Rebuilding Enchanting: Combining Old and Current System with Deciphers

For those who remember the old enchanting system, there was no way to figure out what enchantment you will get. This was later reworked for quality of life so that we are able to see what we will get beforehand. However, some may argue this made enchanting way too convenient. And the blind randomness had a charm. So, what if we tried to combine the two?

MYSTERY:

The enchanting table will be the same except that we are unable to read what enchantments we can get. This can later be solved by discovering/unlocking something that will allow you to read the text. This can be done via items, a certain entity being close by, or upgrading the table. For this example, I will suggest the Decipher.

DECIPHER:

The decipher can be found in structures. This item can be placed in a new slot in the enchanting table which will allow us to read what enchantments we can get. This can either be a book or some sort of lens.

And to not make it a single-note item, I suggest it could be used (right-click) to decipher other things in the environment such as reveal hidden messages on blocks, decipher certain audio/noises, and discover secrets. This game mechanic has potential to open up new ways for the game to reveal lore, hide eastereggs, and guide progression.

BALANCING:

This change will certainly make it harder to enchant early game but will encourage exploration. This will also increase the use of trading but this can be balanced by making tier 2 & 3 enchants guarantee 2 and 3 enchantments respectively.