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Piercing Enchantment in Minecraft
Piercing enchantment in Minecraft: maximum level IV, items it works on, how to get it and the /enchant command for Java and Bedrock.
| Type | Enchantment |
|---|
Data checked Nov 6, 2026
Piercing is a Minecraft enchantment for crossbow. Arrows pass through multiple targets. Its maximum level through normal enchanting is IV. This page lists what it does, which items accept it, how to get it and the command to apply it in Java Edition and Bedrock Edition.
Piercing at a glance
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum level | IV (4) |
| Applies to | Crossbow |
| Effect | Arrows pass through multiple targets |
| Notes | Cannot be combined with Multishot |
How to get Piercing
- Enchanting table: it can appear as one of the offered enchantments when you spend lapis lazuli and levels on a compatible item.
- Enchanted books: find them in chests, trade with librarian villagers or fish them up, then combine the book on an anvil. Our anvil calculator shows the level cost.
- Commands: see below.
Piercing command
Apply it to the item in your main hand:
/enchant @s piercing 4The /enchant command only accepts levels up to the normal maximum and only on items that can take the enchantment. To make an item with any level, use the give command generator on Java Edition. See the /enchant wiki page for the full syntax.
Tips for Piercing
- Enchantments that conflict cannot be on the same item. Cannot be combined with Multishot.
- Combine two books of the same level on an anvil to raise the level by one, up to the maximum.
- Prior work penalty makes each extra anvil step cost more, so plan the order of combinations. See how to use an anvil.
Command block guide · All Minecraft commands
Piercing FAQ
What is the maximum level of Piercing?
IV with the enchanting table and anvil.
What items can have Piercing?
Crossbow.
What is the command for Piercing?
/enchant @s piercing 4 while holding a compatible item, with cheats enabled.