Summary
While the next 1.21 update forMinecraftwill supposedly be focused on combat and crafting, this could mean that all-new weapons and weapon types could be introduced as part of these upcoming changes. Since Mojang revealed some of the few features that would be coming toMinecraftduring its 2023 live event, such as the new Trial Chamber structures, it seems there has been a concerted effort to reconsider the game’s approach to combat. But while manyplayers were contending withMinecraft’s 2023 Mob Vote, the other new Breeze mob with knockback projectiles quietly created a new problem for balancing close- and long-range combat.
As a result, this could also mean thatMinecraft’s 1.21 update will finally address these potential shortfalls after its last combat-orientated update from several years back in 2016. But as Mojang specifically confirmed that the 1.21 update will center around combat and tinkering, this could go further thanMinecraft’s combat mechanics and instead could lead to new weapons being introduced to the game for players to craft. With fans calling for changes toMinecraft’s combat following its Trails and Tales updateand now Mojang appearing to be giving in to these demands, new weapon types could potentially be coming in this future update.
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Minecraft’s Mob Vote Might Hint at New Weapons
Minecraft’s 2023 Mob Vote was also part of Mojang’s 2023 live event, but between the armadillo as the crowning victor and the crab as the runner-up, both mobs seem to tease potential developments in the game’s combat. As the armadillo is now confirmed to be coming toMinecraft, players will be able to use thismob’s scutes to craft wolf armor, suggesting that Mojang is trying to encourage players to use tamed wolves more aggressively by providing them with additional defense. So in an update confirmed to be focused on combat, it’s possible that the crab’s claw was also intended to contribute toMinecraft’s weapons.
Minecraft’s claw mechanic to extend a player’s reachhas been a common feature among mods and could have been its official introduction toMinecrafthad the crab not lost the vote. But if it had won, then this could have been part of Mojang’s plan to eventually allow players to craft long-range weapons with these claws, either by adding them to existing weapons or as all-new weapon types. However, as the crab and its claw won’t be coming toMinecraftany time soon, there is still the possibility that Mojang is preparing to introduce long-range weapons that have extended reach for close-quarters combat in spite of this.
New Mobs and Structures Also Hint at New Weapons
Combined with the crab claw,the announcement of new hostile mobsand structures confirmed to be part ofMinecraft’s 1.21 update also seems to indicate a potential upcoming change in long-range combat. For instance, the new Breeze mob and its ability to knock entities back with its projectiles appear to directly link back to the need for extended reach asMinecraft’s current weapon type availability limits the player’s combat options. Perhaps similar to the existing Trident, new weapons such as spears or javelins could be introduced for fighting at a few blocks' distance and, if charged up, could be thrown as a secondary option.
Additionally, the Trial Chamber structures themselves where the Breeze mobs are said to spawn could also hint at close-range combat changes both offensive and defensive. In particular, the reveal of the new Trial Spawner and its scaling mob spawn rate could overwhelm players with limited choices in weapons. With onlyMinecraft’s Swords as a combat-specific weapon and Shields in need of more utility, it’s possible that using the Trial Chambers' supply chests players can craft new weapons such as a dagger if there are limited resources or a double axe as a slower, harder hitting offensive alternative to the Sword.
Minecraftis available now for Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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