How to Make an Anvil in Minecraft: Complete Guide

Mining and crafting powerful tools is core to your Minecraft survival experience, and one essential tool is the anvil. Used not just for smelting tools and enchanting, but also for combining resources and repairing equipment, the anvil is a must-have for every player. In this article, we’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of making an anvil in Minecraft — from gathering the necessary materials to crafting it like a pro.

Understanding the Context

Introduction

The anvil is a rugged, iron-forged block that serves multiple vital purposes in your Minecraft world. Whether you’re repairing broken tools, merging two items into a stronger one, or enchanting with durability – mastering anvil crafting is essential.

What Is an Anvil in Minecraft?

Key Insights

In Minecraft Java and Bedrock editions, an anvil is a sturdy block made from 31 iron ingots. Though it looks like a heavy piece of metal, crafting one requires careful material sourcing and attention to detail — but don’t worry, the process is straightforward once you know how.

Anvils are indispensable for:

Repairing tools and armor
Combining items (e.g., fusing two broken swords into one stronger blade)
Enchanting weapons and armor with Added Enchantments
Shaping weak materials like netherite scraps (indirectly)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make an Anvil in Minecraft

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Final Thoughts

Step 1: Gather Necessary Materials

To create an anvil, you need 31 iron ingots — a significant investment, but well worth it. Here’s how to obtain iron:

Oxygen-Rich Environments: Mine iron ore efficiently in caves, underground, or near riverbeds. Use a pickaxe to mine iron ore blocks (generates 1–2 ore).
Iron Ingot Processing: Smelt iron ore in a furnace to get iron ingots (1 ore → 2–3 ingots).
Smelting Tip: Use a fuel-efficient setup — leaves, salt, or blaze rod can speed up smelting.

> 💡 Tip: Keep a steady supply of coal or watchfires to sustain production.

Step 2: Collect Horseshoe or Tool Fragments (Optional, for faster crafting)

While not strictly required, using horseshoe fragments or tool fragments can streamline crafting. You can collect these by:

Killing steeds (use a jousting setup or enchanted bow)
Breaking tools with a trident near anvils
Salvaging treasure chests

Note: Alternatives exist — we’ll focus on pure iron ingots below.

Step 3: Crafting the Anvil

Once you’ve mined and smelted 31 iron ingots, follow these steps: