Games
How Do You Make an Anvil in Minecraft? A Complete Guide
If you’ve ever wondered how do you make an anvil in Minecraft, the answer is simple: you need 3 blocks of iron and 4 iron ingots. Once crafted, the anvil becomes one of the most powerful utility items in the game. It allows players to repair tools, combine enchantments, and rename items, giving you an edge in both survival and creative gameplay. This guide walks you through everything you need to know—from crafting to advanced uses—so you can maximize the value of anvils in your Minecraft world.
1. Background: The Role of Anvils in Minecraft
Anvils were first introduced in Minecraft 1.4.2 (the Pretty Scary Update). Before this, players had limited ways to repair or combine enchanted items. The anvil changed gameplay by giving players a long-term tool for managing resources. Unlike crafting tables or furnaces, anvils have durability and eventually break after heavy use, which makes them a strategic investment for mid- to late-game survival.
2. Crafting Recipe: How to Make an Anvil in Minecraft
To craft an anvil, you’ll need:
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3 Blocks of Iron (27 iron ingots total)
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4 Iron Ingots
Crafting Steps:
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Open the crafting table (3×3 grid).
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Place the 3 iron blocks in the top row.
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Place 1 iron ingot in the center square.
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Place 3 iron ingots in the bottom row.
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Collect your Anvil.
Total Iron Required: 31 ingots
| Item | Quantity Needed | Iron Ingots Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Blocks | 3 | 27 ingots |
| Iron Ingots | 4 | 4 ingots |
| Total | — | 31 ingots |
3. Key Features of the Anvil
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Repair Items without losing enchantments.
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Combine Enchantments from books or items.
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Rename Tools and Weapons for personalization.
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Durability Limit—each use reduces the anvil’s lifespan.
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Gravity-affected Block—it falls like sand or gravel.
4. Detailed Explanations of Features
Repairing Items
Anvils let you repair items using either the same material (like iron ingots for iron tools) or by combining two damaged items. The advantage is that enchantments remain intact, unlike using a crafting table.
Combining Enchantments
You can merge enchantments from two items or transfer enchantments from books. This is the only way to get high-level enchantments like Sharpness V or Efficiency V.
Renaming Items
Players can personalize weapons, tools, and armor by giving them custom names. This feature is cosmetic but fun, especially in multiplayer.
5. Anvil vs. Grindstone: Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Anvil | Grindstone |
|---|---|---|
| Repairs Items | ✅ | ✅ |
| Keeps Enchantments | ✅ | ❌ |
| Combine Enchantments | ✅ | ❌ |
| Rename Items | ✅ | ❌ |
| Durability | Breaks after use | Unlimited |
If you want to keep enchantments, the anvil is the better choice. The grindstone is mainly for players who want to disenchant and reclaim XP.
6. Benefits of Using an Anvil for Different Players
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Survival Players: Extend tool life, save resources, and combine enchantments for survival battles.
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Builders: Rename tools for organization (e.g., “Silk Touch Pickaxe”).
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Multiplayer Gamers: Add unique weapon names for PvP or roleplay.
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Explorers: Repair rare enchanted gear found in dungeons.
7. Durability and Reliability of Anvils
Anvils have limited durability. On average, they last about 25 uses before breaking, though this can vary. When an anvil takes damage, it visually cracks until it breaks completely.
8. Future Updates and Game Changes
So far, anvils have remained largely unchanged since their introduction. Mojang occasionally tweaks repair costs, but the core mechanics remain stable, making anvils a consistent tool across updates.
9. Cost: How Much Iron Do You Need?
Crafting an anvil requires 31 iron ingots, making it one of the most expensive utility items. Mining iron efficiently with Fortune-enchanted pickaxes or setting up an iron farm can reduce the grind.
10. Pros and Cons of Using Anvils
Pros:
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Repairs enchanted gear without losing effects
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Allows combining enchantments for stronger tools
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Customizes gear with names
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Essential for late-game efficiency
Cons:
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Expensive to craft (31 iron ingots)
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Limited durability, eventually breaks
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Enchantment costs increase over time
11. Conclusion: Is the Anvil Worth Crafting?
Yes—anvils are absolutely worth crafting in Minecraft. While expensive in terms of iron, their ability to preserve enchantments and combine powerful gear makes them indispensable for long-term survival. Whether you’re exploring caves, battling mobs, or building mega-projects, an anvil ensures your best tools and weapons last much longer.
12. FAQs
Q1: How do you make an anvil in Minecraft?
You need 3 iron blocks (27 ingots) and 4 additional iron ingots for a total of 31 iron ingots.
Q2: Do anvils break in Minecraft?
Yes, anvils have limited durability and will eventually break after repeated use.
Q3: Can anvils be found naturally?
Yes, you can sometimes find them in village blacksmith houses, but they are usually damaged.
Q4: What is the difference between an anvil and a grindstone?
Anvils keep enchantments when repairing, while grindstones remove them.
Q5: Can you repair an anvil?
No, once an anvil is damaged, it cannot be repaired. You must craft a new one.
Q6: What’s the best use of an anvil?
The best use is combining enchantments to create max-level tools, armor, and weapons.