gold armor to prevent immediate hostility from Piglins.
• Bring Gold: Trading gold ingots with Piglins can sometimes yield valuable items, but it won’t directly give you smithing templates. However, it can give you resources that make exploring Bastions easier.

By understanding the purpose and acquisition of smithing templates, players can enhance their Minecraft experience through cosmetic customization and essential progression upgrades. Good luck on your template hunting!