Sword blocking

Sword blocking was a mechanic in Java Edition and Legacy Console Edition where a player could use a sword in their main-hand to block attacks. This mechanic was replaced with shield blocking in 1.9.

In modern versions, it may be replicated using the blocks_attacks component, albeit with it completely blocking attacks like a shield rather than reducing damage by 50%.

All types of swords could be used to block some forms of damage. If the player was blocking with a sword when attacked, the sword mitigates 50% of incoming damage from melee, non-magical projectiles like arrows, and explosions. Blocking also reduced airborne knockback. When blocking, the sword was held in front of the player, and it did not lose durability while blocking. The player would move slower when blocking with a sword than they did when sneaking. Sword blocking could be engaged and disengaged instantly, with no delay between the input and the damage mitigation, and no cooldown between stopping and starting sword blocking.