What Happens When You Put Infinity on a Bow? The Ultimate Guide

The Infinity enchantment is a game-changer for any aspiring archer in Minecraft. In essence, when you put Infinity on a bow, it grants you an unlimited supply of regular arrows, provided you have at least one arrow in your inventory. Think of it as having a magical quiver that never runs dry, allowing you to focus on aiming and accuracy rather than constantly restocking your ammunition. However, like any powerful enchantment, Infinity comes with its own set of caveats and interactions that are important to understand. Let’s delve into the specifics of this sought-after enchantment and address some common questions.

Understanding the Infinity Enchantment

The core function of Infinity is to eliminate the consumption of regular arrows fired from a bow. This means that as long as you possess a single arrow in your inventory, you can fire an endless stream of projectiles. This is particularly useful when facing hordes of enemies, exploring vast landscapes, or simply practicing your aim. But it’s important to remember that Infinity only affects normal arrows.

The Limitations of Infinity

While the idea of unlimited arrows is appealing, the Infinity enchantment is not without its limitations:

• Tipped Arrows: The enchantment does not apply to tipped arrows or spectral arrows. These specialized arrows will still be consumed upon use. If you’re planning on using arrows with status effects, you’ll need to keep a close eye on your supply.
• Mending Incompatibility: The Infinity and Mending enchantments are mutually exclusive. You cannot have both on the same bow. This means you must choose between having unlimited arrows and the ability to repair your bow using experience orbs. This is often a difficult choice and depends on your play style and resource availability.
• Crossbows: While you can apply the Infinity enchantment to a crossbow using commands, it does not work. Only bows benefit from the arrow-duplicating magic of this enchantment.

Strategies for Using Infinity Effectively

To maximize the benefits of the Infinity enchantment, consider the following strategies:

• Skeleton Farms: If you choose Mending over Infinity, consider building a skeleton farm. This provides a steady source of both arrows and experience orbs, making it easier to maintain your bow’s durability while also replenishing your arrow supply.
• Combine with Flame: One of the best enchantments to pair with Infinity is Flame. This enchantment imbues your arrows with fire, dealing extra damage and setting enemies ablaze. Since Infinity provides unlimited arrows, you can effectively become a fiery artillery specialist.
• Use in Conjunction with Power: The Power enchantment increases the damage dealt by your arrows. Combining Power with Infinity allows you to dish out significant damage with an endless supply of projectiles.
• Prioritize Accuracy: With unlimited arrows, you can afford to practice and refine your aiming skills. Take advantage of the opportunity to become a master archer and consistently land critical hits.

Infinity vs. Mending: The Ultimate Decision

The most significant decision players face when enchanting a bow is choosing between Infinity and Mending. There is no definitively “better” choice, as the optimal enchantment depends on individual playstyles and resource availability.

• Infinity: Opt for Infinity if you find it difficult to obtain arrows consistently. It provides convenience and allows you to focus on other aspects of the game without worrying about running out of ammunition. This is particularly useful in the early game when resources are scarce.
• Mending: Choose Mending if you have a reliable source of both arrows and experience, such as a skeleton farm. Mending allows you to keep your bow in pristine condition indefinitely, provided you actively gather experience orbs. This is often the preferred choice for players who prioritize long-term durability and have established resource farms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Infinity enchantment:

1. Can you put Infinity on a bow?

Yes, you can put the Infinity enchantment on a bow using an enchantment table or an anvil. This enchantment allows you to shoot an unlimited number of arrows, provided you have at least one arrow in your inventory.

2. Can you use Infinity on tipped arrows?

No, the Infinity enchantment only works on regular arrows. Tipped arrows will still be consumed when shot from a bow enchanted with Infinity.

3. Why can’t I put Infinity on my bow?

You likely have Mending already on your bow. Infinity and Mending are mutually exclusive enchantments and cannot be combined on the same bow.

4. Can you put Infinity and Flame on a bow?

Yes, you can put both Infinity and Flame on a bow. The Flame enchantment imbues your arrows with fire, and it works perfectly in conjunction with Infinity’s unlimited arrow effect.

5. Is Mending or Infinity better?

The better enchantment depends on your circumstances. If you have an easy way to get arrows and experience (like a skeleton farm), Mending is superior. If you struggle to find arrows, Infinity is the better choice.

6. Is Flame 2 a thing?

No, the maximum level for the Flame enchantment is Level 1 (Flame I). You cannot have Flame II or higher.

7. Can you put Mending on a Trident?

Yes, Tridents can have the Mending enchantment. This allows you to repair them using experience orbs.

8. Can you put Mending on armor?

Yes, Mending can be applied to armor. It’s a valuable enchantment for keeping your armor in good condition.

9. Can you put Looting on a bow?

No, Looting is exclusive to swords and cannot be applied to bows.

10. Does Infinity affect crossbows?

No, Infinity does not work on crossbows. While you can add it using commands, it provides no functional benefit.

11. How do you fix a bow?

You can repair a bow using an Anvil, Crafting Table, or Grindstone. Using an anvil is ideal for preserving enchantments.

12. Can skeletons drop Mending bows?

While it is extremely rare, a skeleton horseman may drop a bow enchanted with both Infinity and Mending (due to a bug), though this is exceedingly unlikely.

13. Is Infinity a rare enchantment?

The Infinity enchantment has a relatively high probability of appearing on an enchantment table compared to some other enchantments.

14. Is there Mending 2?

No, the maximum level for the Mending enchantment is Level 1 (Mending I).

15. Does Mending reduce XP?

Yes, Mending uses XP to repair items. Half of the XP earned is used to repair the item, and the other half goes to the player’s level. If the item is fully repaired, all XP goes to the player’s level.

Final Thoughts

The Infinity enchantment is a powerful tool for any Minecraft player. Its ability to provide an unlimited supply of arrows can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, making it easier to explore, battle enemies, and build. However, it’s crucial to understand its limitations and weigh your options carefully before committing to this enchantment. Consider your resources, play style, and long-term goals to make the best decision for your Minecraft adventure. Be sure to check out research on gaming and learning at Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, to understand the broader impact of games!