Sweeping Edge (Java Only): Sweep Damage per Level

Sweeping Edge makes a sword’s sweep attack hit nearby mobs harder. It’s a Java Edition enchantment only; Bedrock swords don’t sweep at all. It has three levels and boosts the side damage to 50%, 67% or 75% of your sword’s base damage. The mob you actually hit takes normal damage.

How sweep attacks work

On Java, a sword hit becomes a sweep when you’re on the ground, not sprinting, and your attack is fully charged. Every mob within about a block of your target takes sweep damage. Without Sweeping Edge, that’s just 1 damage. With it:

Sweep damage = 1 + base damage × level ÷ (level + 1) + bonus from Sharpness, Smite or Bane

Level	Share of base damage added
I	50%
II	66.7%
III	75%

Two examples:

• Iron sword (6 base), Sweeping Edge I only: 1 + 3 = 4 damage to each nearby mob.
• Diamond sword (7 base) with Sharpness V and Sweeping Edge III: 1 + 5.25 + 3 = 9.25 to each nearby mob.

That second number is close to a full hit, which makes Sweeping Edge III great for clearing groups.

Getting Sweeping Edge

Sweeping Edge rolls on the enchanting table for swords, and books come from fishing, monster room and ocean ruin chests, and librarians. With the experimental Villager Trade Rebalance on, savanna librarians sell it. It conflicts with nothing.

Is it worth it?

Yes, on a Java sword. It’s free damage against crowds and doesn’t compete with anything else. It shines in mob farms where you hit a packed group, and against zombies or pillagers that bunch up. Looting also applies to mobs killed by the sweep.

Be careful near pets, villagers and armor stands: the sweep hits them too. If you’re on Bedrock, skip this page and see the best sword enchantments for what goes in that slot instead.