Summary
Among the many weapons, armor, and tools that can be enchanted withinMinecraft, there are a select few that need new and improved enchantments of their own considering how vital they are for many players. Currently, there is an extensive range of enchantments available forMinecraftplayers to discover and use based on their own gameplay preferences, whether it’s enchanting boots with Depth Strider or helmets with Respiration for underwater exploration. But while most items used by players can mix and match these enchantments, there are several that seem to have been undervalued.
So while there was the addition of Swift Sneak in the 1.20 update as a Warden countermeasure, the scarce updates to enchanting suggest one is now overdue. Should an update be on Mojang’s horizon, then it should considerpushing the boundaries ofMinecraft’s enchantment systemwith a better range of tools and items that many players consider essential. From the overlooked and ordinary items like clocks to the highly coveted endgame elytra,Minecraft’senchantment system needs to ensure it’s directly supporting player experiences.
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Shield
Despite the shield’s protection against projectiles and explosions making it useful when fighting mobs like skeletons and creepers, it’s not possible to directlyenchant it viaMinecraft’senchanting table. Provided players go through the trouble of finding or trading enchanted books such as Unbreaking or Mending, it is possible to enchant the shield via an anvil as a workaround. But given that virtually all weapons and armor can be enchanted, it seems to have been an oversight to not offer enchantments for shields considering not only their defensive use but also their offensive potential.
Crucially, while beneficial early in the game, the need for a shield diminishes as players acquire better, evenenchantedMinecraftarmor, but improving shield enchantments should help give them better value and utility. For example, already existingMinecraftenchantments such as Fire Aspect or Knockback to either ignite or push back enemies would rebalance the shield’s combat capabilities. Moreover, new enchantments such as a charged attack as well as the option to upgrade shields to better align with weapon and armor types would also improve their role withinMinecraft.
Elytra
Much like the shield, it’s also not possible to directly enchant the elytra without the help of enchanted books. However, unlike the shield, the elytra are perhaps one ofMinecraft’s most sought-after items among players. While elytra are only obtainable after reaching the End and finding an End Ship, the ability to fly aroundMinecraftis as fun as it is advantageous. As a result, players will endeavor to protect this valuable tool byenchanting it with Mendingor Unbreaking, but a range of both new and existing enchantments could improve the overall versatility of the elytra.
For instance, due to the high risk of falling one enchantmentMinecraftplayers often get alongside the elytrais Feather Falling. Either this enchantment or a new enchantment that negates any fall damage could instead be applied directly to the elytra to improve player choice around footwear. Other new enchantments could include the option to hover midair or double-jump to enhance in-flight maneuverability and safeguard against falls and collisions, while existing enchantments such as Protection and those similar could make up for the lack of armor.
Honorable Mentions
Though they might not be immediate choices for every player, other items could become valuable with new enchantments and overall expandMinecraft’s creative potential. For example, enchanted clocks could alter the day-night cycle’s speed to better utilize in-game time likeZelda’s Ocarina of Time or Wind Waker. Alternatively, the limited appeal of the spyglass could be salvaged with enchantments that improve its range, penetrate blocks like an X-ray, or even a Channeling-like effect to attack enemies from afar. Ultimately, the wealth of potentialMinecrafthas with creative enchantmentscould include all sorts of items.
Minecraftis available now for Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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