Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, community sites named in the text and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Sword Blocking in 1.8
Before Java 1.9, holding right-click with a sword blocked: you took 50% less damage from melee hits, arrows and explosions, and less knockback while airborne. Blocking was instant with no cooldown. Java 1.9 removed it and added shields, which block fully but have a raise delay and can be disabled.
How did sword blocking work?
minecraft.wiki's sword blocking page: any sword could block. While blocking, the sword cut 50% of incoming damage from melee, non-magic projectiles like arrows, and explosions. It also reduced airborne knockback. The sword was held in front of you, lost no durability while blocking, and you moved slower than when sneaking. Blocking started and stopped instantly, with no delay and no cooldown.
When was it added and removed?
Sword blocking arrived in Java Edition Beta 1.8, and was removed in Java 1.9 (snapshot 15w33c), which let swords be used with an offhand item such as a shield or food. The wiki's page notes that modern versions can replicate it with the blocks_attacks item component, but that blocks fully like a shield rather than halving damage.
Sword blocking or shields?
| Sword blocking (1.8) | Shield (1.9+) | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage blocked | 50% of melee, arrow and explosion damage | Most damage from the front |
| Delay | None | 250 ms after raising |
| Disabling | Not possible | Axe hit disables it for 5 seconds |
| Hands | Uses the sword hand | Offhand item |
Shield play: shield techniques and shields.
How was blocking used in 1.8 PvP?
Because it was instant and had no cooldown, players could block between hits to cut damage from melee hits, arrows and explosions, without giving up much. With no attack cooldown in 1.8 either, fights were about clicking, blocking and combos rather than timed swings. Full comparison: 1.8 vs 1.9+ combat and attack cooldown.
Can you sword block on ArtemisPvP?
ArtemisPvP is built around 1.8.9 combat; its 1.8.9 PvP FAQ notes that on 1.8.9 you can also block with a sword.
Frequently asked questions
How much damage does sword blocking block?
50% of melee, arrow and explosion damage, according to minecraft.wiki.
When was sword blocking removed?
In Java Edition 1.9 (snapshot 15w33c), when shields were added.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.