Combat is a crucial aspect of Minecraft, whether against monsters or other players on a server. The game offers you a colorful mix of various weapons to prove yourself against your opponents. The Minecraft 1.21 version introduces a new weapon: the mace. It changes the gameplay and can even give you an advantage! Therefore, today we want to take a closer look at all the weapons so you know exactly what tools you can bring into battle.
Melee Weapons in Minecraft: Which Are the Strongest?
Minecraft Sword: The Best Melee Weapon?
The classic Minecraft sword is probably the weapon you will use most often. A Netherite sword is one of the best weapons and should always be in your inventory when you want to fight monsters. Its mechanics are easy to understand, and you’ll be able to use it quickly and easily.
You can also upgrade a sword with enchantments to make it even better! Different swords are good for different situations, but “Looting”, “Mending”, “Sharpness”, and “Sweeping Edge” should generally be on every sword. The cooldown for a sword swing is 0.6 seconds, which is relatively fast.
Axe as a Weapon: Stronger Than a Sword?
In contrast, the axe is becoming increasingly popular among players! It’s slower (with a cooldown of 1.2 to 1 second) but deals significantly more damage per hit. With an enchanted Netherite axe, you can usually kill most normal opponents with one attack.
An axe has become a really great alternative and is a legitimate weapon in Minecraft. Additionally, they can break shields, which is practical in PvP.
Trident as a Melee Weapon: How Strong Is It?
A very special case is the trident, which can be used in both melee and ranged combat. Let’s first look at its close-range attack. A normal trident is about as strong as a diamond sword but slightly slower. However, that’s not necessarily its strength, so we’ll take a closer look at the trident in the next segment.
Minecraft Mace: How Does the New Weapon Work?
The new mace is a really interesting weapon and can greatly change your gameplay. Alone, it deals only three hearts of damage and has a cooldown of 2 seconds. Not necessarily great, but the best is yet to come!
The damage multiplies with fall height. So if you fall on your opponents from above and strike, the mace has enormous penetration power! You inflict literal fall damage, but you also receive it yourself. This can make the weapon a bit tricky. However, in combination with gusts and some enchantments like “Density” and “Breach”, you can pull off cool attacks.
Ranged Weapons in Minecraft: Bow, Crossbow & More
Bow
Alongside a good sword, the bow is part of your regular repertoire in Minecraft. It’s a classic weapon that’s easy to understand and gives you enough distance from your opponents. Charge your shot and aim precisely to get the most out of the bow. A bow with “Power” is nearly unbeatable!
At the same time, you can experiment with other arrows and try out some of the various projectiles. Tipped arrows are often forgotten and can be a little secret weapon in your inventory, especially against other players.
Crossbow: Is It Worth It in Combat?
The crossbow is an intriguing case and a weapon not seen very often. It’s primarily used by pillagers but can also be crafted. Its range is higher than that of a bow, and its damage is also higher, but the reload time is longer. With “Quick Charge”, you can counteract that.
A fun feature is that you can shoot fireworks with a crossbow. Once charged, you don’t have to fire the shots immediately but can save them for later. Whether a bow or crossbow is better depends on your playstyle.
Trident as a Ranged Weapon: Is the Enchantment Worth It?
We return to the trident, a truly underrated weapon in Minecraft! You should use it in ranged combat, but only with the “Loyalty” enchantment. Otherwise, it won’t return to you. Some cool features of the trident include the ability to generate lightning in a thunderstorm with the “Channeling” enchantment. With “Riptide”, you can glide through the water or rain. “Impaling” increases damage against aquatic creatures.
The only downside of a trident is its rarity. You can’t craft it; it can only be obtained from drowned mobs or in trial chambers.
Unusual Weapons in Minecraft: Potions, Explosions & More
Splash Potions & Lingering Potions as Weapons
Let’s move on to some other “weapons” you might not always consider. First up are potions, as both splash potions (with gunpowder) and lingering potions (with dragon’s breath) can deal damage and inflict status effects on other monsters or players.
The “Instant Damage” and “Poison” effects are likely your best uses, but things like “Slowness” or “Weakness” can also assist you in combat. In PvP, potions like these can surprise your opponent and bring them to their knees.
Snowballs & Eggs: Fun but Useless Weapons?
Both snowballs and eggs are more for fun. You can throw them, but they won’t cause damage. They’re meant as distractions or fun activities in between. Interestingly, snowballs can deal damage to blazes, which would make for a very amusing challenge!
Explosions
Explosions are, of course, also a valid way to deal damage. TNT is your best option, but there are also other ways to cause large-scale explosive damage. In the Nether, beds are your best friend, but end crystals and respawn anchors also leave hefty explosions, making them an interesting weapon in Minecraft.
Lava
Lastly, let’s look at lava, as a bucket full of it makes for a really good weapon! Lava not only deals a lot of damage but also slows down your opponents. It’s practically an upgrade to a flint and steel, which you can also use as a weapon. Place the lava strategically to block your opponent’s path.
In the Nether, however, lava is useless since almost all monsters are immune to it. And a fire resistance potion also helps against it if you’re fighting other players.
Here’s a Direct Comparison of All Melee and Ranged Weapons:
| Weapon | Damage (Without Enchantment) | Cooldown | Special Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netherite Sword | 8 (4 hearts) | 0.6 sec. | Fast, effective, combinable with Sharpness or Looting |
| Diamond Axe | 10 (5 hearts) | 1 sec. | Higher damage than a sword but slower |
| Trident | 9 (4.5 hearts) | 0.9 sec. | Usable in melee & ranged combat, rare to obtain |
| Mace | 6 (3 hearts) | 2 sec. | Damage multiplies with fall height, synergizes with Gusts |
| Bow | Up to 9 (4.5 hearts) | 0.5 sec. (Charge time) | High range, many enchantments possible (Power, Flame, Infinity) |
| Crossbow | 9 (4.5 hearts) | 1.25 sec. (Reload) | Higher damage than the bow, can shoot fireworks |
| Splash Potion (Damage) | Variable (e.g., Instant Damage II: 6 hearts) | Instant | Can give opponents status effects (Poison, Weakness, etc.) |
| TNT / Explosions | Variable (up to 50 hearts on direct contact) | - | Very strong area damage, but difficult to control |
| Lava | Variable (Fire damage over time) | - | Slows opponents and causes continuous damage |
Which Weapon is the Best in Minecraft?
- Best All-Round Weapon: Netherite Sword with “Sharpness V”
- Best Ranged Weapon: Bow with “Power V” + “Infinity”
- Best PvP Weapon: Netherite Axe + Shield Breaker
- Best Surprise Weapon: Mace + Gusts
- Best Tactical Weapon: Lava Bucket + Potions
Conclusion: The Best Weapons in Minecraft at a Glance
Over the years, Minecraft has introduced a great variety of weapons and defensive options, giving you amazing choices as a player. Whether it’s the traditional sword, a trident, or unconventional potions – there’s the right equipment in the arsenal for everyone. Rent your own Minecraft server and compete against your friends! You can host various tournaments, play a classic survival map, or take on the big bosses in Minecraft together. With our guide, you’ll always have the right weapons on hand!
