Minecraft How To Upgrade To Netherite: The Ultimate 1.20 Guide To Ancient Debris And Smithing Templates

In the ever-evolving world of Minecraft, standing still means falling behind. For years, diamond gear was the undisputed king of the sandbox, representing the pinnacle of protection and efficiency. However, the introduction of Netherite changed the endgame forever, offering superior durability, knockback resistance, and the incredible ability to float in lava.

If you are wondering minecraft how to upgrade to netherite in the current version of the game, you’ve likely noticed that the process has become significantly more challenging. Since the 1.20 Trails & Tales update, simply having a Netherite Ingot and a Smithing Table is no longer enough. You now need a rare item known as a Smithing Template. This guide will walk you through the modern, high-efficiency path to obtaining the strongest gear in the game while navigating the dangers of the Nether.

Why Upgrading to Netherite is the Ultimate Endgame Goal in 2024

Before diving into the "how," it is essential to understand the "why." Netherite isn't just a cosmetic upgrade; it is a fundamental shift in how you interact with the game’s most dangerous environments. Netherite tools mine faster and have higher durability than diamond, but the real value lies in the armor’s unique properties.

When you wear a full set of Netherite, you gain built-in knockback resistance, meaning Ravagers or Creepers won't send you flying off a cliff as easily. Furthermore, Netherite items are fireproof. If you fall into a lake of lava in the Nether and lose your life, your Netherite pickaxe and chestplate will bob on the surface of the magma, waiting for you to return and reclaim them, rather than burning into nothingness.

Where to Find Ancient Debris: The Best Y-Levels for Mining Netherite

The first step in your journey is locating Ancient Debris, the raw ore required to create Netherite. This block is incredibly rare and only generates in the Nether dimension. Unlike coal or iron, you won't find this sitting out in the open; it is almost always hidden deep within netherrack.

Current data and player testing suggest that Ancient Debris can be found between Y-levels 8 and 22, but the absolute sweet spot is Y-level 15. At this depth, you have the highest statistical probability of encountering "veins" of debris, which usually consist of 1 to 3 blocks. Because Ancient Debris is resistant to explosions, many high-level players choose not to use traditional pickaxes for mining.

Optimized Mining Techniques: TNT vs. Beds vs. Strip Mining

If you want to find enough debris for a full set of gear, traditional strip mining is often too slow. Instead, the community has perfected explosive mining. Since Ancient Debris cannot be destroyed by blasts, you can clear massive amounts of Netherrack quickly to reveal the hidden ore.

The Bed Method is the most cost-effective strategy. In the Nether, beds explode with more force than TNT when you attempt to sleep in them. By placing a bed, standing behind a protective block, and "using" the bed, you can create a massive crater. The TNT Method is more controlled and safer but requires a steady supply of gunpowder and sand. If you prefer a more "industrial" feel, strip mining at Y-15 while using a Diamond Pickaxe with Efficiency V allows you to tear through Netherrack instantly, though it is less "exciting" than the explosive alternatives.

The New 1.20 Mechanic: How to Get the Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template

This is the step that trips up most returning players. In previous versions, you just combined a Diamond tool with a Netherite Ingot. Now, you must find a Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template. This item is a consumable (unless duplicated) that acts as a "blueprint" for the upgrade process.

These templates are found exclusively in Bastion Remnants, those massive, blackstone fortresses guarded by Piglins and Piglin Brutes. This change was implemented to make the transition to endgame gear feel like a true achievement rather than a simple mining grind. You will need to explore the chests within these structures, but be warned: Piglin Brutes do not care if you are wearing gold armor; they will attack on sight.

Finding Bastion Remnants and Looting Treasure Chests

Not all Bastion chests are created equal. While you can find the Netherite Upgrade Template in any Bastion chest with a roughly 10% chance, there is one specific location where it is guaranteed. If you locate a Treasure Room Bastion—the ones with a central pool of lava and a "magma cube spawner"—the central chest at the bottom is guaranteed to contain a Smithing Template.

Navigating a Bastion requires preparation. Bring Fire Resistance potions, plenty of blocks for "towering," and a shield. The goal is to get in, secure the template, and get out before the Piglin horde overwhelms you.

