Updated:
The strongest bow (Java 1.21.5+)
/give @p minecraft:bow[enchantments={power:255,punch:5,flame:1,infinity:1},unbreakable={},custom_name="Strongest Bow"] 1On 1.20.5–1.21.4 write enchantments={levels:{power:255,…}}. Earlier versions use NBT such as {Enchantments:[…]}.
Bow enchantments
| Enchantment | ID | Normal max | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | power | V | More arrow damage |
| Punch | punch | II | Knocks targets back |
| Flame | flame | I | Sets arrows on fire |
| Infinity | infinity | I | Arrows are not used up (keep one) |
| Unbreaking | unbreaking | III | Lasts longer |
| Mending | mending | I | XP repairs it |
Very high Punch sends mobs so far you cannot collect their drops; 2–3 is easier for boss fights.
A fast crossbow
/give @p minecraft:crossbow[enchantments={quick_charge:4,multishot:1,piercing:10},unbreakable={}] 1- quick_charge: level 4 loads almost instantly. Level 5 or higher breaks loading, so the crossbow can no longer be charged; stop at 4.
- multishot: fires three arrows.
- piercing: arrows pass through several mobs.
Give arrows too
An Infinity bow still needs one arrow: /give @p minecraft:arrow 1. Infinity does not work on crossbows, so give more.
Tipped arrows (Java 1.20.5+)
Instead of plain arrows, you can give arrows that apply a potion effect on hit.
# 16 arrows of Strong Poison
/give @p minecraft:tipped_arrow[potion_contents={potion:"minecraft:strong_poison"}] 16
# 16 arrows of Slowness
/give @p minecraft:tipped_arrow[potion_contents={potion:"minecraft:slowness"}] 16
# Spectral arrows make the target glow
/give @p minecraft:spectral_arrow 16- Infinity does not apply to tipped or spectral arrows, so each shot uses one.
- Arrow effects last a shorter time than drinking the same potion.
- Potion IDs are listed in the give potion guide.
Bedrock Edition
/give @p bow
/enchant @p power 5
/enchant @p punch 2
/enchant @p flame 1
/enchant @p infinity 1
/enchant @p unbreaking 3Hold the bow and enchant up to the normal maximums. Infinity and Mending cannot be combined; pick one.
Common questions
- How strong is Power 255? It one-shots almost every mob. For a fair boss fight, 10–20 is more fun.
- Flame without burning arrows: not possible; leave Flame out.
- Swords: see the strongest sword guide.
Check your command
The Command Error Doctor checks common syntax mistakes in your browser.