Quick answer: Infinity I allows a compatible bow to shoot regular arrows without consuming them in normal use, provided you have at least one ordinary arrow in your inventory. This saves carrying large stacks of standard ammunition during long exploration or routine combat.
Quick-start checklist
- Choose bow
- Acquire Infinity book
- Apply to bow
- Carry one normal arrow
- Test arrow types
Infinity’s main benefit
Infinity I allows a compatible bow to shoot regular arrows without consuming them in normal use, provided you have at least one ordinary arrow in your inventory. This saves carrying large stacks of standard ammunition during long exploration or routine combat. It does not turn the bow into an instant-fire machine and it does not add arrow damage by itself. You still draw the bow normally, so Power and other compatible bow upgrades remain relevant.
Why the inventory still needs an arrow
Players sometimes enchant a bow with Infinity and then discover it will not shoot. The enchantment does not mean an empty inventory magically supplies ammunition. Carry at least one normal arrow so the bow recognizes usable ammo. Once properly equipped, normal shots can be fired repeatedly without reducing that supply. Keep the arrow in an accessible inventory slot and check whether a modified server applies different ammunition rules.
Tipped and spectral arrows are different
Infinity’s effect is designed for ordinary arrows; do not expect it to preserve tipped or spectral arrows in the same way. When using special ammunition in an edition that supports those arrow types, their consumption behavior can differ from standard arrows. This is important for players who depend on potion effects in PvP. Test with a small stack before starting a long fight and be sure you know which projectile the bow actually selects.
Infinity versus Mending
Infinity and Mending are normally mutually exclusive on a bow. Infinity provides ongoing ordinary ammunition, while Mending helps restore durability with appropriate XP. If you rely mostly on a standard bow for adventure, Infinity can be convenient; if you frequently use special arrows or want easy durability recovery, Mending may be better. Neither is automatically superior for every world. You can keep two bows for different purposes if your resources allow.
What other bow enchantments work with it
Infinity can combine with many useful ordinary bow enchantments, such as Power, Unbreaking, Flame and Punch, subject to their normal compatibility rules. A high-level Power bow can be excellent for consistent ranged attacks. Flame changes fire behavior and may not help in all biomes or combat situations. Unbreaking reduces wear, making it especially helpful on a bow that cannot also use Mending. Balance the XP cost of upgrades against how often you actually use the bow.
Troubleshooting an Infinity bow
If the bow refuses to fire, inspect the inventory for a normal arrow and check whether it has durability remaining. If special arrows disappear, review which projectile type the enchantment preserves. If an anvil refuses a Mending book, that is ordinary incompatibility, not necessarily a bug. Never delete an irreplaceable bow trying to reset its enchantments without making sure you understand grindstone behavior.
Comparison table
| Enchantment or choice | Effect | Important note |
|---|---|---|
| Infinity I | Preserves ordinary arrows | Needs one normal arrow |
| Mending I | Repairs bow with experience | Incompatible with Infinity |
| Power V | Raises arrow damage | Compatible |
| Unbreaking III | Reduces wear | Compatible |
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest Infinity level?
Infinity I is the standard maximum.
Can Infinity and Mending share a bow?
Not normally in vanilla survival.
Do I need to carry an arrow with Infinity?
Yes, at least one normal arrow.
Does Infinity save tipped arrows?
No, it is for ordinary arrows, not a blanket rule for special ammunition.
Edition and version note
This guide explains standard Minecraft mechanics; exact damage, loot and enchantment behavior can differ between Java Edition and Bedrock Edition. Before investing rare items, preview compatibility in the current version and test on a spare item where practical. For a broader overview read our Unbreaking explanation and Minecraft Java vs. Bedrock mechanics. Check Minecraft bow and arrow enchantment mechanics for edition-specific changes.
