What Does Bane of Arthropods Do in Minecraft?

Last updated: Mar 31, 2025 • 4 min read

Start your own Minecraft server with Apex

Are you afraid of spiders? We all suffer from arachnophobia to a certain degree, so you are not alone.

So, imagine that you play Minecraft just to forget about any kind of spider, but now a spider arthropod mob hunts you down through the Overworld - kill it with fire!

Well, fire is not the best weapon you can use against arthropods in Minecraft, but Bane of Arthropods certainly is.

If you are wondering about this popular enchantment, worry no more - keep reading this blog post to learn more about:

What does Bane of Arthropods do in Minecraft?;
How to get Bane of Arthropods in Minecraft;
Things you must know about BoA before using it against your enemies.

Table Of Contents

What Does Bane of Arthropods Do in Minecraft?

Bane of Arthropods is a weapon enchantment that deals extra damage against arthropods in Minecraft.

When you attack or hit an arthropod using a sword or an axe that has been enchanted with the power of BoA, the enchantment increases damage that depends on the Enchantment Level (Bane of Arthropods IV, III, II and I).

This enchantment is available in all versions of the game: Bedrock Edition (for Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation), Pocket Edition (for mobile phones), Education Edition and Java Edition.

Nevertheless, the main reason why Bane of Arthropods is not as popular as Minecraft Fortune, for example, is because it is impossible to use it against not-arthropods mobs.

For instance, if you try to attack undead mobs with it, you better use a wooden axe or wooden sword instead - it will work better!

If you want to ensure the death of arthropods with weapons such as swords and axes, then do use this enchant.

Otherwise, try another option.

What Are Arthropod Mobs in Minecraft?

Silverfish, bees, spiders, and ender mites are all arthropod mobs.

You can get hit by silverfish, bees, and spiders out of notice, and believe us - they usually deal more damage than normal mobs!

Although bees and silverfish are small, they can be quite dangerous.

If you get attacked by one of these mobs, the best way to get them destroyed is by getting a sword or axe enchanted with Banes of Arthropods.

Note

You can only enchant a single object with Bane of Arthropods at the same time.

The maximum duration and maximum level (Bane of Arthropods IV) of this enchantment depends entirely on your Minecraft’s avatar level.

Besides, it is mutually exclusive with Smite and Sharpness, meaning that you can only have one on a weapon. Learn more about Smite vs. Sharpness here.

How to Get Bane of Arthropods Enchantment

As it happens with other enchantments, the Bane of Arthropods enchantment can only be found at an Enchanting Table.

We highly recommend you reach the highest enchantment level in Minecraft before trying to enchant swords or axes with any enchantment.

Without further ado, let’s see how to find it!

Step 1: Go to an Enchanting Table

Firstly, go to the Enchanting Table. If you can’t find one, you can make it on the Crafting Table in Minecraft by using obsidian, a book, and some diamonds.

Enchanting Tables work similarly in Minecraft Pocket Edition, Nintendo Switch version, PC versions, and more, so worry not.

Step 2: Select a Weapon to be Enchanted

You can only enchant either a sword or an axe using the Bane of Arthropods enchantment. We recommend using a Diamond or Netherite Sword since they are more durable.

Step 3: Use Lapis Lazuli

In order to enchant swords, axes, boots, or armor, you will need Lapis Lazuli to power the enchant. Get some, and use it on the table.

Step 4: Select the Bane of Arthropods Enchantment

Once you put the Lapis and the weapon on the table, Bane of Arthropods will pop up. Select the enchant, and use it.

It will be applied to your sword or axe, and arthropods will now fear you!

Step 5: Start Killing Cave Spiders!

Go kill cave spiders (or any spider)! You will deal extra damage with this enchant, meaning that arthropods won’t stand a chance against you.

Nevertheless, keep in mind that Bane of Arthropods is mostly useful if the base weapon you have used is good enough.

For more Minecraft tips, always check out what we have for you here, at Hypenoon.

Bane of Arthropods FAQ

Can I Use BoA Enchantments on Crossbows?

No, you can’t. The Bane of Arthropods Enchant can only be used with swords or axes, not on crossbows.

Nonetheless, crossbows are indeed useful, and you can learn more things about these weapons here: Minecraft Crossbow.