Repairing enchanted items in Minecraft can be a complex process, with a limit on the number of times you can repair an item before it becomes too expensive. In this article, we’ll explore the mechanics behind item repair and provide insights into maximizing the lifespan of your enchanted gear.
The Repair Cost Mechanic
Each time you combine an enchanted item (or items) with an anvil, the repair cost doubles. This cost is added to the “Prior Work Penalty,” which increases exponentially with each repair. When the total repair cost exceeds 39 levels, you can no longer repair the item using an anvil.
Effective Repair Limit
Effectively, you get 6 anvil uses for an enchanted item, including combining books and items to enchant the item, and subsequent repairs. This means that if you enchant an item using an anvil, you can repair it 5 more times before the cost becomes prohibitive.
The Power of Mending
This is why Mending is such a powerful enchantment. Mending allows you to repair your item’s durability using experience orbs, bypassing the anvil repair cost entirely. With Mending, your enchanted items can last indefinitely, as long as you continue to collect experience orbs.