Where to Find Netherite Pickaxe in Minecraft
The strongest pickaxe in the game. Fireproof, with the highest durability and mining speed of any pickaxe tier.
Overview
Netherite Pickaxe is a deep-underground resource in the Tools category of Minecraft, and in this guide we cover exactly where to find it and the fastest way to get one. The short answer: to get Netherite Pickaxe you upgrade a Diamond Pickaxe at a Smithing Table using a Netherite Upgrade Template and Netherite Ingot, in Nether (all biomes, especially Nether Wastes and Basalt Deltas). Depth matters here — the relevant Y-level range is Y 8-22 in the Nether, peaks at Y 15. Finding Netherite Pickaxe is rated very hard (5/5): it sits among the hardest items in the game to acquire, usually saved for the late game.
Primary Location
Nether (all biomes, especially Nether Wastes and Basalt Deltas)
Y-Level
Ancient Debris: Y 8-22 in the Nether, peaks at Y 15
Difficulty
Very Hard (5/5)
Version Added
1.16
Stack Size
1
Durability
2031
Where to Find Netherite Pickaxe
Netherite Pickaxe is associated with Nether (all biomes, especially Nether Wastes and Basalt Deltas). Vertically it is tied to the Y 8-22 in the Nether, peaks at Y 15 range, which is the band you want to be mining or exploring in rather than wandering at random depths. Because this is a Nether-side item, you first need an active Nether portal (a frame of obsidian lit with flint and steel) to reach the dimension where it is found. Mine at Y 15 in the Nether for the best Ancient Debris rates. Bed explosions are the most efficient mining method: place a bed, click it (beds explode in the Nether), mine exposed Ancient Debris. The main non-crafting route is mining or smelting it from its raw form.
Biomes & Dimensions
- Nether (all biomes, especially Nether Wastes and Basalt Deltas)
Y-Level Range
Ancient Debris: Y 8-22 in the Nether, peaks at Y 15
Best Way to Get Netherite Pickaxe
The most efficient method is straightforward — upgrade a Diamond Pickaxe at a Smithing Table using a Netherite Upgrade Template and Netherite Ingot. TNT mining works well too but requires more resources. Ancient Debris is blast-resistant, so it survives bed and TNT explosions. A single Netherite Ingot needs 4 Ancient Debris, so plan for 16 Ancient Debris minimum for a full set. Bastion Remnants sometimes contain Netherite Scrap or Netherite Ingots in their treasure chests. For the mining route, stay at the Y 8-22 band and tunnel methodically, since this material is sparse and does not appear exposed on most cave walls. Remember that Netherite Pickaxe does not stack, so each one you gather takes a full inventory slot — bring a chest or shulker box if you plan to collect several. Worth noting on the version side: Netherite added in 1.16 (Nether Update). Because Netherite Pickaxe sits at the top end of its material tier, the effort to obtain it is repaid by gear that outlasts and outperforms cheaper alternatives.
All Methods
- 1Upgrade a Diamond Pickaxe at a Smithing Table using a Netherite Upgrade Template and Netherite Ingot
- 2Find Ancient Debris in the Nether, smelt into Netherite Scrap
- 3Combine 4 Netherite Scrap + 4 Gold Ingots to craft 1 Netherite Ingot
Tips for Finding Netherite Pickaxe
- Mine at Y 15 in the Nether for the best Ancient Debris rates
- Bed explosions are the most efficient mining method: place a bed, click it (beds explode in the Nether), mine exposed Ancient Debris
- TNT mining works well too but requires more resources
- Ancient Debris is blast-resistant, so it survives bed and TNT explosions
- A single Netherite Ingot needs 4 Ancient Debris, so plan for 16 Ancient Debris minimum for a full set
- Bastion Remnants sometimes contain Netherite Scrap or Netherite Ingots in their treasure chests
Version History
- Netherite added in 1.16 (Nether Update)
- Smithing Templates required since 1.20 (previously just Netherite Ingot at smithing table)
Additional Notes
Does not burn in lava or fire. Crafted at a Smithing Table, not a Crafting Table.
Applicable Enchantments
Related Items & Guides
Players hunting for Netherite Pickaxe often look for Diamond Pickaxe, Netherite Sword, Netherite Helmet, and Smithing Table as well, since they share locations, recipes, or a progression path. For full stats and the crafting grid, the dedicated Netherite Pickaxe item page has the complete breakdown.
View the Netherite Pickaxe item pageFrequently Asked Questions
Where do you find Netherite Pickaxe in Minecraft?
Netherite Pickaxe is found in Nether (all biomes, especially Nether Wastes and Basalt Deltas). Upgrade a Diamond Pickaxe at a Smithing Table using a Netherite Upgrade Template and Netherite Ingot.
What Y-level is best for Netherite Pickaxe?
The relevant range is Y 8-22 in the Nether, peaks at Y 15. Staying within that band is far more efficient than searching at random depths.
Can you craft Netherite Pickaxe?
Netherite Pickaxe is obtained by upgrading a Diamond Pickaxe at a Smithing Table using a Netherite Upgrade Template and Netherite Ingot rather than from a standard crafting recipe.
How hard is it to find Netherite Pickaxe?
Finding Netherite Pickaxe is rated very hard (5 out of 5) — it sits among the hardest items in the game to acquire, usually saved for the late game.
When was Netherite Pickaxe added to Minecraft?
Netherite Pickaxe was added in the 1.16 update and is part of the current 1.21 release.