How to Block Attacks with Your Sword

Performing the Block

Hold a sword in your main hand and press your use/place item key (right-click by default) to raise it into a defensive stance. While the sword is held up, incoming melee and projectile damage is reduced. You do not need to aim at anything specific — the block is active as long as you keep the button held, just like the old combat system.

Timing the Block

Sword blocking is reactive, not passive. Watch the attacker's swing or the trajectory of an arrow and raise your sword *before* the hit lands. If you block too early against a mob that feints or pauses, you may drop the guard and eat full damage. Against skeletons, raise the sword as the arrow leaves the bow rather than waiting for it to arrive.

What It Does and Doesn't Stop

Blocking with a sword reduces incoming damage but does not negate it entirely, so you will still lose health on a solid hit. Knockback is also reduced while blocking, which helps you hold ground in a doorway or corridor. Fall damage, fire, and poison are unaffected — the block only applies to direct attacks. Keep your off-hand free or use it for a shield if you want a stronger guard, since the two mechanics can complement each other depending on the situation.