Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Ancient Debris in Minecraft: Best Y Level for Netherite
Ancient debris is the rare Nether ore that becomes netherite. The best place to look is Y=15 (Y=16 has the most on average), deep in the Nether near the lava sea. Mine it with a diamond or netherite pickaxe, smelt it into netherite scrap, and combine 4 scrap with 4 gold ingots for one netherite ingot. It cannot be blown up by normal explosions.
What is the best Y level for netherite?
Most debris generates from Y=8 to Y=24, with a smaller amount anywhere up to Y=119. Mining at Y=15 puts you in the middle of the richest layer. It never touches air, so you will not see it in caves; you have to dig for it. Nether guide: the Nether.
What is the fastest way to find it?
- Strip mine at Y=15 with an efficient diamond pickaxe.
- Beds and TNT: beds explode in the Nether on both editions, and both blasts clear netherrack while leaving debris behind, since it resists explosions; see TNT.
- Bastion chests can hold 1-2 ancient debris; see bastions.
- Bring Fire Resistance; lava is everywhere at that depth.
How do you turn it into netherite?
Smelt each debris into 1 netherite scrap in a furnace or blast furnace, which gives 2 experience. Craft 4 scrap and 4 gold ingots into 1 netherite ingot, then use a smithing table with an upgrade template to turn diamond gear into netherite. Full guide: netherite.
What else is special about it?
As an item it floats on lava and does not burn, so you will not lose it to lava. It can be pushed by pistons, which tunnel-bore designs use. Other ore levels: ore Y levels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Y level for ancient debris?
Y=15; most debris is between Y=8 and Y=24.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.