How to Get Netherite Scrap in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Get netherite scrap by mining ancient debris in the Nether (most common around Y=16) with a diamond or netherite pickaxe, then smelting it in a furnace. Four scraps plus four gold ingots craft one netherite ingot.

What you need

Diamond pickaxe or better (anything weaker destroys the debris)
Furnace or blast furnace + fuel
Beds or TNT for blast mining (optional but fast)
Fire resistance potions (strongly recommended)
4 gold ingots per netherite ingot

Step by step

Prepare for the Nether: bring a diamond pickaxe at minimum, fire resistance potions, food and blocks for building bridges.
Travel to Y level 16 or below in the Nether. Ancient debris generates most often around Y=16 and is never naturally exposed to air, so you must dig for it.
Branch mine at Y=15 to keep your feet above the lava lakes that sit at lower levels, or use beds or TNT to blast-mine: ancient debris survives explosions while the netherrack around it does not.
Mine any ancient debris you find with a diamond or netherite pickaxe. Any weaker tool destroys it with no drop.
Smelt each ancient debris in a furnace or blast furnace to get 1 netherite scrap.
Combine 4 netherite scraps with 4 gold ingots in a crafting table (shapeless) to make 1 netherite ingot.
Use the netherite ingot at a smithing table with a netherite upgrade template to upgrade your diamond gear.

Java vs Bedrock

Ancient debris generates slightly differently in Java and Bedrock, but in both editions the richest level is around Y=16 and it never generates exposed to air. It floats on lava in item form and is immune to fire, so a dropped scrap never burns.

Versions: javabedrock

Frequently asked questions

What Y level is best for ancient debris?

Around Y=16 has the most ancient debris on average in both editions. Mine at Y=15 so the lava lakes below do not flood your tunnels.

Can you mine ancient debris with an iron pickaxe?

No. Ancient debris only drops when mined with a diamond or netherite pickaxe. Any other tool breaks it with no drop, wasting the block.

Is TNT mining for ancient debris worth it?

Yes, it is the fastest method. Ancient debris is immune to explosions, so beds or TNT clear huge amounts of netherrack while leaving every debris block intact and easy to spot.