Netherite templates drop from specific Nether structures, not from mining or crafting

Netherite templates are items you use at a smithing table to upgrade diamond tools and armor to netherite. You cannot craft them. Instead, you find them as loot inside three types of structures in the Nether dimension: ancient cities, bastion remnants, and nether fortresses. Each structure type holds templates in different chest locations, so knowing where to look saves time.

The template you find depends on what you want to upgrade. Netherite upgrade templates work on any diamond tool or armor piece. Netherite templates for specific items — like the netherite sword template or netherite pickaxe template — do not exist as separate items. One upgrade template works for everything.

Key Takeaways

  • Ancient cities in the deep Nether hold netherite templates in the treasure chests found inside the city structures themselves.
  • Bastion remnants contain templates in multiple chest types: treasure chests, generic chests, and bridge chests scattered throughout the structure.
  • Nether fortresses have the lowest drop rate but still contain templates in their chest loot pools.
  • You need the template plus a diamond tool or armor piece plus a netherite ingot to upgrade at a smithing table.

Ancient cities have the most reliable template locations

Ancient cities are the easiest place to farm netherite templates because the templates appear in treasure chests, which are dedicated loot containers. To find an ancient city, you need to go to Y-level −51 or lower in the Nether. Use a pickaxe to dig down through the netherrack and blackstone until you reach the deep dark biome where ancient cities spawn.

Once inside an ancient city, look for the large treasure chests. These are darker than regular chests and sit in dedicated treasure rooms. Each treasure chest has a high chance of containing a netherite template. You can find multiple templates in a single ancient city if you explore thoroughly, making this the best farming route if you need several templates.

Bastion remnants scatter templates across multiple chest types

Bastion remnants are large piglins structures that generate in the Nether at any height. They contain netherite templates in three different chest types: treasure chests, generic chests, and bridge chests. The treasure chests have the highest drop rate, but generic and bridge chests also contain templates, so you should loot all chests you find.

Bastion remnants come in four variants: treasure, bridge, housing, and stable. The treasure variant has the most chests overall, but all four types can contain templates. Bring a pickaxe and be prepared to fight piglins if you are not wearing gold armor — piglins attack you if you open chests or break gold blocks without gold gear.

Nether fortresses have templates but lower drop rates

Nether fortresses are the oldest Nether structure and contain netherite templates in their general loot chests, though the drop rate is lower than ancient cities or bastions. Fortresses are easier to find than ancient cities because they generate at any height and are more common than bastions in some seeds.

Inside a fortress, open all the chests you find — they sit in various rooms and corridors. The templates appear in the general loot pool, so you may need to check multiple chests before finding one. Fortresses also contain blazes and other hostile mobs, so bring armor and weapons.

What you need to actually upgrade your tools

Finding a template is only the first step. To upgrade a diamond tool or armor piece to netherite, you need three things at a smithing table: the netherite template, the diamond item you want to upgrade, and a netherite ingot. You can get netherite ingots by mining ancient debris in the Nether and smelting it in a furnace.

Place the template in the top slot of the smithing table, the diamond item in the middle slot, and the netherite ingot in the right slot. The upgraded netherite item appears in the output slot. Netherite tools are faster and more durable than diamond, and netherite armor has knockback resistance.

How to navigate the Nether safely while searching

The Nether is dangerous, so prepare before you go hunting for templates. Bring full diamond or netherite armor, a sword, a pickaxe, and food. Bring a water bucket — water does not work in the Nether, but it still protects you from lava if you pour it on yourself. Bring blocks to build a pillar up or down if you need to escape quickly.

Mark your spawn point or build a nether portal near your base so you can return home. Use a compass or write down coordinates so you can find your way back. Bring a shield to block attacks from ghasts and blazes. If you are new to the Nether, start with a nether fortress because they are easier to spot and navigate than ancient cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find netherite templates in the Overworld?

No. Netherite templates only appear in Nether structures: ancient cities, bastion remnants, and nether fortresses. You must travel to the Nether to find them.

How many templates do I need to upgrade all my tools and armor?

You need one template per item you want to upgrade. If you want to upgrade a full set of armor (helmet, chestplate, leggings, boots) plus tools (pickaxe, sword, axe, shovel), you need eight templates total. Collect extras in case you lose items or want to upgrade new tools later.

What if I can't find an ancient city?

Ancient cities are rare and only spawn below Y-level −51. If you cannot find one after exploring, try bastion remnants or nether fortresses instead. Both contain templates and are more common. You can also use a seed finder website to locate ancient cities in your world before traveling.

Do I lose the template when I use it at the smithing table?

No. The template stays in the smithing table after you take the upgraded item. You can use the same template multiple times to upgrade different items, so you only need one template even if you upgrade several pieces of gear.

Is there a faster way to get templates than looting chests?

No. Looting chests in Nether structures is the only way to get netherite templates. You cannot craft them, trade for them, or find them anywhere else. Focus on ancient cities if you want templates quickly because treasure chests have the highest drop rate.