Summary
With Mojang advising players that the upcoming 1.21 update forMinecraftwill focus on combat adventures, one particular type of weapon that has been missing from the base game has the perfect opportunity to make its official debut. Despite being among some of the most recognizable kinds of weapons alongside the likes of a bow and arrow or a sword,Minecrafthas continued to overlook the potential of introducing spears to the game’s combat system. But aside from fan-made mods, spears are still missing from the base game, whileMinecraft’s more unusual weaponsfind their way into the game first, such as crossbows and tridents.
But given that Mojang has assured players thatMinecraft’s 1.21 update will focus on crafting and combat, it seems this next update would be the ideal time to finally correct this oversight. Thanks to 2023’s Mob Vote, Mojang has already inadvertently confirmed the possibility of extending a player’s reach with in-game items, something that has created a niche only a spear could fill. With new Trial Chamber structures and Breeze mobs revealed to be part ofMinecraft’s next update, as well as its apparent focus on expanding the use of copper, Mojang has everything it needs for the long overdue introduction of spears.
Spears Could Be Perfect For Minecraft’s Combat Adventures in 1.21
The last dedicated update thatMinecraft’s combat received was back in 2016 with the name 1.9 Combat Update, a somewhat controversial change to a core part of the game that introduced new features and mechanics, such as off-hand item slots, attack cooldown timers, and hunger saturation. The mixed reception to this update could be one reason why Mojang has generally avoided revisitingMinecraft’s combat, as future updates focused on expanding its gameplay through new biomes, mobs, and blocks instead. But after eight years, Mojang finally seems ready to tackle andletMinecraft’s combat shinewith a proper adventure experience.
How Minecraft’s 1.21 Update Could Introduce Spears
Due toMinecraft’s current choice of weapons typesbeing limited to close-range swords and axes and long-range bows, crossbows, and tridents, this does leave a potential gap between the two that a spear would suit. Without letting the scrapped crab claw’s extended reach go to waste, a new spear weapon could give players extra breathing room when fending off Creepers or Pillager Raids while balancing it with inflicting less damage. Moreover, with its similarities toMinecraft’s trident, the spear could also be used to attack in two ways between close-quarters combat and thrown at a distance.
Much like other tools and weapons, the durability of the spear might take inspiration fromMinecraft’s 1.21 current themearound copper, especially now that the ore is far more abundant following Caves and Cliffs: Part 2. Much like crafting arrows from flint instead of the traditional metals used in the player’s other gear, spears could become the first weapon created using copper. This would provide justifications for both the spear’s potentially weaker durability and its connection to 1.21’s expanded use of copper, but ultimately offers players a safer strategy for dealing with hostile mobs despite the high risk of a spear breaking mid-combat.
Why Minecraft’s 1.21 Update Should Introduce Spears
Beyond the prospective relationship with copper as part of the nextMinecraftupdate, the mid to long-range capabilities of a spear may also suit1.21’s upcoming Breeze mobsand Trial Chamber structures. Given that Breezes can repel projectiles and deal high knockback damage to the player, adding a spear into the mix would “teach” players how to deal with the mob. Since players might struggle to get close enough to attack the Breeze before being knocked back and a thrown spear wouldn’t hurt it, the extended range of the spear itself would demonstrate the weapon’s usefulness all while adding a new layer toMinecraft’s combat.
Minecraft
WHERE TO PLAY
Minecraft is a game made up of blocks, creatures, and community. You can survive the night or build a work of art – the choice is all yours. But if the thought of exploring a vast new world all on your own feels overwhelming, then fear not!Minecraft has no set goal and can be played however you’d like! This is why it’s sometimes called a “sandbox game” – there are lots of things for you to do, and lots of ways that you can play. If you like being creative, then you can use the blocks to build things from your imagination. If you’re feeling brave, you can explore the world and face daring challenges. Blocks can be broken, crafted, placed to reshape the landscape, or used to build fantastical creations.Creatures can be battled or befriended, depending on how you play. The world of Minecraft allows for epic adventures, quiet meditations, and everything in between. You can even share your creations with other players, or play in community worlds!