How to Duplicate Smithing Templates (Saving Your Diamonds)

Since the Smithing Template is consumed every time you upgrade an item, finding one for every piece of armor and every tool would be a nightmare. Fortunately, Mojang included a duplication recipe.

Once you have at least one template, you can craft more using the following recipe in a crafting table:

1 Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template (in the top middle)1 Netherrack Block (in the very center)7 Diamonds (filling the remaining slots)

While 7 diamonds is a steep price, it is much safer than raiding dozens of Bastions. This makes diamonds remain relevant even in the late game, as they essentially become the "currency" required to expand your Netherite collection.

Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Upgrade Your Diamond Gear to Netherite

Once you have gathered your materials, it is time to head to the Smithing Table. The interface has been redesigned specifically to accommodate the new upgrade flow. Here is the exact order of operations:

Open the Smithing Table: This block is crafted with two iron ingots over four wooden planks.Place the Template: In the far-left slot, place your Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template.Place the Gear: In the middle slot, place the Diamond tool or armor piece you wish to upgrade. Note: The item must be Diamond; you cannot upgrade Iron or Gold directly to Netherite.Place the Ingot: In the right-hand slot, place one Netherite Ingot.Collect Your Gear: The output slot will show your brand-new Netherite item.

One of the best features of this process is that all enchantments are preserved. If your Diamond Pickaxe has Mending, Silk Touch, and Efficiency V, your new Netherite Pickaxe will keep all of those powerful buffs.

Essential Netherite Crafting Recipes: Scraps, Ingots, and Gear

Mining Ancient Debris is only half the battle; you also need to process it. Ancient Debris cannot be turned directly into ingots. First, you must smelt the Ancient Debris in a furnace or blast furnace to produce Netherite Scraps.

To create a single Netherite Ingot, you need to combine:

4 Netherite Scraps4 Gold Ingots

This recipe is shapeless, meaning you can place the items anywhere in your crafting grid. This requirement for gold makes Netherite a "composite" metal, further emphasizing the importance of exploring the Nether and perhaps even setting up a gold farm to keep up with your crafting needs.

Netherite vs. Diamond: Is the Upgrade Worth the Massive Grind?

Many players ask if the transition from Diamond to Netherite is truly worth the effort, especially with the added difficulty of finding Smithing Templates. For the casual builder, Diamond gear is often sufficient. However, for those engaging in PvP, Wither fights, or exploring the Deep Dark, Netherite is indispensable.

Durability comparison: A Diamond Pickaxe has 1,561 uses, while a Netherite Pickaxe has 2,031. This 30% increase means you spend less time at an XP farm repairing your gear. Damage comparison: A Netherite Sword deals one extra point of damage per hit compared to Diamond. While this sounds small, when combined with Sharpness V, it can significantly reduce the number of hits required to kill common mobs like Endermen or Blighted Creepers.

Pro Tips for Keeping Your Netherite Gear Safe (Even in Lava)

The most famous property of Netherite is its fire resistance. If you die in lava, your gear will not burn. However, there are a few "traps" to be aware of. While the items themselves are fireproof, they are not explosion-proof in their "dropped item" form. If a Creeper explodes near your floating Netherite boots, they could be destroyed.

Additionally, Netherite items can still despawn. If you die and do not return to your items within five minutes (of the chunks being loaded), they will vanish forever. The fire resistance is a safety net for accidents, but it is not an excuse for reckless play. Always carry a Totem of Undying as your first line of defense, using the Netherite's fireproof nature as a "Plan B."

Future-Proofing Your Minecraft World with Full Netherite Armor

Achieving a full set of Netherite armor and tools is widely considered the "completion" of a Minecraft survival world's progression. It represents a mastery over the Nether and a significant investment of time and resources. As you look toward future updates and more difficult dimensions, having Netherite gear ensures you are prepared for whatever challenges the developers at Mojang throw your way.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—optimizing your mining at Y-15, conquering the Bastion Remnants for your first template, and utilizing duplication recipes—you can streamline a process that many find overwhelming. The path to Netherite is long, but the reward is the most powerful and resilient equipment ever seen in the blocky world of Minecraft.

Whether you are preparing for a massive boss fight or simply want the peace of mind that your gear won't melt in a freak lava accident, upgrading to Netherite is a journey every player should experience. Stay focused, bring plenty of gold, and keep your eyes peeled for those elusive brown blocks of Ancient Debris.