Sharpness vs Smite: Which Is Better for a Sword?
Sharpness covers different enemies. Smite specializes in undead damage, but does not increase damage against every target.
Sharpness covers different enemies. Smite specializes in undead damage, but does not increase damage against every target.
An all-purpose Sharpness sword
Sharpness is useful on a single main sword because its bonus is not restricted to undead. That makes a travel build more predictable against mixed enemies. In Java, the bonus is 0.5 × level + 0.5 damage points, so Sharpness V adds 3. In Bedrock, it is 1.25 × level, giving 6.25 at level V. These are damage bonuses, not guaranteed final damage after armor and other modifiers.
Smite specialization
Smite adds 2.5 damage points per level against undead. At level V the bonus is 12.5, making a dedicated sword useful against zombies, skeletons and the Wither. It adds no damage against enemies outside that group. Do not choose it just because the number is higher: decide which enemies you will fight and whether you need a second sword for other targets.
Conflicts and supporting enchantments
Sharpness, Smite and Bane of Arthropods cannot coexist on one sword through ordinary enchanting. Looting III, Unbreaking III and Mending work with either proposed build. Fire Aspect and Knockback are preference-dependent: they change combat behavior but do not replace the main damage choice. Java Sweeping Edge improves sweep attacks; it should not be included in a Bedrock recommendation.
Comparing build costs
The two swords below share the same supporting enchantments and fresh maximum-level books. This isolates the Sharpness-versus-Smite choice without adding repair differences. A plan total may exceed 39 levels as long as each individual step is below 40. If your sword already has anvil history, open the plan and set its penalty: a fresh-item price does not automatically apply to that sword.
Ready builds and anvil costs
Java 26.2. Fresh item and one fresh book at the required level per enchantment. No renaming or repairs. Costs are levels, not XP points.
General-purpose sword
- Sharpness V
- Looting III
- Unbreaking III
- Mending I
Total: 23 levels
Highest step: 8 levels · Operations: 4
Undead specialist
- Smite V
- Looting III
- Unbreaking III
- Mending I
Total: 23 levels
Highest step: 8 levels · Operations: 4
Frequently asked questions
Is Smite better against every mob?
No. Its bonus only applies to undead. For mixed enemies, choose Sharpness or carry separate specialized swords.
Can I add Sharpness to a Smite sword?
A normal anvil cannot combine them. A grindstone removes all ordinary enchantments, not only Smite, so consider the rebuild cost first.