Minecraft's latest update brings significant changes to combat

Mojang rolled out Minecraft version 1.9 today, making a significant update that revolves around combat in the game.

Shields lead the list of new features, along with a sweep attack for swords and a "crushing blow" attack for axes. As a result, armor protection values have been lowered, but attacks also feature a "cool-down" period now, requiring users to time their strikes. There's also dual-wielding, as the player may now hold items in both hands.

The game's conclusion (The End) has been expanded and the Ender Dragon may be resummoned as well. A full list of changes is below. The update is available now on PC, and presumably will roll out to Minecraft's many other platforms later.

• Added shields
• Attacking now has a "cool-down" delay, making it more important to time your attacks
• You can now hold items in both hands (default quick key to swap items is ‘F')
• Swords have a special sweep attack
• Axes have a special crushing blow attack
• Added the elytra
• New mob: Shulker
• Expanded The End
• Added Chorus plants
• New Purpur blocks
• New End Rod block
• Added dragon head block
• Ender Dragon can be resummoned
• Added beetroot and beetroot soup (from MC:PE)
• Added grass path block
• Added igloos
• Armor protection values have been lowered
• Added tipped arrows
• Added spectral arrows
• Added Frost Walker enchantment and frosted ice block
• Added a whole bunch of new sound effects
• Added sound effect subtitles
• Brewing Stand now requires Blaze Powder to activate
• Added skeleton riders
• We believe we've fixed MC-10 and a whole bunch of other issues
• Removed Herobrine