Summary
Enchantments have always been a significant part ofMinecraft’s identity, yet despite standing out as one of the game’s most popular and iconic features for well over a decade, the system surrounding enchantments could use an overhaul now more than ever. A long list of free annual updates has brought no end of new features, enemies, tools, weapons, and more to the game, and while years of new content has created plenty of room for the enchantment system to grow,Minecraft’s ever-changing ecosystem of mechanics has left the traditional enchantment system to become more of a nuisance than anything else.
Before enchanted books were ever a thing, enchantment relied solely on the enchantment table - an interface which players can use to slap mostly randomized enchantments onto their weapons and gear. Theenchantment table is still present inMinecraft, of course - but it has been largely overshadowed by enchanted books in terms of practicality, which can be applied to equipment via anvil. Enchanted books can be combined to fine-tune the perfect set of upgrades for any piece of gear, and while enchanted books can in fact be created from regular books at an enchantment table, enchanted books gathered this way have a low enchantability level, while also containing fewer enchantments than normal.
Minecraft’s Traditional Enchantment Mechanics Don’t Hold a Candle to Enchanted Books
Powerful enchanted books are relatively easy to find for those who know where to look - namely, certain structures such as desert temples and ancient cities. It’s usually even more practical forMinecraftplayers to build their own villager trade hallsto accommodate farmable enchanted books, but whatever the case, the classic enchantment table rarely yields particularly powerful enchanted gear, no matter how many bookshelves players surround one with. Each enchantment made at the table is essentially a gamble, and frequently results in wasted XP levels. The enchantment table could benefit greatly from an overhaul, which would be a welcome addition as part of a combat and enchantment-focused update.
The main problem with the enchantment table - its inherent randomness - could become less of an issue if the table’s interface gave players the option to add in an “ingredient” to influence the outcome, similarly to how potion brewing works. For example, a cactus could be used to improve the chances of an item dropping with the Thorns enchantment, or magma cream for Fire Resistance. This would also lend a little more usefulness to many items in the game, further encouraging players to seek outspecific resources in certain parts of theirMinecraftworlds.
How an Enchantment Update Could Revolutionize Minecraft
There’s a ton ofroom for enchantments to grow within the world ofMinecraft,especially after the game’s recent Tricky Trials update brought in some new potions along with a newfound focus on combat with the dungeon-like trial chambers. A future update focused on enchantment - perhaps using a title along the lines of the “Magic and Mystery” update - could potentially see the addition of not just new enchantments, but new weapons capable of using unique enchantments too.
An update of this nature could take things even further by giving players evengreater tiers of loot to chase after inMinecraft. Though it’s all heavily-speculative thinking, a new type of enchantment table - potentially crafted using some of the game’s rarest materials, such as netherite or even an elusive Nether Star - could open a gateway to new, rare enchantments which couldn’t be gained through any other means. This would help give players who have spent even hundreds of hours in the same world a whole new and rewarding goal to chase.
Minecraft
WHERE TO PLAY
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
