MinecraftKnockbackEnchantment
Minecraft Knockback Enchantment | Java Edition (JE) & Bedrock Edition (BE)
Knockback is a melee-focused enchantment applied to swords and axes that increases how far enemies are pushed away when hit, creating space and reducing immediate danger during combat. Higher levels improve crowd control and are especially effective in confined areas or when fighting multiple mobs.
Max Level
12
Knockback can be applied up to level 2.
Incompatible Enchantments
No incompatibilities — Knockback works alongside all other enchantments.
Best Enchantments to Pair with Knockback
• Always Pair With
These enchantments are almost always used together with Knockback:
• Situational Pairings
Useful combinations with Knockback depending on your playstyle:
Fire AspectPvE
Knock enemies back while setting them on fire.
LootingFarming
Keep mobs at range while collecting drops.
How to Get Knockback in Minecraft
• Enchanting Table
You can obtain Knockback by using an enchanting table. Surround it with up to 15 bookshelves to unlock higher enchantment levels. Place your item and lapis lazuli in the table, and Knockback may appear as one of the offered enchantments. The outcome is random, so you may need multiple attempts.
• Loot Chests
Enchanted books containing Knockback can be found inside loot chests throughout the world — in dungeons, mineshafts, desert temples, jungle temples, and strongholds. Some chests may also contain items pre-enchanted with Knockback. Loot chest drops are random, so exploration is key.
• Villager Trading
Librarian villagers can offer enchanted books including Knockback in exchange for emeralds. By resetting a librarian's trades (breaking and replacing their lectern), you can cycle through available enchantments until Knockback appears. This is one of the most reliable ways to target a specific enchantment in survival mode.
How to Apply Knockback
• Enchanting Table
Place your item and lapis lazuli in the enchanting table to apply Knockback directly. The enchantment is randomly selected, so results may vary.
• Anvil
Use an anvil to combine an enchanted book containing Knockback with your item. This gives you precise control over which enchantment is applied.
How to Apply Knockback with a Command in Minecraft
The /enchant command applies Knockback directly to the item held in the player's main hand. Best used in creative mode or with cheats enabled. The item must already be in your inventory. This is the fastest way to add a specific enchantment without needing an enchanting table or anvil.
Syntax
/enchant <player> knockback [level]
Label
/enchant @s knockback 2
@s targets yourself (the command executor)
@p targets the nearest player
Replace the player argument with a player name or target selector
The enchantment ID (shown in the command above)
A number from 1 to the maximum level for this enchantment