Comparison
Diamond Sword vs Golden Sword
Minecraft 1.21.8. Java Edition values.
Verdict
Diamond hits for 7 damage and lasts 1,561 uses. Golden hits for 4 (worst tier) and breaks in 32. Golden's only redeeming trait is enchantability — it pulls great enchantments at low XP cost. Even so: cosmetic in survival.
Side-by-side stats
Highlighted cell wins that row.
| Stat | Diamond Sword | Golden Sword |
|---|---|---|
| Attack damage | 7 | 4 |
| Attack speed | 1.6/s | 1.6/s |
| DPS | 11.2 | 6.4 |
| Durability | 1,561 | 32 |
| Enchantability | 10 | 22 |
| Mining tier | Diamond | Wood/Gold |
| Survives lava (as dropped item) | No | No |
| Crafted from | Diamond | Gold Ingot |
When to pick each
Pick Diamond when…
Always, for actual combat. Diamond's damage and durability dwarf golden. Pair with Sharpness V via the Smithing Table or anvil.
Pick Golden when…
You're farming enchantments with Mending — golden's 22 enchantability is the highest in the game, so the table offers richer rolls per XP level. Pure utility, not a combat tool.
Get these tools
Diamond Sword
Golden Sword
Other tool comparisons
- Netherite Sword vs Diamond Sword
- Netherite Pickaxe vs Diamond Pickaxe
- Netherite Axe vs Diamond Axe
- Diamond Pickaxe vs Iron Pickaxe
- Golden Pickaxe vs Diamond Pickaxe
- Iron Pickaxe vs Stone Pickaxe
- Diamond Sword vs Iron Sword
- Diamond Axe vs Iron Axe
- Iron Sword vs Stone Sword
- Netherite Sword vs Netherite Axe
- Diamond Sword vs Diamond Axe
- Netherite Shovel vs Diamond Shovel
- Iron Axe vs Stone Axe
- Stone Pickaxe vs Wooden Pickaxe
FAQ
- Is the Diamond Sword better than the Golden Sword?
- Diamond hits for 7 damage and lasts 1,561 uses. Golden hits for 4 (worst tier) and breaks in 32. Golden's only redeeming trait is enchantability — it pulls great enchantments at low XP cost. Even so: cosmetic in survival.
- How much damage does a Diamond Sword do?
- 7 attack damage with 1.6 attacks per second — 11.2 DPS at full charge. That's 3 more than a Golden Sword (4 damage).
- What's the durability of a Diamond Sword?
- 1,561 uses before it breaks. That's 1,529 more than a Golden Sword (32 uses). Unbreaking III roughly multiplies durability by 4.
- Should I upgrade from Golden Sword to Diamond Sword?
- Always, for actual combat. Diamond's damage and durability dwarf golden. Pair with Sharpness V via the Smithing Table or anvil. If those don't apply, you're farming enchantments with mending — golden's 22 enchantability is the highest in the game, so the table offers richer rolls per xp level. pure utility, not a combat tool.