Modern namespaced IDs are recommended. This numerical form is only for old Java releases.
/give @p 261 1
Give command syntax by version
Java 1.13+
/give @p minecraft:bow 1
Namespaced ID (current format)
Java 1.8–1.12.2
/give @p 261 1 0
Numerical ID + data value
Bedrock Edition
/give @p minecraft:bow 1
Same namespaced ID (namespace optional)
Rows appear only when the underlying value is verified: the Java 1.8–1.12.2 row requires a reviewed historical numerical ID, and the Bedrock row appears only when this exact namespaced ID exists in the Bedrock registry.
How to Get Bow
Crafting Recipe
Stick
String
Stick
String
Stick
String
Crafting table recipe — makes 1 × Bow.
More Ways to Get It
Craft a Bow from three sticks and three string. Draw it before releasing an arrow, and keep extra arrows or an Infinity-enchanted bow available for extended combat.
Collect three sticks and three string.
Craft the Bow at a Crafting Table.
Keep arrows in your inventory before using the bow in Survival.
Bow in Minecraft: Enchant Choices and Repair Strategy
Quick answer: Use minecraft:bow in Java Edition commands. Craft a bow from three sticks and three string; the big decisions are Infinity versus Mending, which are mutually exclusive, and stacking Power, Punch, and Flame for damage.
Infinity or Mending
Infinity lets the bow fire unlimited regular arrows from a single arrow in your inventory, while Mending repairs the bow with experience. They cannot coexist on one bow, so the choice shapes your whole ranged setup.
Most players pick Mending for long-term worlds, because arrows are cheap from fletcher trades and farms, while a god bow is irreplaceable. Infinity suits early game and adventure maps where arrows are scarce.
Crafting: 3 sticks + 3 string.
Infinity and Mending are mutually exclusive.
Tipped arrows are always consumed, even with Infinity.
Damage enchants and upkeep
Power V is the core damage enchantment, Punch II adds knockback for keeping mobs at range, and Flame sets targets on fire for light damage over time. Unbreaking III stretches durability for any build.
Repair bows on an anvil with other bows or via the Mending route, and remember the grindstone only for junk bows, since it wipes enchantments. A fully enchanted Power V bow one-shots most common mobs with a full draw.
Bow Command Examples
Give 1 to nearest player: /give @p minecraft:bow 1
Give 1 to yourself: /give @s minecraft:bow 1
Give to a specific player: /give PlayerName minecraft:bow 1
Clear from inventory: /clear @p minecraft:bow
Compatible Enchantments for Bow
Bow can receive these enchantments from an enchanting table or anvil. Some of them are mutually exclusive; each enchantment page lists its incompatible partners.
Pair ranged and defensive equipment in a combat kit.
Bow FAQ
What is the item ID for Bow?
The item ID for Bow is minecraft:bow. Java Edition commands such as /give, /clear, and /setblock use this namespaced ID.
What is the numerical ID for Bow?
Bow has the historical numerical ID 261, used in Java Edition 1.12.2 and earlier. Current versions use minecraft:bow instead.
How do I give myself Bow in Minecraft?
Open the chat window and run /give @p minecraft:bow 1 to give the nearest player one Bow. Replace @p with a player name to target someone else.
How many Bow can stack in one slot?
Bow stacks up to 1 per inventory slot.
How do you craft Bow?
Bow is crafted on a crafting table with 3 sticks and 3 strings, which yields 1 Bow.
Is Infinity or Mending better on a bow?
Mending wins for most players because arrows are easy to mass-produce or buy from fletchers, while an enchanted bow is expensive to replace. Infinity is better early on or when inventory space for arrows is the real constraint.
How do you craft a bow in Minecraft?
Place three sticks in a diagonal and three string vertically along the opposite side of the crafting grid. Bows can also drop from skeletons and strays, occasionally already enchanted.
Does Infinity work with tipped arrows?
No. Infinity only covers regular arrows; tipped and spectral arrows are always consumed when fired. Carry a stack of your chosen tipped arrows for fights where the effect matters.
Sources and Data Review
Item facts were reviewed for Java Edition 26.2 on .
