Java & Bedrock
Piercing
Piercing lets a crossbow arrow pass through multiple entities and shields. Each level increases the number of targets the arrow can penetrate.
Piercing- Maximum level
- 4
- Edition
- Java & Bedrock
- Compatible
- Crossbow
- Treasure
- No
- Tradeable
- Yes
- Enchanting table
- Yes
Equipment and conflicts
Compatible equipment: Crossbow. It cannot normally be combined with Multishot.
Effect by level
| Level | Effect | Expected multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Can hit up to 2 entities | Varies by mechanic |
| 2 | Up to 3 entities | Varies by mechanic |
| 3 | Up to 4 entities | Varies by mechanic |
| 4 | Up to 5 entities | Varies by mechanic |
How the mechanic works
- A Piercing level n arrow can pass through up to n entities and can therefore hit as many as n plus one entities in total.
- Piercing arrows can be recovered after landing and can pass through a blocking shield.
- The effect applies to arrows, not firework rockets, and conflicts with Multishot.
Affected blocks and drops
- Crossbows firing arrows
- Multiple aligned entities and blocking shields
- Conflicts with Multishot
How to obtain
- Enchant compatible equipment at an enchanting table.
- Apply a matching enchanted book at an anvil.
- Find or trade for an enchanted book that contains this enchantment.
Sources
Edition identifiers
Java: minecraft:piercing (numeric registry ID 25).
Bedrock: minecraft:piercing (numeric registry ID 34).
/enchant @s minecraft:piercing 4/enchant- Adds an enchantment to a held compatible item.
@s- The entity executing the command; usually you in chat.
minecraft:piercing- The Java identifier for Piercing.
4- The enchantment level to apply.
The target must be holding a compatible item, and commands require cheats or sufficient operator permission.