Minecraft enchantments are very useful in different ways. Some enchantments increase general damage while others focus on specific mob types. Smite is one of these enchantments that targets undead mobs. In this piece, we go over what Smite does in Minecraft and more!

What does smite do in Minecraft?

Smite increases damage against any mob the game classifies as undead. Each Smite level adds 2.5 extra hearts of damage, up to 12.5 total hearts at Smite V. This enchantment only targets undead groups like zombies, skeletons, or withers. Players who expect constant battles against these mobs gain a major advantage with Smite. Fewer hits are needed to defeat them, so you save time and health items.

Smite Damage per Level (Java Edition – Swords)

Smite Damage per Level (Java Edition – Axes)

Smite Damage per Level (Bedrock Edition – Swords)

Smite Damage per Level (Bedrock Edition – Axes)

These values stack on top of a weapon’s base damage. Smite V is especially strong against the Wither boss. Players who plan to farm wither skeletons or challenge the Wither see big benefits at higher Smite levels.

All undead mobs that take smite damage

• Zombies
• Skeletons
• Zombie Villagers
• Drowned Zombies
• Husks
• Phantoms
• Withers
• Wither Skeletons
• Zoglins
• Zombified Piglins
• Skeleton Horses
• Zombie Horses
• Chicken Jockeys
• Spider Jockeys
• Stray Skeletons

These mobs suffer extra damage when you use a Smite-enchanted weapon. The enchantment makes it easier to clear large groups of undead foes in dangerous locations like dungeons and nether fortresses. Density could have been a great addition if it had been allowed to merge with Smite, but unfortunately, they are incompatible.

Is Smite or sharpness better?

Smite provides a big boost against undead foes. It helps players clear zombie hordes or skeleton archers with fewer hits. Sharpness, on the other hand, offers extra damage against all mobs. It suits players who want a general-purpose weapon.

Smite is better if someone spends most of their time in places with many undead mobs. Sharpness is more flexible if a player wants a single weapon for all enemies. Sharpness also helps in player-versus-player matches since it does not limit its damage boost to one type of mob.

Is Smite IV good?

Smite IV adds 10 hearts of extra damage against undead mobs. That amount does not match the maximum boost of Smite V, but it is still effective. See above for the complete Smite damage table. It helps players clear groups of zombies and skeletons without losing as many hearts or supplies. Smite IV also works well in fortress runs where wither skeletons appear.

Players who do not have the resources for Smite V still gain big advantages with Smite IV. 

Is Smite better on a sword or axe?

A sword is a common choice for Smite. Swords swing faster, so each attack lands quickly. An axe with Smite works well too. An axe has a higher base damage and breaks shields in certain modes. Smite V on an axe can one-shot many undead mobs, which lowers the risk of a counterattack.

Some players enchant a sword with Sharpness and an axe with Smite. This plan covers every possible threat. The sword handles most enemies, and the axe crushes undead mobs. 

Can you have both Smite and sharpness?

No, Smite and Sharpness don’t work on the same weapon. They are mutually exclusive in Minecraft and the “/enchant” command also follows that rule. Players cannot bypass it in normal gameplay. You will have to craft extra swords or axes and use them individually on different weapons, that is unfortunately the only way. Most players place Smite on one item and Sharpness on another before they go on an adventure in Minecraft.

While these two enchantments don’t work on the same weapon, using them on two separate weapons has its own advantages. Simply put, separate weapons allow more options in each fight. A Smite sword is useful in a zombie dungeon, while a Sharpness axe covers most other situations.

Does Smite 5 one-shot wither skeletons?

Smite 5 can kill a wither skeleton with one hit if you use a diamond or netherite sword and land a critical hit. The enchantment adds extra damage against undead mobs. A critical hit boosts this damage even more. If the sword is not strong enough on its own, you can use a Strength potion to help. Smite 5 works best when you fight many undead enemies.

Is Smite 5 useful?

Yes, Smite 5 is useful in many parts of the game. It gives extra damage to all undead mobs. This includes zombies, skeletons, wither skeletons, drowned, husks, strays, phantoms, and the Wither boss. If you spend time in areas like the Nether, deep caves, or mob farms, Smite 5 helps you kill faster. This saves time and makes fights safer. Many players use it in survival mode because it works well against groups of undead.

Smite only works on undead mobs, so it is not as general as Sharpness. But if you know you will face many undead, Smite 5 is the better choice. It helps you clear areas more quickly and collect more loot.