Highlights
The imminent 1.21 update of Minecraft will prioritize combat and crafting aspects, presenting the opportunity for introducing novel weapons to rectify the existing imbalances in close-quarters and long-range battles within the game.
The Mob Vote in Minecraft's 2023 introduced the armadillo and crab mobs, which propose promising advancements in the game's combat mechanics. These mobs open up the possibility of utilizing scutes and claws in the creation of innovative weapons.
In the 1.21 update, the addition of the Breeze mob and Trial Chamber structures suggests upcoming modifications to long-range combat dynamics. This update may bring forth the introduction of weapons such as spears or javelins, accommodating battles from a distance. Furthermore, the Trial Spawner and supply chests present players with exciting opportunities to acquire weapons like daggers or double axes.
The upcoming 1.21 update for Minecraft will focus on combat and crafting, potentially introducing new weapons and weapon types. Mojang revealed some features, including the new Trial Chamber structures, during its 2023 live event, indicating a deliberate effort to reassess combat in the game. However, while players were occupied with the 2023 Mob Vote, the Breeze mob with knockback projectiles quietly posed a new challenge for balancing close- and long-range combat. Consequently, Minecraft's 1.21 update could address these concerns, following the last combat-oriented update in 2016. Mojang confirmed that the update will revolve around combat and tinkering, suggesting the possibility of new weapons for players to craft. Given fans' calls for changes to combat mechanics after the Trails and Tales update, it seems that Mojang may be heeding these demands and potentially including new weapon types in the future update.
Minecraft's Mob Vote Might Hint at New Weapons
The 2023 Mob Vote in Minecraft was an exciting part of Mojang's live event. Despite the armadillo winning and the crab as the runner-up, both mobs hinted at potential developments in the game's combat. With the confirmed addition of the armadillo, players will soon be able to craft wolf armor using its scutes, which suggests that Mojang wants to encourage a more aggressive use of tamed wolves by providing better defense. This update, focused on combat, could also mean that the crab's claw was intended to contribute to Minecraft's weaponry.
The claw mechanic, popular among mods, could have been officially introduced to Minecraft had the crab won the vote. It could have allowed players to extend their reach and potentially craft long-range weapons with these claws, either as additions to existing weapons or as new weapon types. Although the crab and its claw won't be added to Minecraft anytime soon, there is still a possibility that Mojang is preparing to introduce long-range weapons with extended reach for close-quarters combat.
New Mobs and Structures Also Hint at New Weapons
The announcement of new hostile mobs and structures in Minecraft's upcoming 1.21 update, along with the inclusion of the crab claw, suggests a potential change in long-range combat. The new Breeze mob, for example, has the ability to knock back entities with its projectiles, which points to the need for extended reach in combat. To address this limitation, it might be viable to introduce new weapons like spears or javelins, similar to the existing Trident, that can be thrown as a secondary option when charged up.
Furthermore, the Trial Chamber structures, where Breeze mobs are expected to spawn, could also indicate changes in close-range combat, both offensive and defensive. The introduction of the Trial Spawner and its scaling mob spawn rate could overwhelm players who have limited weapon choices. With only Swords available as combat-specific weapons and Shields lacking utility, it may be beneficial for players to utilize the chests within the Trial Chambers to craft new weapons. For instance, if resources are scarce, crafting a dagger could be a suitable option, or players could opt for a slower yet more powerful offensive alternative like a double axe instead of the Sword.
Minecraft is available now for Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.