Netherite is one of the most valuable materials in Minecraft, used to craft the most durable tools and armor in the game. However, finding it can be quite a challenge.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn where to find Netherite, how to mine it, and how to turn it into powerful equipment.
Craft the Necessary Equipment
Before venturing into the Nether, you need to be well-prepared. Mining Netherite is dangerous and requires specific tools to survive the heat and the hostile mobs of the underworld.
Essential items
- Diamond Pickaxe (or higher): the only tool capable of mining Ancient Debris.
- Plenty of Food: to regenerate health while exploring.
- Diamond Armor: provides good defense against mobs and explosions.
- Fire Resistance Potions: crucial to survive lava and fire in the Nether.
- Building Blocks: useful for creating safe paths or blocking lava flows.
- Furnace or Blast Furnace: used later to smelt Ancient Debris.
- Gold Ingots: needed later to craft Netherite Ingots.
- Beds or TNT (optional): can be used for the explosion method to find Ancient Debris faster.
Tip: Bring a Compass or a Respawn Anchor to make it easier to return to your base if you die in the Nether.
Enter the Nether
First things first — you’ll need to enter the Nether, Minecraft’s fiery underworld.
To do this, build a Nether Portal using Obsidian blocks (a minimum frame of 4×5) and light it with Flint and Steel.
Once inside, stay alert. The Nether is filled with lava lakes, fire, and dangerous mobs like Ghasts and Piglins — always keep your Fire Resistance Potions active.
Find the Ancient Debris Ore
The ore you’re looking for is Ancient Debris — the first step toward obtaining Netherite. It can be found between Y-levels 8 and 22 in the Nether, with level 15 being the most recommended for mining.
How to find it
- Traditional Method: mine in a straight line at Y=15 and carefully explore tunnels.
Image: Captured in-game - TNT Method: place TNT to create controlled explosions and expose hidden ores (Ancient Debris doesn’t explode).
Image: Captured in-game - Bed Method: try to sleep in the Nether — it causes an explosion, which can help reveal ore quickly (but be careful).
Image: Captured in-game
Tip: Ancient Debris usually generates in small veins, typically 1 to 3 blocks per cluster. Additionally, for both explosion methods, it is recommended to use a shield.
Smelt the Ancient Debris
Once you’ve collected the blocks, return to the Overworld (or use a blast furnace in the Nether) and smelt the Ancient Debris. The result will be Netherite Scrap.
Each block of Ancient Debris produces 1 Netherite Scrap.
Craft the Netherite Ingot
To turn your scraps into ingots, you’ll need:
- 4 Netherite Scraps
- 4 Gold Ingots
Combine them in a Crafting Table to create 1 Netherite Ingot.
This step marks your first real progress toward full Netherite gear!
Upgrade Your Equipment
Finally, use a Smithing Table to combine a Diamond item with a Netherite Ingot. This upgrades your tool or armor into a stronger and more durable version.
If you don’t know how to craft a Smithing Table or how to obtain the Netherite Upgrade Template, check out my guide on How to Get Smithing Templates in Minecraft.
Once the upgrade is done, your equipment will gain increased durability, power, and a sleek dark look — the ultimate sign of mastery in Minecraft.
