Today, we will focus on a very significant item. It can be regarded as one of the most essential items in Minecraft. Almost every player crafts it first upon entering a new world. Moreover, surviving without it is quite challenging, so everyone would like to have it in their inventory just in case.
It’s likely that you’ve already guessed: the tool from Minecraft Bedrock that allows you to clear cobwebs from your path is none other than the sword! Oh, and yes, you also use it to defeat hostile mobs. Well, I suppose you can wield it however you prefer.
The sword was introduced in January 2010, alongside diamonds, sticks, and the entire crafting system. Since then, its core concept has remained largely unchanged, although various details have been adjusted over time. Enchantments were added in version 1.0.0, while combat updates came with versions 1.2.1 and 1.9. Minor tweaks have been made consistently.
Crafting a sword is straightforward; you need to arrange a stick, two planks, cobblestone, iron ingots, gold ingots, or diamonds in a line within the crafting grid. If you’re unable to craft one yourself, you can obtain a sword from zombies, husks, zombie pigmen, pillagers, and vindicators. If you possess powerful magic, there’s a chance that a sword may drop from your foes when defeated. Not into fighting or crafting? You can trade for a sword with a friendly villager or discover one in chests hidden throughout secret locations in Minecraft Pocket Edition.
As mentioned earlier, the primary function of swords is to remove cobwebs, and they excel at this task—breaking through one in less than half a second. Should you wish to strike something (accidentally, of course), the sword inflicts damage ranging from 2 to 3.5 hearts, depending directly on the material used to forge your sword. Damage increases from wood to stone, iron, and diamond. The potion effect active at the time will enhance the duration of the inflicted damage.
Another intriguing feature available only in Minecraft Java edition is the special charged attack, which is particularly useful if you’re surrounded by cobwebs (or numerous mobs). Wait until your swing is nearly fully charged, then stop and hit. Your attack will deal substantial damage to everything nearby, followed by a slight recoil backward. This technique is perfect for taking a breather during intense battle situations.
In the real world, the earliest weapons resembling swords evolved from knives and daggers around 3300 BC. They were discovered in Turkey, crafted from bronze, and measured approximately 60 centimeters in length. However, using this material proved impractical: bronze is quite soft and easily bent, causing long and thin swords to quickly become unusable due to warping.
During the Iron Age, swords regained popularity. The new material, iron, was much easier to find and significantly stronger and tougher, making them reliable and convenient during battles. Thus, armies were equipped with iron swords. Additionally, archaeologists often find swords in graves from those times, as warriors were buried with their weapons after death. Romans had a fondness for swords, and the designs they created remained popular for centuries following the fall of the Roman Empire, especially among Vikings.
Metal forging technology advanced considerably during the Middle Ages, leading to an increase in both the popularity and practicality of swords. For instance, protective handguards were invented in the 11th century, and by the 14th century, swords could be wielded with one or two hands, providing flexibility when clearing cobwebs.
Only with the advent of more modern and mobile weaponry did swords take a backseat. Crossbows and firearms capable of attacking from a distance changed the nature of warfare. Compared to swords, these weapons held prominence longer but eventually faced replacement by pistols. Today, swords are primarily utilized in military ceremonies or similar events.
However, let’s not forget that a revolver or pistol won’t help you clear out a basement filled with cobwebs, so I proudly assert that swords remain in demand!
