Vanilla Sword Blocking
A simple mod/plugin/datapack that brings back sword blocking to reduce taken damage, just like in 1.8! (only required on server!)
Screenshots
About this Mod
Vanilla Sword Blocking
This is a very simple datapack/paper plugin that brings back the old sword blocking mechanics, allowing you to block with your sword to reduce the damage you take.
The best part about it: It's server-only, so players don't even have to install a mod on their client for this - just add it to the server and it works for everyone!
Features:
- damage is reduced by 50% while blocking with swords
- player is slowed down while blocking
- works with all swords, no matter how they were obtained
- works with most modded swords
Caveat:
- When using the datapack/mod variant (1.21.5+), sword blocking will keep working even when you remove the datapack/mod!
How it works
Essentialy, this plugin uses the recently added component called "consumable", to make Minecraft think you can eat swords!
This is used to enable an animation called "block", so it looks like you're blocking.
Then, the plugin prevents you from actually eating your sword (you're welcome!), and instead reduces damage when it detects you are blocking ("eating", from minecraft's perspective) your sword.
Note:
While the plugin variant can technichally be installed on any server version 1.21.2 and later, the blocking will only be displayed correctly by clients on version 1.21.4 (24w44a, to be exact) and later.
Available Versions
How to Install Vanilla Sword Blocking on Your Server
Order Server
Order a Minecraft Java server with at least 3 GB RAM (4 GB recommended).
Set bukkit Loader
In the panel under "Egg", select the bukkit loader and matching Minecraft version (1.21.10).
Install Mod
Open the mod browser in the dashboard and search for "Vanilla Sword Blocking". Click "Install" – done! Alternatively, upload the .jar via SFTP to the /mods folder.
Compatibility
Mod Loaders
Minecraft Versions
1.21.10, 1.21.9, 1.21.8 (+12 more)
Server-side
✓ RequiredRecommended RAM
4 GB(min. 3 GB)Frequently Asked Questions
Vanilla Sword Blocking server crashes on startup – what to do?
Most common cause: wrong bukkit version or insufficient RAM. Check the server log (latest.log) for "OutOfMemoryError" or "Mixin" errors. With Mado Hosting: ensure at least 3 GB RAM is allocated and the loader matches the mod version (1.21.10). You can switch loaders with one click in the panel.
Is Vanilla Sword Blocking compatible with bukkit and datapack and fabric and folia and forge and neoforge and paper and quilt and spigot?
Vanilla Sword Blocking officially supports bukkit, datapack, fabric, folia, forge, neoforge, paper, quilt, spigot for Minecraft 1.21.10, 1.21.9, 1.21.8. Note: Forge and Fabric mods are NOT cross-compatible – pick one loader and stick with it. The Mado dashboard automatically detects incompatible loader combinations.
Server lagging with Vanilla Sword Blocking – how to optimize performance?
Recommended RAM: 4 GB (per 8 players). Use /spark profiler to check if Vanilla Sword Blocking consumes the most tick time. Common fixes: reduce server view-distance to 8-10, install "performant" or "starlight" as supplementary mods on Forge. With Mado Hosting, your server runs on NVMe SSDs with dedicated CPU cores for minimal latency.
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Rent Modded Server
Install Vanilla Sword Blocking with just one click on your server.