How To Make Netherite Armor In 1.20: A Complete Step‑by‑Step Tutorial
Netherite armor is the pinnacle of protection in Minecraft 1.20, offering higher durability, better knock‑back resistance, and a sleek black sheen. If you’re wondering how to make Netherite armor in 1.20, this guide walks you through every requirement, the crafting process, and tips for upgrading your diamond gear efficiently.
What You Need Before You Begin
Upgrading from diamond to Netherite does not require you to start from scratch. In this tutorial I will show you the exact items you must gather, plus the tools that make the process smoother.
- Netherite Ingots – each ingot is crafted from four Netherite scraps and four gold nuggets.
- Diamond Armor Pieces – a full set (helmet, chestplate, leggings, boots) or any individual piece you wish to upgrade.
- Smithing Table – the only block that can combine diamond gear with Netherite ingots.
- Gold Nuggets – used to craft Netherite scraps.
- Ancient Debris – found in the Nether, the raw material for Netherite scraps.
Step 1: Locate and Mine Ancient Debris
Ancient Debris spawns between Y‑level 8 and 22 in the Nether. Use a diamond or netherite pickaxe with Fortune III for the best yield. Mine in a branch pattern to expose the most blocks while preserving resources.
- Enter the Nether and descend to Y‑level 15 (the sweet spot for density).
- Set up a 2‑block high, 3‑block wide tunnel and branch out every 2 blocks.
- Collect every Ancient Debris block you encounter.
Step 2: Smelt Ancient Debris into Netherite Scraps
Place the Ancient Debris in a furnace, blast furnace, or smoker. Each block yields one Netherite Scrap. You will need four scraps per ingot, so plan accordingly.
Step 3: Craft Netherite Ingots
Combine the scraps with gold nuggets in a crafting table:
- Arrange four Netherite Scraps in a square.
- Place four gold nuggets in the remaining slots.
- Result: one Netherite Ingot.
For a full armor set you will need four Netherite Ingots (one per piece). Many players craft extra ingots for future tools or weapons.
Step 4: Upgrade Diamond Armor Using the Smithing Table
Now the actual upgrade begins. The smithing table preserves all enchantments, durability, and custom names on your diamond gear.
- Place a diamond armor piece in the first slot of the smithing table.
- Place one Netherite Ingot in the second slot.
- The output slot will show the corresponding Netherite armor piece.
