Home News Efficiency in Minecraft: Everything You Need to Know

Efficiency in Minecraft: Everything You Need to Know

Author : Aaliyah Mar 21,2025

Minecraft: a world of boundless creativity and exploration. But let's be honest, a hefty chunk of that gameplay involves mining – sometimes a lot of it. While mining can be engaging, repetitive tasks can quickly become tedious. That's where optimization comes in. Spending less time on the grind means more time for the fun stuff. If you're looking to streamline your mining, the Efficiency enchantment is your answer. This guide will show you how to harness its power and boost your mining speed.

Also, check out our article on the best Minecraft mini-games!

Minecraft character with pickaxe

Table of Contents

  • What Does Efficiency Do in Minecraft?
  • How to Enchant Your Tools with Efficiency in Minecraft?
  • How to Obtain Tools with Efficiency V?
  • Efficiency and Stunning Shields in Minecraft

What Does Efficiency Do in Minecraft?

The Efficiency enchantment applies to five tool types: shears, pickaxes, shovels, axes, and hoes. It significantly speeds up the mining process for the materials each tool is designed to harvest. For example, an enchanted axe will fell trees much faster, but won't magically speed up stone mining. Efficiency comes in five levels:

  • Level I: 25% faster block breaking.
  • Level II: 30% faster block breaking.
  • Level III: 35% faster block breaking.
  • Level IV: 40% faster block breaking.
  • Level V: 45% faster block breaking (the marginal increase from Level IV is minimal, so prioritize obtaining this only if resource-permitting).

Minecraft diamond tools

How to Enchant Your Tools with Efficiency in Minecraft?

To add the Efficiency enchantment, you'll need an Enchantment Table. This special block allows you to imbue your tools with new properties. To craft an Enchantment Table, gather these materials:

  • 2 Diamonds
  • 4 Obsidian
  • 1 Book

Enchantment Table Minecraft

How to Obtain Tools with Efficiency V?

The Enchantment Table won't directly grant Efficiency V to stone or diamond tools. To achieve this maximum level, combine two identical tools with Efficiency IV on an Anvil. Alternatively, experienced players might find diamond tools with Efficiency V in End cities.

Enchantment Table Minecraft

Efficiency and the Chance of Stunning Shields in Minecraft

Beyond faster mining, Efficiency on axes increases your chances of stunning a shield. Level I provides a 25% chance, with each subsequent level adding another 5%.

Minecraft enchanted Shovel

In short, Efficiency is a game-changer in Minecraft. Upgrade your tools as soon as possible to transform mining from a chore into a more enjoyable part of your adventure!

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