How to Get Smite in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Smite goes on swords, axes, spears and maces, and adds 2.5 HP of damage per level against undead mobs - up to +12.5 HP at Smite V. Get it from an enchanting table, enchanted books (librarian villagers, loot chests, fishing) or by combining items on an anvil. It cannot coexist with Sharpness, Bane of Arthropods, Density or Breach.

What you need

Sword, axe, spear or mace to enchant
Enchanting table + 15 bookshelves, or
Anvil + Smite enchanted book (librarian trade, loot or fishing)
XP levels (up to 30 per roll, more for anvil work)

Step by step

Enchant directly at the table. Swords and spears can roll Smite up to level V in both editions; axes and maces can too in Bedrock, but in Java they need an anvil and a book. Put down 15 bookshelves for level-30 rolls and reset with cheap throwaway enchants until Smite appears.
Or use an anvil with a book. Enchanted books with Smite come from librarian trades (the reliable route), dungeon, mineshaft, stronghold and ruined portal chests, fishing treasure, and enchanted-book drops from raid mobs in Bedrock.
Combine on the anvil. Book plus weapon, or two Smite items of the same level to raise it - two Smite IVs make a Smite V. Watch the 'too expensive' cap at 40 levels in survival.
Know what it hits. Undead only: zombies, drowned, husks, zombie villagers, zombified piglins, zoglins, skeletons, strays, bogged, wither skeletons, phantoms and the wither itself. Smite V adds 12.5 HP per hit - the wither melts.
Pick your lane: Smite or Sharpness. They are mutually exclusive (along with Bane of Arthropods, Density and Breach). Sharpness is the generalist; Smite is the specialist for wither fights, zombie farms and Nether fortresses.

Java vs Bedrock

Both editions add 2.5 HP per level against undead, but Bedrock rounds the bonus down, so Smite I, III and V are slightly weaker there (2, 7 and 12 HP). Java axes and maces need an anvil; in Bedrock they can roll Smite at the table. Since 1.21, Smite is also mutually exclusive with the mace enchantments Density and Breach.

Versions: Describes the current Java and Bedrock releases. See the edition note for differences.

Frequently asked questions

Smite or Sharpness for the wither?

Smite V, no contest. The wither is undead, so Smite V adds +12.5 HP per hit against it - Sharpness V only adds +3 (Java) and works on everything. One wither run pays for the enchant.

Can I put Smite and Sharpness on the same sword?

Not in survival - they are incompatible. You would need commands. Pick one per weapon; many players keep a Smite axe just for undead and a Sharpness sword for everything else.

What is the fastest way to get Smite V?

A librarian. Break and replace the lectern until it offers Smite, lock the trade, then buy up to level V - or combine two IV books on an anvil. Cheaper and more predictable than the enchanting table lottery.