How to Upgrade Diamond Gear to Netherite in Minecraft
A step-by-step guide to finding Ancient Debris, crafting Netherite Ingots, and using the Netherite Upgrade smithing template at a Smithing Table.
To upgrade diamond gear to netherite you need four things: a diamond or netherite pickaxe, a Smithing Table, a Netherite Upgrade smithing template, and a Netherite Ingot. The path has four steps: mine Ancient Debris, smelt it into Netherite Scrap, craft the scrap and gold into ingots, then combine a template, your diamond item, and one ingot at a Smithing Table.
Step 1: Mine Ancient Debris in the Nether
Ancient Debris is found only in the Nether, never exposed to air, so it never appears on cave walls. Dig through netherrack, basalt, or blackstone to reach it. On average, Y-level 16 has the most, and the main cluster generates from Y=8 to Y=24 in Java Edition. Minecraft editions differ in some generation details, as we noted when comparing Minecraft editions before.
Ancient Debris drops only when mined with a diamond or netherite pickaxe; any other tool drops nothing. It is immune to normal explosions, so players clear netherrack around Y=16 with beds or TNT to expose it.
Step 2: Smelt Ancient Debris into Netherite Scrap
Smelt Ancient Debris in a furnace or blast furnace. One debris yields one scrap, and each Netherite Ingot needs 4 Netherite Scrap.
Step 3: Craft Netherite Ingots
The Netherite Ingot recipe is 4 Netherite Scrap plus 4 Gold Ingots, shapeless, so placement does not matter. A full set of tools and armor costs 10 Netherite Ingots, or 40 Ancient Debris and 40 Gold Ingots.
Step 4: Upgrade at a Smithing Table
The Netherite Upgrade smithing template is found only in Bastion Remnant chests, in all Nether biomes except basalt deltas. The template is consumed each upgrade, but you can duplicate it: 1 existing template plus 7 Diamonds plus 1 Netherrack makes 2 templates.
Make a Smithing Table from 2 Iron Ingots and 4 Wooden Planks, or find one in a toolsmith house. Place the template in the left slot, your diamond item in the center, and a Netherite Ingot in the right slot. Upgrading preserves enchantments, custom name, and durability loss, and costs no experience.
Costs at a Glance
| Item or Step | Cost | Where or condition |
|---|---|---|
| Netherite Scrap | 1 Ancient Debris | Smelted in furnace or blast furnace |
| Netherite Ingot | 4 Netherite Scrap + 4 Gold Ingots | Shapeless crafting |
| Netherite Upgrade template | 1 template | Bastion Remnant chests only |
| Duplicate template | 1 template + 7 Diamonds + 1 Netherrack | Makes 2 templates |
| Smithing Table | 2 Iron Ingots + 4 Wooden Planks | Craft or find in toolsmith houses |
| Full netherite set | 10 Netherite Ingots | 40 Ancient Debris + 40 Gold Ingots |
Where It Goes Wrong
- Using a pickaxe other than diamond or netherite. Ancient Debris drops nothing.
- Searching cave walls or exposed surfaces. Ancient Debris is never exposed to air.
- Mining below Y=8, where Ancient Debris does not generate. The main cluster runs from Y=8 to Y=24 and peaks at Y-level 16.
- Looking for the template anywhere except Bastion Remnant chests.
- Searching Bastion Remnants in basalt deltas, where they do not generate.
- Forgetting the template is consumed on each upgrade unless you duplicate it first.
FAQ
Do I need diamond gear first?
Yes. The upgrade requires a diamond tool or armor piece in the center slot; you cannot jump from iron to netherite.
Can I mine Ancient Debris with TNT?
No, it is immune to normal explosions. Beds or TNT clear the surrounding netherrack; mine the exposed ore with a diamond or netherite pickaxe.
