what does density do in minecraft

Density is a powerful enchantment exclusive to the mace in Minecraft, introduced in the 1.21 Tricky Trials update. It supercharges your smash attacks by adding extra damage based on how far you've fallen before striking a target. This makes it a game-changer for players who master aerial drops, turning gravity into a devastating weapon.

Core Mechanics

Density amplifies the mace's unique "smash attack" feature, where falling height already boosts base damage. Each level adds 0.5 extra damage per block fallen —so Density V delivers a whopping 2.5 bonus damage per block. For example, dropping 10 blocks with Density V adds 25 extra damage on top of the mace's 7 base attack power.

• Works only on mace; incompatible with swords, axes, or other weapons.
• Mutually exclusive with Breach, Smite, and Bane of Arthropods (though commands can force stacking).

• Pairs perfectly with Wind Burst for chained drops—you finish a mob, get launched up, and line up the next smash.

Falling from just 17 blocks with Density V can one-shot an iron golem, compared to 60 blocks unenchanted. Heights over 11 blocks shine against bosses like the Warden.

Level Breakdown

Here's how each tier scales the smash bonus (damage per block fallen):

Level| Bonus per Block| Example: 10-Block Drop Extra Damage
---|---|---
Density I| +0.5| +5 hearts
Density II| +1.0| +10 hearts
Density III| +1.5| +15 hearts
Density IV| +2.0| +20 hearts
Density V| +2.5| +25 hearts

Max level is V, obtainable via enchanting tables, books, or librarian trades.

Best Uses and Playstyles

PvE Dominance : Ideal for Trial Chambers, boss fights, and mob farms. Build scaffolds or use elytra for controlled plunges—short hops (3-5 blocks) clean up zombies, while tall drops shred elites.

PvP Potential : Riskier due to unpredictable heights, but deadly in custom arenas. Carry a Density mace for drops and a Breach one for ground duels.

"Density turns 'bonk' into 'B O N K.' Rewards good setup—platforms, ladders, scaffolding."

Pro tip: Slow Falling potions let you drop safely while racking up damage. As of January 2026, no major changes in 1.21+ patches, but forums buzz about mace synergies in upcoming snapshots.

Quick Tips

• Safe Heights : 6-10 blocks for reliable hits without Feather Falling reliance.
• Synergies : Wind Burst, Breach (on swap weapon), Smite via commands.
• Farming : Raid vaults in Trial Chambers for enchanted books.

TL;DR : Density makes your mace a fall-powered nuke—drop, smash, repeat for massive damage spikes.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.