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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteFor Minecraft: Java Edition 1.19.1, mine at Y=15 for the best average chance of finding ancient debris, the ore used to make Netherite. This is Mojang’s stated peak, not a guarantee: debris is buried in Nether blocks and must be mined with a diamond pickaxe.
What should you mine for Netherite?
Look for ancient debris, not a block called Netherite. Smelt ancient debris to produce Netherite scrap. Combine four scraps with four gold ingots to craft one Netherite ingot, according to Mojang’s Netherite Scrap guide.
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Why is Y=15 the recommended level?
Mojang’s guide says ancient debris can generate in two veins per chunk: one between Y-levels 8 and 22, and another between Y-levels 8 and 119. Mojang identifies level 15 as the level with the highest average chance of finding some. The generation is probabilistic, so mining at Y=15 does not guarantee a vein.
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The same guide notes that ancient debris is never exposed to air. You need to dig through Nether blocks to find it; it is highly blast-resistant and floats on lava. A diamond pickaxe is required to mine it. See Mojang’s explanation of ancient debris and Netherite scrap.
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Why do some sources say Y=16?
A Minecraft Wiki result gives Y=16 as the average peak, while Mojang’s March 25, 2021 article gives Y=15. The available information does not establish whether the difference reflects a correction or a different presentation of the data. For a Java 1.19.1 answer, Y=15 is the recommendation directly supported by Mojang’s published guidance; the discrepancy should not be treated as independently resolved.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does this apply to Java Edition 1.19.1?
This answer is scoped to Minecraft: Java Edition 1.19.1, released July 27, 2022. Mojang’s 1.19.1 release notes describe changes including Allay duplication, sculk catalyst adjustments, chat trust status, and player reporting; they do not discuss ancient-debris generation. The Y=15 recommendation comes from Mojang’s Netherite guidance rather than a generation change listed in the 1.19.1 notes. Do not assume this version-specific answer proves the best level for later releases.
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