Every warped fungus on a stick enchantment, ranked
| Enchantment | Max | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
 Unbreaking | III | Max build | Part of every max warped fungus on a stick. |
| Mending | I | Max build | Part of every max warped fungus on a stick. |
| Curse of Vanishing | I | Avoid | A curse: it only makes the item worse. |
What matters on a warped fungus on a stick
The warped fungus on a stick steers a saddled strider, the Nether mob that walks on lava. It takes Unbreaking, Mending and Curse of Vanishing, so the best build is Unbreaking III and Mending.
Unbreaking III makes it last about four times as long on average, and Mending repairs it from Nether mob experience.
Crossing lava lakes on a strider is one of the safest ways to travel the Nether. A strider moves at full speed on lava, while on land it shivers and slows down.
Builds for different playstyles
Nether explorer
Unbreaking III and Mending. You may cross many lava lakes, and Mending keeps the stick going with XP from Nether mobs.
Bastion and fortress runs
A strider lets you cross the lava sea around a bastion or fortress without building a bridge. Unbreaking III is enough for a few runs.
Lava building
Unbreaking III. A strider makes a steady platform for building bridges or walls over lava lakes without falling in.
Occasional rides
Unbreaking III alone, or no books at all. The stick is cheap to craft from a fishing rod and a warped fungus. Either way, keep a spare in your ender chest.
Each enchantment on the warped fungus on a stick
Unbreaking III
Unbreaking gives items a chance to not lose durability when used. At level III that means tools skip 75% of durability loss, armor 30%. The book costs 3 levels on a fresh warped fungus on a stick. More about Unbreaking.
Mending
Mending repairs an item with experience orbs. At level I that means each experience point you pick up repairs 2 durability. The book costs 2 levels on a fresh warped fungus on a stick. More about Mending.
Is it worth a book?
Unbreaking III costs only a few levels and makes the stick last about four times as long, so it is worth it for regular Nether travel. Mending only repairs while you hold the stick as XP comes in. Riding gives none, so Mending helps less than you might expect.
Strider routes
Plan routes along lava oceans and lakes, because striders slow down badly on land. Where two lava lakes almost meet, a short lava channel or a block bridge lets you steer across quickly. Leash your strider near your portal, so it is there next time.
Finding striders
Striders spawn on lava lakes and lava oceans in the Nether. Some already carry a rider, such as a baby strider or a zombified piglin. Lead one with warped fungus, and feed two of them warped fungus to breed more.
In the Nether an elytra is risky, with a low ceiling above and lava below. A strider is slow but safe, and it never needs rockets.
Strider travel in practice
Saddle the strider first, then hold the stick to steer. Striders can carry you across the huge lava oceans of the Nether, which no boat can cross. Still, carry a Fire Resistance potion in case you fall off.
Boosting gives a short burst of speed, so use it on long, open lava stretches. Near the shore, ride slowly and step off onto solid ground.
Where to get the books
You need 2 books for this build. Mending is a treasure enchantment, so the enchanting table won't give it. Plan to trade or loot for it first. Here is where each one comes from:
- Unbreaking III: the enchanting table, librarian villagers, random chest loot and fishing.
- Mending: librarian villagers, trial chamber vaults, random chest loot and fishing.
Librarians are the most reliable source for exact books, because you can reroll them until they offer the one you want. The trading hall guide shows how, and the villager trade tool lists the prices. Combine the books in the cheapest anvil order so no step becomes too expensive.
Which books to get first
Put Unbreaking III on first. Add Mending only after your armor and tools have it, unless you live in the Nether.
Mistakes to avoid
- Riding the strider over land. It slows down and shivers out of lava, so stay on lava routes.
- Forgetting the saddle. You need one to ride a strider.
- Using the carrot version on a strider. Striders only follow and obey warped fungus.
- Spending a rare Mending book here too early.
- Riding past bastions without gold armor. Piglins still attack players who wear no gold.
Warped Fungus on a Stick enchantment questions
Every enchantment a warped fungus on a stick can take in Bedrock 26.60: Unbreaking, Mending.
See also the full list of incompatible enchantments and the god gear command generator.
Putting the books on
Unbreaking III alone costs 3 levels on a fresh warped fungus on a stick. Mending alone costs 2 levels on a fresh warped fungus on a stick. Both together cost 6 levels, about 54 experience points if you spend them as you earn them. Unbreaking III first costs 3 + 3 levels. Mending first costs 2 + 4. Merging the two books first, then adding the result, costs 2 + 6. The cheapest route costs 6.
Afterwards the warped fungus on a stick has been on the anvil 2 times, so its prior work penalty is 3. Any later anvil repair starts from that cost, which is one more reason to let Mending do the repairs. Check your own item in the enchantment calculator if it already has anvil uses.
Questions
Does Mending work on a warped fungus on a stick?
Yes. Like any item with durability, it can take Mending.
What is the best warped fungus on a stick enchantment?
Unbreaking III, plus Mending if you ride striders a lot.
Why won't my strider move?
It needs a saddle, and you must hold the warped fungus on a stick. Out of lava it also slows to a crawl.
Does Unbreaking work on a warped fungus on a stick?
Yes. Unbreaking III makes each boost cost durability far less often.
Can striders walk on land?
Yes, but they shiver and move slowly out of lava. Keep to lava when you ride.
Can a strider carry you over lava safely?
Yes. The strider walks on the lava surface and you ride above it. Fire Resistance is still a good backup in case you fall.
What do striders eat?
Warped fungus. Feed it to two striders to breed them, or hold it to lead one.
How do you make a warped fungus on a stick?
Combine a fishing rod and a warped fungus in a crafting grid.
Do you need a saddle for a strider?
Yes. Saddle the strider, then hold the warped fungus on a stick to steer it.
What is the max level for every warped fungus on a stick enchantment?
Unbreaking III, Mending I.
