Netherite Ingot is one of the most valuable crafting materials in Minecraft, introduced in the Nether Update. It is stronger and more durable than Diamond, making it the ultimate upgrade for weapons, armor, and tools. However, crafting Netherite Ingot is a complex process that involves multiple steps, rare materials, and careful preparation. Players must journey into the Nether, mine specific blocks, smelt them, and combine them with diamonds’ predecessor Gold. Understanding how to make Netherite Ingot is essential for any player aiming to reach the pinnacle of survival gear in Minecraft.
What Is Netherite Ingot?
Netherite Ingot is a high-tier material used to upgrade Diamond gear into Netherite equipment. It provides better durability, knockback resistance, and increased damage output. Netherite also has the special ability to float in lava, preventing the complete loss of gear when accidentally dropped into the molten depths.
Benefits of Netherite
- Higher durability than Diamond gear
- Better enchantment retention
- Stronger attack power and defense
- Resistance to lava (items do not burn)
- Reduced knockback when hit
Materials Required to Make Netherite Ingot
Before you can craft Netherite Ingot, you’ll need to gather several materials. The crafting process doesn’t involve crafting Netherite directly from raw ore but through a smelting and combining process.
- Ancient Debris
- Netherite Scrap
- Gold Ingots
Step-by-Step Material Breakdown
Ancient Debris
This is a rare block found in the lower layers of the Nether (typically between Y-levels 822). It must be mined using a Diamond or Netherite pickaxe. It cannot be destroyed by lava or fire and has a high blast resistance, making it ideal for TNT mining strategies.
Netherite Scrap
Smelt Ancient Debris in a furnace or blast furnace to produce Netherite Scrap. You’ll get one scrap per debris block. This step is essential as Netherite Scrap is the direct precursor to Netherite Ingot.
Gold Ingots
Gold Ingots are more common and can be smelted from gold ore or obtained from Piglins, chests, and other sources. You’ll need four Gold Ingots per Netherite Ingot.
How to Find Ancient Debris
Best Y-Level for Mining
Ancient Debris is most commonly found at Y-level 15 in the Nether. Bring beds or TNT for efficient mining, as both are explosive and can quickly clear out large areas, exposing debris blocks.
Recommended Mining Strategy
- Bring Fire Resistance potions to survive lava pools.
- Use a Diamond or Netherite pickaxe with Efficiency and Unbreaking enchantments.
- Dig long tunnels at Y-level 15, placing TNT or beds at intervals to create explosions.
- Always bring extra blocks to block off lava flows quickly.
Safety Tips While Mining
The Nether is dangerous. Always be alert for lava, mobs like Ghasts or Piglins, and sudden terrain changes. Wearing good armor and bringing backup tools can prevent costly deaths.
Smelting Ancient Debris into Netherite Scrap
Using a Furnace or Blast Furnace
Once you have a collection of Ancient Debris, return to your base and smelt them:
- Place the Ancient Debris in the top slot of a furnace or blast furnace.
- Add any fuel source (Coal, Charcoal, Lava Bucket, etc.) to the bottom slot.
- Each Ancient Debris block yields one Netherite Scrap.
You’ll need at least four Netherite Scrap to create one Netherite Ingot, so plan your mining accordingly.
Crafting the Netherite Ingot
Combining Scrap and Gold
Once you have at least four Netherite Scraps and four Gold Ingots, follow these steps:
- Open your crafting table.
- Place four Netherite Scraps anywhere on the grid.
- Add four Gold Ingots to the remaining spaces.
- The result will be one Netherite Ingot.
The placement of items is flexible; you don’t need a specific pattern. As long as there are four of each, you will get one ingot.
How to Use Netherite Ingot
Upgrading Gear
Unlike other ores, Netherite cannot be used to craft tools or armor directly. Instead, you must upgrade existing Diamond gear.
- Place a Diamond item and one Netherite Ingot into a Smithing Table.
- The output will be the upgraded Netherite version of that item.
- Enchantments on the Diamond item will carry over.
Recommended Gear to Upgrade First
If you’re short on Netherite Ingots, prioritize upgrading the following:
- Pickaxe: Better durability for long mining sessions.
- Chestplate: Highest defensive value.
- Sword: Increased damage helps with mobs and PvP.
Storage and Trading Tips
Storing Netherite Safely
Netherite items don’t burn in lava, but it’s still smart to store them in secure chests, preferably in an Ender Chest or a well-defended base. Due to the rarity of Ancient Debris, losing Netherite Ingots can be a major setback.
Trading or Bartering
While Netherite Ingots cannot be traded with villagers, they can be used as high-value barter items in multiplayer servers. Some players may trade enchanted books, rare materials, or even diamonds in exchange for Netherite.
Efficiency Tips for Farming Netherite
Bring the Right Equipment
- Fire Resistance potions
- Diamond or Netherite pickaxe
- Stack of TNT or beds
- Plenty of food
- Building blocks and backup gear
Use Chunk Borders
Ancient Debris generates with specific chunk patterns. You can use chunk borders to target locations where the debris has a higher spawn chance. This method involves more advanced knowledge of Minecraft’s generation mechanics but can dramatically increase yield.
Bring a Shulker Box
When going on long Nether expeditions, bring Shulker Boxes to store your debris, scraps, and gold. This lets you stay out longer without running out of space, especially useful if you’re far from a base or smelting setup.
Learning how to make Netherite Ingot is a crucial milestone in Minecraft. It allows you to unlock the strongest possible gear, making survival and combat much easier. While the process takes effort from mining Ancient Debris in dangerous terrain to smelting and crafting it’s well worth it for the immense benefits Netherite provides. With preparation, patience, and the right tools, you’ll be fully equipped with Netherite gear and ready to face any challenge Minecraft throws at you.