Flame is a Minecraft Java Edition enchantment in the bow group, with a maximum level of I.
minecraft:flame
Arrows set the target on fire, burning for about 5 seconds after each hit. Single level, bow only.
Tip: Flame arrows also light TNT and campfires at range. Animals killed by the burn drop cooked meat.
Flame is the bow's Fire Aspect: the burn adds a few extra damage over time, finishes low-health mobs, and cooks meat drops. It can also ignite TNT blocks and light campfires or candles from a distance. Rain and water extinguish the target, and the burn cannot crit — treat it as a utility bonus on top of Power, not a damage core.
Enchanting table (bow), Librarian villager trades, structure chest loot, and fishing treasure.
Hold a valid item in your main hand, then run (Java Edition 1.13+; the level is optional and defaults to 1):
This example applies the maximum level I. An anvil combines two matching levels only up to this maximum — higher levels exist only through commands.
Or give yourself a Bow with Flame I already applied (Java 1.20.5+ component format):
Flame applies to the bow. Items from the reviewed catalog in this group:
Fire Aspect is the melee version for swords, with two levels and stronger burn; Flame is the bow version with a single level. Same idea, different weapon.
Power multiplies the arrow's impact damage; Flame adds a flat burn afterwards. Power is the priority — Flame is the nice-to-have on top.
Bedrock Edition: Flame works the same in Bedrock Edition, including igniting TNT at range.
The enchantment ID for Flame is minecraft:flame. Java Edition 1.13+ commands such as /enchant use this namespaced form. On Java 1.12.2 and earlier the numerical ID was 50.
Flame goes up to level I (level 1). Run /enchant @p minecraft:flame 1 while holding a valid item to apply the maximum level.
No. Flame is bow-only; crossbows cannot receive it.
Yes. Animals that die while burning from a Flame arrow drop cooked meat, just like with Fire Aspect.
Yes. A flaming arrow that hits TNT primes it immediately — the classic long-range demolition trick.
Yes, as a finisher. It will not replace Power for damage, but the burn adds free damage, cooks drops, and lights things at range.