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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