Minecraft Combat FAQ - Cooldown, Shields, Crits, Damage

Question 1

How long is the attack cooldown?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the weapon. A sword recovers in about 0.6 seconds (1.6 attacks per second), an axe takes about 1 second on most tiers.

Question 2

How do you see the attack cooldown?

Accepted Answer

Turn on the attack indicator in Options, Video Settings: it shows under the crosshair or beside the hotbar.

Question 3

What is the best weapon for fighting mobs?

Accepted Answer

A netherite sword with Sharpness V and Sweeping Edge for groups, or an axe for slow heavy hits. Use a bow for mobs you cannot reach.

Question 4

Does sprinting add knockback?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A sprinting hit adds extra knockback, which is why players sprint into their first hit.

Question 5

Can you crit while sprinting?

Accepted Answer

No. On Java a critical hit needs you to be falling, not sprinting, swimming, flying, blind or on a ladder or vine.

Question 6

How does a shield work?

Accepted Answer

Hold right-click to raise it and block most damage from the front, including arrows and explosions. Blocking does not stop all damage from some sources, and an axe hit disables it for 5 seconds.

Question 7

What does armor do in Minecraft?

Accepted Answer

Armor lowers damage from most attacks. Each armor point cuts damage, and toughness helps against big hits.

Question 8

How do you heal fast in a fight?

Accepted Answer

Eat golden apples, drink Healing or Regeneration potions, or carry a totem of undying for the killing blow.

Question 9

What does a totem of undying do in combat?

Accepted Answer

Holding a totem when you would die saves you with half a heart, Regeneration, Absorption and Fire Resistance. The totem breaks.

Question 10

What is invulnerability time in Minecraft?

Accepted Answer

After taking damage, a mob or player cannot take more for half a second unless the new hit is stronger.

Question 11

Can you turn off the attack cooldown on Java?

Accepted Answer

Not with a vanilla setting. Servers use plugins to restore 1.8-style combat, and some clients show 1.8 animations.

Question 12

Does the mace work on Bedrock?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The mace works on both editions; its smash damage grows with how far you fell.

Question 13

How does the spear work?

Accepted Answer

The spear, added in 1.21.11, can jab quickly or charge for a strong lunge. It reaches further but does no damage if you are too close.

Question 14

Are swords or axes better on Bedrock?

Accepted Answer

Swords attack faster on both editions; axes hit harder per swing and disable shields. Since Bedrock has no cooldown, fast swords are usually stronger.

Minecraft combat questions, answered