Ready to suit up in the strongest armor Minecraft has to offer? Netherite armor puts Diamond to shame with its legendary durability, enhanced protection, and resistance to lava. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to upgrade your Diamond gear to Netherite—what materials to gather, where to find them, and how the process works in Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions (1.20+). Let’s get you ready for your next Nether trip!
What You Need For Netherite Armor
- Minecraft Version: 1.20 or newer (Java and Bedrock Editions / Pocket Edition)
- Full Diamond Armor set (Helmet, Chestplate, Leggings, Boots)
- Smithing Table
- At least 4 Netherite Ingots (1 per armor piece)
- 4 Netherite Upgrade Smithing Templates
Modloader note: No mods required! This is 100% official Minecraft content.
Materials Breakdown
- Netherite Ingots: Each crafted from 4 Netherite Scraps + 4 Gold Ingots
- Netherite Scraps: Obtained by smelting Ancient Debris from the Nether
- Netherite Upgrade Smithing Templates: Found in Bastion Remnants (and can be duplicated)
Why Netherite Armor?
Netherite armor is the best all-around set in Minecraft. As Alexandru Maftei puts it:
“Netherite armor is still the best all-around armor set in 2026 because it lasts longer than diamond, gives knockback resistance, and survives fire as an item.”
Netherite offers:
- Higher durability and armor toughness than diamond
- Knockback resistance (stay put against tough mobs)
- Armor that floats in lava—so you can rescue it if you fall in!
- Any enchantments from your diamond gear are preserved in the upgrade
Step-by-Step: How to Get Netherite Armor
1. Gather a Full Set of Diamond Armor
You can only upgrade diamond armor. Craft or loot a diamond helmet, chestplate, leggings, and boots.
2. Loot Netherite Upgrade Smithing Templates
- These are found only in Bastion Remnants in the Nether.
- Each piece you want to upgrade needs one template.
- Conseil : Once you find at least one, you can duplicate it with 7 Diamonds and 1 Netherrack at a crafting table.
3. Find and Smelt Ancient Debris
- Head into the Nether; mine at Y-level 15-16 for Ancient Debris (brown block with swirly pattern).
- Smelt each Ancient Debris in a furnace or blast furnace to get Netherite Scraps.
- You need 16 Scraps (4 per Ingot, 4 Ingots per armor set).
4. Craft Netherite Ingots
- At a crafting table, combine 4 Netherite Scraps + 4 Gold Ingots = 1 Netherite Ingot.
- Repeat until you have 4 Netherite Ingots.
5. Upgrade at the Smithing Table
This is where the magic happens! Danielle Rose says:
“With one Netherite Ingot and a Smithing Template, you can turn one piece of diamond armor into Netherite at a Smithing Table.”
- Place the Smithing Table
- In the interface, insert:
- 1 Diamond Armor piece
- 1 Netherite Upgrade Smithing Template
- 1 Netherite Ingot
- Take out your brand new Netherite Armor!
Enchantments Stay! En tant que Renz Soliman says:
“This process actually keeps enchantments that are on the Diamond armor pieces and transfers them over when you upgrade them to Netherite.”
Recap & What’s Next
Upgrading to Netherite armor takes some effort, but the rewards are huge: max protection, more durability, no losing your gear if you drop it in lava, and your prized enchantments stay safe. If you’re exploring the Nether, fighting bosses, or taking on other tough challenges, Netherite gear sets you up for success.
Next up, why not check out our Ancient Debris mining guide? Or, if you’re ready for more upgrades, our Best Enchantments for Armor guide will power you up even further!
