How to Make a Netherite Sword in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: You cannot craft a netherite sword directly: upgrade a diamond sword at a smithing table with 1 Netherite Upgrade smithing template (from bastion remnants) and 1 netherite ingot. Enchantments and name carry over for free.

What you need

1 diamond sword (enchant it first)
1 netherite ingot (4 ancient debris + 4 gold ingots)
1 Netherite Upgrade smithing template
1 smithing table

Step by step

Make or enchant a diamond sword (this is the one that gets upgraded).
Mine ancient debris around Y=15 in the Nether and smelt it into netherite scrap.
Craft a netherite ingot from 4 scrap + 4 gold ingots.
Loot a Netherite Upgrade smithing template from a bastion remnant (duplicate it with 7 diamonds + netherrack if needed).
Craft a smithing table from 2 iron ingots and 4 planks.
Open the smithing table and combine template + diamond sword + netherite ingot.
Take the netherite sword: +1 attack damage over diamond, more durability, and it floats in lava.

Java vs Bedrock

The upgrade works the same in Java and Bedrock, and since 1.20 the Netherite Upgrade template is required in both. The netherite sword deals one more attack damage than diamond and has the highest durability of any sword, and the item never burns in fire or lava when dropped. Upgrading keeps all enchantments, the name, and the durability lost, and costs no experience. Sharpness V on the diamond sword first gives the strongest sword possible in survival.

Versions: javabedrock

Frequently asked questions

Can you craft a netherite sword in a crafting table?

No. Netherite gear is never crafted directly: it is an upgrade applied to diamond gear at a smithing table. Any guide showing a netherite sword in a crafting grid is from before the mechanic changed or is simply wrong.

How much damage does a netherite sword do?

One more point than a diamond sword, with higher durability and better enchantability. With Sharpness V it is the hardest-hitting melee weapon in vanilla survival.

Do you lose enchantments when upgrading to netherite?

No. The smithing table keeps enchantments, name, trims and prior damage, and the upgrade costs no experience and adds no anvil penalty. Always enchant the diamond sword first.