Look, I've been where you are right now. You're staring at your gear with that frustrating "almost perfect" feeling, knowing smithing templates could take it to the next level. But figuring out how to get smithing templates feels like chasing ghosts. After spending weeks experimenting across different biomes (and dying more times than I care to admit), I finally cracked the code. This guide cuts through the noise to show you exactly where to find every single template type.

What Exactly Are Smithing Templates?

Think of smithing templates as blueprints for specialized gear upgrades. Without them, you're stuck with basic Netherite gear. But with templates? You can create armor trims for cosmetic flair or apply unique functional upgrades. I remember crafting my first Silence trim armor - the sound muffling effect genuinely changed how I approached cave explorations.

Template Types Breakdown

Proven Methods for Obtaining Smithing Templates

Here's the raw truth: some methods work better than others. I wasted hours fishing before realizing it's the least efficient approach. Focus on these instead:

Exploration-Based Template Hunting

Ancient cities are hands-down the most reliable spots. Last Tuesday, I found two Silence templates in the same city beneath Y=-40. Bring night vision potions and wool - trust me on that. Look for these structures:

• Trail Ruins: Check gravel paths near taiga biomes. Dig down at suspicious gravel spots until you hit stone bricks. Found two Coast armor trims here.
• Desert Pyramids: The hidden basement always spawns with Dune templates. Watch for TNT traps!
• Woodland Mansions: Third-floor chests in the "fake end portal" room. Managed to get a Vex template after clearing three mansions.

Mob Drops Worth Farming

Some players swear by Pillager raids, but I've had better luck with underwater temples. Elder Guardians drop Tide templates at about 15% rate. Bring:

• Depth Strider III boots
• Impaling V trident
• 3-4 water breathing potions (8 minute ones)

Killing Evokers? That's how I got my Vex templates consistently. Raid farm setups near villages yield 1-2 templates per 5 raids on average.

Structured Loot Tables

Advanced Template Acquisition Tactics

After losing three hardcore worlds to stupid mistakes, I developed safer strategies:

Multiplayer Server Template Economy

On popular servers like Hypixel, trading might be your fastest option. Current market prices (as of last reset):

• Common templates (Snout, Coast): 3-5 diamonds
• Rare templates (Silence, Ward): 12-18 diamonds
• Very rare (Vex): 32+ diamonds or netherite scrap

Warning: I got scammed twice before learning to use escrow services. Don't trade without moderator supervision!

Duplicate Your Existing Templates

Found one rare template? Duplicate it instead of hunting more. You'll need:

• 7 diamonds (per duplication)
• 1 block matching the template material (stone bricks for Silence, sandstone for Dune)
• Smithing station (obviously)

Place the template and material in the left slots, diamonds in the right. Takes 30 seconds per copy. Literally saved me weeks of grinding.

Why Template Hunting Frustrates Players

Let's be real - Mojang didn't make this easy. Three pain points keep coming up:

• Structure RNG: I generated 12 worlds before finding ancient city with template chest
• Inventory Bloat: Templates fill slots fast without bundles
• No Crafting Recipes: Can't craft rarest variants at all

My workaround? Always carry shulker boxes labeled "Template Runs" with essential supplies: torches, food, pickaxes, and rockets.

Template Application Mastery

Got templates? Don't waste them like I did on my first try...

Resource Costs Per Upgrade

Pro tip: Always repair gear BEFORE applying templates. Learned that the hard way when my near-broken armor consumed the template then broke.

Answers to Burning Questions

Can templates be found in villages?

Unfortunately no. I've searched over 50 village blacksmith chests across biomes - zero templates. Focus on larger structures instead.

Do templates burn in lava or fire?

Yes! Lost my first Vex template to a blaze fireball. Keep them in ender chests during nether trips.

What's the fastest way to get starter templates?

Buried treasure chests. Use /locate command if enabled or beachcomb near shipwrecks. Found three Coast templates in under an hour this way.

Can pillager patrols drop templates?

Technically yes, but the drop rate hovers around 3%. Not worth dedicated farming unless you have a raid farm already built.

Are there biome-specific templates?

Absolutely. Dune templates only spawn in deserts, Tide near oceans. Here's my personal biome checklist:

• Deserts → Dune armor trims
• Jungles → Jungle temple chests (rare)
• Ocean monuments → Tide templates
• Snow biomes → Igloo basements

Closing Thoughts from a Seasoned Template Hunter

After months of trial and error, I can confidently say learning how to get smithing templates efficiently boils down to three things: preparation (bring the right gear), persistence (some structures take hours to locate), and duplication (never risk your last template). While Mojang could improve the system (better in-game clues please!), mastering template acquisition truly transforms late-game gear progression. What template are you hunting next?