Java & Bedrock
Thorns
Thorns is an armor enchantment that can damage an attacker when the wearer is hit. Higher levels increase the trigger chance but also increase armor wear.
Thorns- Maximum level
- 3
- Edition
- Java & Bedrock
- Compatible
- Armor
- Treasure
- No
- Tradeable
- Yes
- Enchanting table
- Yes
Equipment and conflicts
Compatible equipment: Armor. It has no ordinary mutually exclusive enchantment listed.
Effect by level
| Level | Effect | Expected multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 15% trigger chance per enchanted piece | Varies by mechanic |
| 2 | 30% trigger chance per enchanted piece | Varies by mechanic |
| 3 | 45% trigger chance per enchanted piece | Varies by mechanic |
How the mechanic works
- Each enchanted armor piece independently contributes a 15% trigger chance per level; if multiple pieces trigger, one is selected to deal damage.
- A normal trigger deals 1–4 damage, while levels above the survival maximum can raise the upper damage bound.
- A successful retaliation consumes additional durability from the selected armor piece.
Affected blocks and drops
- All armor pieces
- Attackers that directly damage the wearer
- Armor durability whenever retaliation succeeds
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:thorns (numeric registry ID 39).
Bedrock: minecraft:thorns (numeric registry ID 5).
/enchant @s minecraft:thorns 3/enchant- Adds an enchantment to a held compatible item.
@s- The entity executing the command; usually you in chat.
minecraft:thorns- The Java identifier for Thorns.
3- The enchantment level to apply.
The target must be holding a compatible item, and commands require cheats or sufficient operator permission.