How to Make Netherite Armor in Minecraft

Guide Java Bedrock

Quick answer: You cannot craft netherite armor directly: upgrade each piece of diamond armor at a smithing table with 1 Netherite Upgrade smithing template (from bastion remnants) and 1 netherite ingot. A full set needs 4 templates, 4 ingots and a full diamond set.

What you need

Full set of diamond armor
4 netherite ingots (16 ancient debris + 16 gold ingots)
4 Netherite Upgrade smithing templates (or 1 plus diamonds and netherrack to duplicate)
1 smithing table

Step by step

Mine ancient debris in the Nether (best around Y=15) and smelt it into netherite scrap.
Craft netherite ingots: 4 netherite scrap + 4 gold ingots each.
Find a Netherite Upgrade smithing template in a bastion remnant chest.
Duplicate the template if needed: 1 template + 1 netherrack + 7 diamonds makes 2.
Craft or obtain a full set of diamond armor (helmet, chestplate, leggings, boots).
Craft a smithing table (2 iron ingots + 4 planks).
Open the smithing table and combine 1 template + 1 diamond armor piece + 1 netherite ingot.
Repeat for all 4 pieces. Enchantments, names and trims carry over to the netherite version.

Java vs Bedrock

Upgrading works the same in Java and Bedrock: since 1.20 the Netherite Upgrade template is mandatory in both editions. Each netherite armor piece adds armor toughness and 10% knockback resistance (40% with a full set), and dropped netherite items never burn in fire or lava. Upgrading costs no experience and keeps enchantments, trims, the name and the durability lost. Horses cannot wear netherite armor; the upgrade applies to the four player armor pieces only.

Versions: javabedrock

Frequently asked questions

How many netherite ingots do you need for full netherite armor?

4 ingots, one per armor piece. That is 16 ancient debris smelted into scrap plus 16 gold ingots.

Where do you find the Netherite Upgrade template?

Only in bastion remnant chests in the Nether. Once you have one, duplicate it with 7 diamonds and 1 netherrack around it in the crafting grid to get 2 back.

Is netherite armor better than diamond?

Yes. It has higher durability and armor toughness, each piece gives 10% knockback resistance, and the items float in lava without burning. Enchantments stay on when you upgrade, so enchant the diamond set first.