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.
Critical Hits in Minecraft: How to Crit
A critical hit deals 50% extra damage. To land one, attack while falling: jump, then hit on the way down. On Java your attack bar must be at least 84.8% full and you must not be sprinting, or you get a sprint-knockback hit instead. Star-shaped particles and a special sound show the crit worked. Spears cannot crit.
What are the rules for a critical hit?
- You are falling and not standing on anything.
- Java: the attack cooldown is at 84.8% or more, and you are not sprinting.
- Not on a ladder, vine, cobweb or in water (lava is fine).
- Not riding a mob or vehicle.
- No Slow Falling, Blindness or Levitation.
Can you crit while sprinting?
On Java, a sprinting hit becomes a sprint-knockback hit instead. A known trick: keep holding sprint after that first knockback hit, and the following hits can be crits. On Bedrock, crits and sprint-knockback can happen at the same time. More on knockback: knockback.
How much do crits add?
50% more damage. On Java the bonus is added before damage enchantments such as Sharpness, so Sharpness is not multiplied; on Bedrock it comes after. Crits work with every melee weapon except the spear, and maces get their own smash bonus on top; see the mace. Damage basics: health and damage.
How do you use crits in PvP?
Time your jumps so you swing as you start falling, and wait for the cooldown bar to refill between hits on Java. Mix jump-crits with sprint hits to keep your opponent away. Older 1.8 combat has no cooldown, so crit timing is different there; see 1.8 vs 1.9 PvP and attack cooldown.
Does a crit also sweep?
No. On Java a sweep attack needs you on the ground, not critting and not sprinting, so a sword hit is either a crit or a sweep. Sweeps deal 1 damage to mobs next to the target, more with Sweeping Edge; see sword enchantments.
Frequently asked questions
How much extra damage does a critical hit do?
50% more damage.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.