Punch is a Minecraft Java Edition enchantment in the bow group, with a maximum level of II.
minecraft:punch
Arrows knock targets back about 3 blocks further per level. Punch adds no damage — it is pure knockback utility for the bow.
Tip: Punch II is a PvP spacing tool: every arrow that lands resets the chase. It is also the classic way to knock players off bridges and ledges.
Punch turns your bow into crowd control: keep melee players from ever reaching you, knock mobs off cliffs, or finish a fleeing target's escape route off a ledge. Since it adds zero damage, it never replaces Power — the two stack, and the standard PvP bow runs Power V + Punch II together.
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 II. An anvil combines two matching levels only up to this maximum — higher levels exist only through commands.
Or give yourself a Bow with Punch II already applied (Java 1.20.5+ component format):
Punch applies to the bow. Items from the reviewed catalog in this group:
Power is damage, Punch is distance. Power V multiplies arrow damage up to +150%; Punch II just throws the target back about 6 blocks. Take Power first, add Punch second — they stack on the same bow.
Knockback is the melee equivalent for swords, with the same roughly 3-blocks-per-level push and the same max level II. Punch is simply its bow counterpart.
Bedrock Edition: Punch works the same in Bedrock Edition, with the same maximum level of II.
The enchantment ID for Punch is minecraft:punch. Java Edition 1.13+ commands such as /enchant use this namespaced form. On Java 1.12.2 and earlier the numerical ID was 49.
Punch goes up to level II (level 2). Run /enchant @p minecraft:punch 2 while holding a valid item to apply the maximum level.
No. Punch only increases arrow knockback. For damage you want Power — the two are fully compatible on the same bow.
Punch II in survival. Higher levels only exist through commands.
Very. A landed arrow resets a melee player's approach, and near edges it can end fights outright. Most PvP bows run Power V + Punch II.
Same effect, different weapon: Punch is for bows, Knockback is for swords. Both add about 3 blocks of knockback per level and both cap at level II.