Related effects and lists
- All Minecraft effect IDs — the full searchable list.
- Speed — another beneficial effect.
- Haste — another beneficial effect.
- Strength — another beneficial effect.
- Minecraft enchantment IDs — enchant your gear instead.
Health Boost Effect ID (minecraft:health_boost)
Health Boost is a beneficial (positive) status effect in Minecraft Java Edition 1.21.
Namespaced effect ID
minecraft:health_boost
Health Boost Effect Facts
CategoryBeneficial
Legacy ID (1.12.2)21
/effect Command for Health Boost
Give Health Boost II for 60 seconds (Java Edition 1.13+; duration in seconds, then amplifier where 0 = level I):
/effect give @p minecraft:health_boost 60 1
Remove the effect from the nearest player:
/effect clear @p minecraft:health_boost
About the Health Boost Effect
Health Boost raises your maximum health by 4 points (2 hearts) per level for its duration, a bigger health bar on demand.
How to Get Health Boost in Survival
There is no survival source in current Java Edition; Health Boost comes from commands and custom content. Older versions granted it from enchanted golden apples, but modern apples give Absorption instead.
Using Health Boost Well
Do not confuse Health Boost with Absorption: Health Boost raises your real maximum, while Absorption adds temporary buffer hearts that do not regenerate. Map makers use Health Boost for boss phases and difficulty scaling.
Health Boost Effect FAQ
What is the effect ID for Health Boost?
The effect ID for Health Boost is minecraft:health_boost. Java Edition 1.13+ /effect commands use this namespaced form. On Java 1.12.2 and earlier the numerical ID was 21.
How do I give myself the Health Boost effect?
Run /effect give @p minecraft:health_boost 60 1 to get Health Boost II for 60 seconds. The first number is the duration in seconds; the second is the amplifier (0 = level I, 1 = level II). Remove it with /effect clear @p minecraft:health_boost.
Is Health Boost a positive or negative effect?
Health Boost is a beneficial (positive) status effect in Minecraft Java Edition, based on its registry category (beneficial).
How do you get Health Boost in survival?
You cannot in current Java Edition; it is available only through commands like /effect give @p minecraft:health_boost. Survival players use Absorption from golden apples for extra hearts instead.
What is the difference between Health Boost and Absorption?
Health Boost increases your actual maximum health, so the extra hearts can be healed and kept while the effect lasts. Absorption adds temporary yellow hearts that disappear once damaged away and cannot be regenerated.