Minecraft news » Snpashot 15w34d: Combat Changes (Swords, Axes)

Highlight video by xisumavoid!

The newest version of snapshot 15w34 is out, and it brings even more changes to combat! Of note, there is a focus on sword and axe mechanics. Here are some specifics:

• "critical" and "knockback" attacks are separate mechanics now, and are done differently
• There is an attack related to slow movement, possibly the swiping attack (hold your crouch key + left-click)
• Axes have a unique mechanic for attacking as well (stun shield-using combatants?)
• UPDATE: 15w34d released to fix an issue causing holes to generate in the world

Think you've found the new mechanics? Tell us about it below!

Many of the new combat mechanics revealed in the last few weeks' snapshots definitely point at a system that moves away from spam-clicking at whatever is in front of the player, and more towards thoughtful, strategic combat. Some attacks hit harder, some hit faster, and some have distinct effects separate from simple damage. It is still a work in progress, but a promising one nonetheless.

To get snapshots, open your launcher and press the “New Profile” button. Call it “snapshots” and check the box saying “Enable experimental development snapshots” and save. To switch to the normal version, you can select it in the dropdown at the bottom left corner of the launcher. Back up your world first or run the game on in a different folder (See the “new profile” dialog).

YOU ARE BACKING UP YOUR SAVE GAMES BEFORE TESTING SNAPSHOTS, RIGHT?

Be sure to report any bugs you find right here!