Crossbow
Crossbow stores a charged shot and can fire arrows or fireworks with unique enchantments.
1.21
Description
Crossbow is crafted from sticks, string, an iron ingot, and a tripwire hook, making it costlier than a bow but tactically different. It must be loaded before firing, then can be held ready indefinitely. That stored charge lets players peek, switch items, or prepare an opening shot before a fight begins.
The weapon fires arrows and can also launch firework rockets for explosive damage when properly loaded. Its exclusive enchantments change behaviour: Quick Charge reduces loading time, Multishot fires three projectiles for one ammo item, and Piercing lets arrows pass through multiple targets or shields. It suits raids, pillager-themed builds, and controlled burst damage.
The weapon fires arrows and can also launch firework rockets for explosive damage when properly loaded. Its exclusive enchantments change behaviour: Quick Charge reduces loading time, Multishot fires three projectiles for one ammo item, and Piercing lets arrows pass through multiple targets or shields. It suits raids, pillager-themed builds, and controlled burst damage.
Guide
How to craft and use a Crossbow in Minecraft
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1
Craft the Crossbow
Open a crafting table and place 3 sticks in the left column and right column (top and middle rows), 2 strings (top-right and bottom-right), 1 iron ingot in the center, and 1 tripwire hook in the bottom-center slot. The Crossbow appears in the result slot.
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2
Load the Crossbow
Hold right-click (or use the secondary action button) while holding the Crossbow until the loading animation completes and the Crossbow locks with an audible click. You must have at least 1 arrow or firework rocket in your inventory.
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3
Aim and fire
Once fully loaded, the Crossbow stays charged indefinitely. Aim at your target and right-click (or secondary action) to release the arrow. The Crossbow fires faster than a Bow once loaded, making it effective in hit-and-run combat.
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4
Shoot a firework rocket
Place a firework rocket in your off-hand slot, then load the Crossbow. The Crossbow will fire the firework rocket instead of an arrow, dealing explosion damage on contact. More stars in the rocket increase damage output.
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5
Apply enchantments
Enchant the Crossbow at an enchanting table or anvil. Quick Charge I-III reduces loading time. Multishot fires 3 arrows simultaneously. Piercing I-IV lets arrows pass through multiple mobs. Note: Multishot and Piercing are mutually exclusive enchantments.
Tip
Pre-load the Crossbow before entering combat so you can fire instantly. Combine Quick Charge III with Multishot for devastating room-clearing ability against groups of mobs.
How to craft this block
Crafting
Crossbow
1
Related blocks
Frequently asked questions
What is the crafting recipe for a Crossbow in Minecraft?
A Crossbow requires 3 sticks, 2 strings, 1 iron ingot, and 1 tripwire hook arranged in a specific crafting table pattern. This recipe yields 1 Crossbow.
How is the Crossbow different from the Bow?
The Crossbow must be pre-loaded before firing, taking approximately 1.25 seconds without enchantments, whereas the Bow is drawn and released in one motion. Once loaded, the Crossbow fires instantly and deals up to 11 damage, slightly higher than a fully-charged Bow.
How do I shoot a firework rocket with a Crossbow?
Place a firework rocket in your off-hand slot, then load the Crossbow. The Crossbow automatically uses the firework rocket as ammo, firing it on release. Damage depends on the number of firework stars in the rocket.
What does Quick Charge do and how many levels does it have?
Quick Charge reduces the Crossbow loading time by 0.25 seconds per level. Quick Charge I loads in 1 second, Quick Charge II in 0.75 seconds, and Quick Charge III in 0.5 seconds, making rapid sequential shots viable.
Can I use both Multishot and Piercing on the same Crossbow?
No. Multishot and Piercing are mutually exclusive enchantments on a Crossbow. Multishot fires 3 arrows in a spread pattern but arrows cannot pierce mobs, while Piercing I-IV allows arrows to pass through multiple mobs in a line but only fires 1 arrow.
Does the Crossbow work in Bedrock Edition?
Yes. The Crossbow is available in both Java Edition (since 1.14) and Bedrock Edition with the same crafting recipe and core mechanics, though some enchantment interactions and timing details may differ slightly between editions.
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