What Does Curse of Binding Do in Minecraft?

In Minecraft, enchantments can change how you play. Some are helpful, some are harmful, and some are just plain annoying. The Curse of Binding falls into that annoying category. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Curse of Binding enchantment.

What is Curse of Binding?

The Curse of Binding is an enchantment that prevents a piece of armor or a few other items from being removed once a player equips them. The only normal ways to remove a cursed item are:

The item breaks
The player dies
The player is in Creative mode

For items without durability, such as the elytra, the only way to remove them is to die. Because of this, the Curse of Binding can be especially tricky in Hardcore mode, where death ends the game.

⚡Note: Placing and then breaking a pumpkin or a mob head removes the curse on that item.

Mobs are affected by the curse as well. A mob wearing a cursed helmet will not swap it for a better helmet, even if one is available.

Items That Can Be Cursed

You can add the Curse of Binding to:

Helmets
Chestplates
Leggings
Boots
Elytra
Carved Pumpkins
Mob Head

The maximum level for the curse is Level 1, so an item can only have Curse of Binding I.

How to Apply the Curse

To apply the curse, you will need:

An enchantment book with Curse of Binding
An anvil to combine your item and the enchantment book
Enough experience points to pay for the enchantment (not required in Creative mode)

Steps:

Place the anvil on the ground.
In the first slot, place the item you want to enchant.
In the second slot, place the Curse of Binding book.
Take the newly enchanted item from the output slot and put it in your inventory.

Using commands: Players with commands enabled can give themselves Curse of Binding enchantment book or locate areas where the enchantment books with this curse can be found, such as Ancient Cities. If you need help using commands, check out our guide for Important Commands to Know for Minecraft Servers.

Important Notes

A grindstone or crafting table will not remove the curse. If you try, the item will return to your inventory still cursed.
Be cautious when equipping unknown armor, especially in Hardcore mode, since some items cannot be removed once equipped.
Definitely do not take a carved pumpkin or skull with the curse and place it on someone’s head.