Ward
The Ward smithing template uses a sweeping shield-like motif that pulls in toward the chestplate centre. Its name fits — Ward, as in protection — and it's the deep-dark biome's more accessible flagship trim (Silence being the holy grail).
Drops from Ancient City chests at 3.4% per chest, available in any biome where Ancient Cities spawn. Like Silence, this means slow, deliberate looting while dodging the Warden — but with double the drop rate. Most Ancient City runs net a Ward copy.
Best on Netherite + Gold ("Royal Guard"), Diamond + Copper for a warrior's shield look, or Iron + Lapis if you want a heraldic blue-on-grey.
Armor trims are cosmetic only — no change to stats, durability or enchantments.
Chance To Find
Ancient Cities (chests) · 3.4% per chest / event
Duplication
Duplicate the template at a crafting table with 7 diamonds and 1 Cobbled Deepslate alongside the original — yields 2 copies.
×2How to get the Ward trim
Ward shares the Ancient City chest table with Silence, at 3.4% — twice as likely as Silence from the same chests. Every Ancient City run is rolling for both at once, and most players walk out with Ward long before Silence.
Twenty-one chests is the median. If you are already committed to the Deep Dark for Silence, Ward is effectively free along the way.
Route tip Same Deep Dark rules as Silence: lay wool to kill vibrations, never sprint, leave shriekers alone, carry milk for Darkness. The city centre has the densest chest cluster but also the most shriekers — clear the outer wings first while you learn the layout.
All armor trims
Ward trim with all 11 materials
Each material gives a different color tint. Try them all live in the 3D editor:
Java /give command
/give @s minecraft:netherite_chestplate[trim={pattern:"ward",material:"diamond"}] 1
Bedrock Edition
On Bedrock, use a smithing table — the /give command for trims is limited. After running:
/give @s netherite_chestplate
Apply the Ward template at a smithing table with diamond (or any other material) as the third ingredient.
Other trims to explore
Looking to design a full armor set? Try 3dtrimview — real-time 3D preview, animations, Java + Bedrock /give commands. Pair with our sister site 3dskinview.net to customize your character skin too.