Enchantments are one of the most helpful parts of Minecraft when it comes to nearly every aspect of the game. Whether you’re gearing up in full Protection V armor or just finished enchanting your pickaxe with efficiency, certain enchantments are likely to pop into your mind when you see an enchanting table. One enchantment that isn’t as popular comparatively is Depth Strider, added all the way back in 1.8. This guide will explain the Depth Strider enchantment and what it does in Minecraft Java and Bedrock Editions.

The Depth Strider Enchantment Explained in Minecraft

Depth Strider is an enchantment in Minecraft Java and Bedrock that helps you move underwater faster. While Depth Strider starts at level one, it goes to a maximum of three, which allows you to swim as quick as you run on land. If you’re trying to outrun monsters or other players and need to dive into the ocean, Depth Strider provides a huge advantage for escaping. Furthermore, if there are dolphins nearby and they give you a swim speed buff, it’ll stack with the Depth Strider boost. The only downside is that you can only apply them to your boots.

Like most enchantments, there are several ways you can get Depth Strider on either your boots or in an enchanted book. The most reliable method is by using an enchanting table. According to the Minecraft Tools Enchantment Calculator, if you have 30 XP levels, you have nearly a 40 percent chance of getting Depth Strider III on your boots. Alternatively, if you’re a little low on levels, you have around an 11-12 percent chance of Depth Strider I at XP level 14.

If you don’t have easy access to an enchanting table, there are other methods of getting the enchantment! There’s a low chance you’ll get an enchanted book with Depth Strider on it from fishing, trading with Librarian villagers or looting various treasure chests. In particular, dungeon, mineshaft and desert pyramid chests will often net you with enchanted books. However, since the enchants are randomized, you’ll have to get very lucky to find Depth Strider on them using these methods!

Minecraft is available on PC, Android, iOS, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation platforms.