Blocking Arrows and Projectiles with a Sword

Reading the Shot

Skeletons, Pillagers, and Blazes all telegraph their shots. When you see a skeleton draw its bow, raise your sword and hold it. The block reduces the arrow's damage as long as the sword is up when the projectile connects. Do not chase the skeleton while blocking — walk toward it steadily so the guard stays raised.

Managing Multiple Shooters

Against several skeletons, blocking one arrow at a time is inefficient. Use terrain: step behind a block, raise your sword, and let arrows hit the guard while you close distance. The reduced knockback from blocking keeps you from being pushed out of cover. If a Pillager fires a crossbow, the same timing applies, though the bolt travels faster, so raise the sword earlier.

Projectiles It Won't Help With

Sword blocking does not stop explosions, so creeper blasts and fireballs from Ghasts or Blazes still hurt fully. It also does not protect against lingering effects like poison from a witch or wither from a Wither skeleton's hit. Treat sword blocking as a tool for direct physical and arrow damage only, and use shields, cover, or potions for everything else.