Power is a Minecraft Java Edition enchantment in the bow group, with a maximum level of V.
minecraft:power
Increases arrow damage by 25% × (level + 1). Power I already adds 50%, and Power V adds 150% — a fully charged Power V arrow deals up to 25 damage (12.5 hearts) before critical hits.
Tip: Power V + Infinity is the classic endgame bow: one arrow in the inventory, unlimited full-damage shots. Remember Infinity and Mending cannot share a bow.
Power is the one bow enchantment you never skip — it is the only way to raise arrow damage, and at level V a fully charged shot one-shots most common mobs. Charge matters: the bonus multiplies the shot, so half-drawn shots waste most of it. Power works only on bows; crossbows use Quick Charge, Piercing and Multishot instead.
Enchanting table, Librarian villager trades, structure chest loot, and fishing treasure. The reliable route to Power V is combining two Power IV books or bows on an anvil.
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 V. An anvil combines two matching levels only up to this maximum — higher levels exist only through commands.
Or give yourself a Bow with Power V already applied (Java 1.20.5+ component format):
Power applies to the bow. Items from the reviewed catalog in this group:
Punch adds about 3 blocks of arrow knockback per level (max II) but zero damage; Power is pure damage. They stack, and PvP bows often run both — Power to hurt, Punch to keep melee players off you.
Infinity gives unlimited arrows but cannot coexist with Mending; Power stacks with either one. Prioritize Power V first, then choose Infinity for convenience or Mending for a bow that lasts forever.
Bedrock Edition: Power uses the same +25% × (level + 1) formula in Bedrock Edition, so Power V adds 150% there too.
The enchantment ID for Power is minecraft:power. Java Edition 1.13+ commands such as /enchant use this namespaced form. On Java 1.12.2 and earlier the numerical ID was 48.
Power goes up to level V (level 5). Run /enchant @p minecraft:power 5 while holding a valid item to apply the maximum level.
No. Power is bow-only. Crossbows use Quick Charge, Piercing, and Multishot instead. If you want crossbow damage, Multishot and Piercing are the picks.
Combine two Power IV books or bows on an anvil. Source the IV books from Librarian villagers, the enchanting table, or structure loot.
A fully charged Power V arrow deals up to 25 damage, which one-shots unarmored zombies, skeletons, creepers and spiders (20 health) without needing a critical hit.
Power — it is the only one of the two that adds damage. Punch is a utility extra for knocking players and mobs away. Take Power V first, then add Punch II if you PvP.