What Does Density Do in Minecraft?

Density is a mace enchantment in Minecraft that increases the damage dealt based on how far you fall before hitting a mob. Each level of Density adds +0.5 damage per block fallen on top of the mace’s base fall-damage bonus. At Density V the extra damage stacks up significantly, making it one of the most powerful melee enchantments in the game.

How Density Works

The Density enchantment was introduced alongside the mace in the 1.21 Tricky Trials update. It only applies to the mace — you cannot put it on a sword or axe. The enchantment modifies the mace’s unique fall-damage mechanic: the farther you fall before landing a hit, the more damage you deal.

• Base mace mechanic: Each block fallen adds damage to your smash attack.
• Density bonus: Each enchantment level adds +0.5 extra damage per block fallen.
• Max level: Density V (adds +2.5 extra damage per block of fall height).
• Incompatible with: Smite, Bane of Arthropods, Breach.

How to Get the Density Enchantment

You can obtain Density through an enchanting table, anvil with an enchanted book, or from loot in trial chambers. Trial chambers are the most reliable source since the mace itself drops from the vault inside these structures.

• Enchant a mace at an enchanting table with 15 bookshelves nearby.
• Combine the mace with a Density enchanted book on an anvil.
• Find enchanted books in trial chamber vaults and ominous vaults.

Density vs Other Mace Enchantments

Density competes with Breach for the enchantment slot. Density maximises raw damage output, while Breach reduces the target’s armor effectiveness. For general mob fighting, Density is usually better. For armored PvP targets, Breach pulls ahead.

Is Density Worth It?

Absolutely. A Density V mace combined with a high fall (using wind charges to launch yourself) can one-shot most mobs in Minecraft, including the Warden. It turns the mace into arguably the highest single-hit damage weapon in the game.

For more enchantment guides, check out our articles on what Smite does and how to get a heavy core for crafting the mace itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Density in Minecraft?

Density is an enchantment exclusive to the mace that increases the bonus damage dealt per block of fall distance. It has five levels, with each level adding +0.5 damage per block fallen.

Can you put Density on a sword?

No. Density only works on the mace. Swords have their own enchantments like Sharpness and Smite.

How Density Compares to Other Mace Enchantments

The mace accepts three exclusive enchantments: Density, Breach, and Wind Burst. Density focuses on raw damage output by amplifying the fall-distance bonus. Breach reduces the target’s armor effectiveness, making it better against heavily armored players or mobs. Wind Burst launches the attacker upward after a hit, enabling chain attacks from height. For general PvE combat, Density is usually the strongest choice because most overworld mobs have low armor values and the sheer damage from a high fall is enough to one-shot most targets.

When choosing between Density and Breach, consider the target. If you are fighting the Warden, an iron golem, or another player in full netherite, Breach provides more effective damage. Against common mobs like zombies, skeletons, and creepers, Density is overkill in the best possible way. You can also combine Wind Burst with Density on separate maces to have one weapon for chain attacks and another for single devastating strikes.

Since Density was added in the 1.21 Tricky Trials update alongside the mace itself, finding it requires exploring trial chambers. The enchantment appears in ominous vault loot tables and can also be obtained from librarian villagers after curing them in later game stages.

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