Minecraft Guides
What Does Smite Do in Minecraft? Your Ultimate Guide to Slaying the Undead
Marko Kulundzic
Have you ever explored a dark Minecraft cave, and suddenly your heart stops because you were attacked by a skeleton or zombie? And with Smite on your sword, you could not have a more formidable bunch of spooks than these. But then, what is the Smite in Minecraft? This magic is a game changer when fighting certain monsters, and this article dissects it to players who want to enhance their fighting game. Keep reading to find out how Smite functions, what type of mobs it is designed to attack, and why it should be on your list of necessities in your next quest.
Smite: The Undead’s Worst Nightmare
Smite is a Minecraft enchantment that can be placed on swords and axes to increase their damage against undead mobs. Imagine zombies, skeletons, withers, and so on - these are the villains Smite was created to trample. In contrast to general-purpose enchantments such as Sharpness, Smite is specifically used to inflict additional pain to any undead creature and is therefore the favorite of players who attack strongholds, dungeons, or the Nether.
And this is the point: Smite brings additional damage per hit depending on its level (I to V). As an example, a Smite V sword can make a zombie fight a one-hit wonder. It becomes as though you gave your weapon a divine sheen that undead crowds simply cannot deal with. However, it is easier said than done, and it only works on undead mobs, so do not expect it to assist in getting rid of creepers or spiders.
How Much Damage Does Smite Deal?
Let’s break down the numbers. Smite increases damage by 2.5 hearts (5 health points) per level against undead mobs. Combine that with your weapon’s base damage, and you’re looking at some serious power. Here’s a quick table to show how Smite stacks up:
Note: Base damage assumes a diamond sword (3.5 hearts). Axes deal slightly different base damage but follow the same Smite scaling.
This table shows why Smite V is a beast-16 hearts of damage can obliterate most undead mobs in one or two swings. For context, a standard zombie has 10 hearts, so a Smite V sword makes quick work of them. Even tougher foes like wither skeletons or the Wither boss take a bigger hit, saving you precious time in intense battles.
Which Mobs Does Smite Affect?
Not every mob cowers before Smite’s power. It’s specifically tuned for undead mobs, which include:
- Zombies (all variants, including husks and drowned)
- Skeletons (including strays)
- Wither skeletons
- The Wither
- Zombified piglins
- Phantom
- Zombie villagers
If you’re fighting creepers, endermen, or pigs, Smite won’t give you any extra edge. That’s where players sometimes get tripped up, expecting Smite to be a catch-all. For those other mobs, consider enchantments like Sharpness or Bane of Arthropods instead. For more on enchantments, check out Minefort’s guide on mastering Minecraft enchantments.
How to Get Smite on Your Weapon
Getting Smite is pretty straightforward, but it involves some luck and resources. Here are the main ways to score this enchantment:
- Enchanting Table: Use an enchanting table with lapis lazuli and experience points. Higher levels (up to 30) increase your chances of getting Smite V, but it’s random, so cross your fingers.
- Anvil and Enchanted Books: Find or trade for a Smite-enchanted book (try villagers or fishing) and combine it with your weapon at an anvil. This method’s more reliable if you’re hunting for Smite V.
- Loot Chests: Dungeons, temples, or bastions sometimes have Smite-enchanted gear or books. It’s rare, but exploring pays off.
Pro tip: Combine Smite with other enchantments like Unbreaking or Looting for a weapon that’s both deadly and durable. Just note that Smite can’t be paired with Sharpness or Bane of Arthropods, since they’re mutually exclusive.
Why Choose Smite Over Other Enchantments?
Why choose Smite, then, against, say, Sharpness? It depends on your playstyle. Sharpness increases damage with all mobs, and therefore, it is universal. However, Smite is a specialist, which fits best when playing in undead-heavy places such as fortresses or deserted mineshafts. Smite is slightly better than Wither in terms of maximum damage (assuming that you are ready to fight the Wither).
Conversely, since Smite is niche-based, it is completely useless when dealing with non-undead mobs. When you're adventuring around different biomes or dealing with a combination of enemies, then Sharpness could be a safer choice. Nevertheless, it feels good to smite a horde of zombies with a Smite V axe, as it feels like using a weapon of legendary undead-killing.
Smite in Action: Real-World Tips
Imagine this - you are deep in a Nether fortress, skeletons closing in. An Swipe V sword will slice them like butter and spare you their bad wither effect. Or perhaps you are clearing a zombie spawner because you are farming XP- Smite is safer and faster. To learn more about XP farms, the XP farm guide provided by Minefort will take care of that.
One thing to remember: Smite works well in particular situations but it is not a universal. Pair it with a backup weapon (maybe a bow with Power) for non-undead threats. Also, it can be an interesting twist to enchant an axe rather than a sword-axes strike harder, but swing slower, so test to see what works.
Wrapping Up: Is Smite Worth It?
Smite is a Minecraft player power that one would desire to rule the undead. And whether you are fighting zombies, skeletons, or the Wither, this spell has a powerful punch that can make difficult battles brief and easy to win. Of course, it is not as useful as Sharpness, but its niche damage makes it an indispensable item in some adventures. You can be sure that the next time you are at a magical table, you will not regret having Smite take a shot at your future, in the company of zombies.