How to Make a Bow in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: Craft a bow with 3 sticks in a diagonal and 3 string down the right column. You need arrows to shoot it, and the best enchants are Power, Infinity or Mending (they are mutually exclusive), Flame, Punch, and Unbreaking.

What you need

3 sticks
3 string

Step by step

Get 3 sticks from planks and 3 string from spiders or cobwebs.
Open the crafting table.
Place 1 stick in the top-center, 1 in the middle-left, and 1 in the bottom-center, forming a backward C.
Fill the entire right column with 3 string.
Take the bow.
Craft arrows (flint + stick + feather) or get an Infinity enchant so a single arrow never runs out.

Java vs Bedrock

The bow recipe is the same in Java and Bedrock. Mending and Infinity cannot go on the same bow, so pick one: Infinity means one arrow lasts forever, Mending means the bow repairs itself with XP. You can also get bows from skeleton drops, fishing loot, or fletcher villagers, and a fully drawn shot deals up to 9-10 damage. Durability is 384 in Java and 385 in Bedrock.

Versions: javabedrock

Frequently asked questions

What is the best enchantment for a bow in Minecraft?

Power V for damage, plus Infinity or Mending (not both). Flame sets targets on fire and Punch II knocks enemies back. Unbreaking III stretches durability.

Should I put Infinity or Mending on my bow?

Infinity if you hate crafting arrows, Mending if you want the bow to last forever and have an arrow farm. They are mutually exclusive, so you must choose.

How do you repair a bow in Minecraft?

Combine two damaged bows in a crafting grid or on an anvil, or use a Mending-enchanted bow and hold it while collecting XP. Anvil repairs keep enchantments; grid repairs do not.

Can you craft a crossbow instead?

Yes, a crossbow uses 3 sticks, 2 string, 1 iron ingot, and 1 tripwire hook. It hits harder and can load fireworks, but draws slower than a bow.