Guide to shield in Minecraft: Recipes, enchantments, and more
The shield in Minecraft is an easy-to-craft item that helps you defend yourself against hostile mobs or other players. It also plays a significant role in the game's PvP (player versus player) scene. It was introduced to replace the sword's blocking ability. When introduced, the crafting recipe included wool, and you could craft 16 variations. The modern version no longer requires this ingredient. You can craft only a wooden shield, which can later be customized with banner designs.
This guide covers everything you need to know about shields in Minecraft.
How to make a shield in Minecraft
Before you craft your shield, here are the required ingredients:
- Six planks of any type of wood
- One iron ingot
- One crafting table
You can create your shield using the above materials at the crafting table.
How to use a shield in Minecraft
You can equip a shield in either your off-hand or main hand; both will function effectively. It provides protection based on the direction it is facing. Right-clicking in Java edition and pressing "Shift" in Bedrock edition will activate your shield. By holding right-click, you can reduce or completely block attacks.
Shields have a durability of 336 and only take damage when the attack has more than three hearts of damage. There are certain things to look out for when using it, as they are unblockable.
Arrows from a crossbow with "Piercing" bypass shield durability and still damage the player. The shield also cannot block lightning caused by "Channelling" tridents, status effects, evoker fangs, dragon breath, or the Warden's sonic boom. They also don't negate fall damage.
How do I enchant a shield in Minecraft? Best shield enchantments
You can only use an anvil to enchant a shield. There are only three enchantments available for it.
- Unbreaking: Increases durability by giving it a chance to negate any damage.
- Mending: You can repair the shield with experience points.
- Curse of Vanishing: Your shield vanishes when you die, and it doesn't drop.
"Unbreaking" and "Mending" are the preferred enchantments for your shield because they significantly increase its durability and longevity. With these two enchantments, it can last forever with some proper maintenance.
How to repair a shield in Minecraft
There are multiple ways to repair shields. Here is how you can repair them:
Crafting table: Combine two damaged shields in the crafting grid to merge their durability. It receives a plus 5% durability. However, this method loses any banner patterns and enchantments.
Anvil: Use a plank or another shield to repair it. This method preserves banner patterns and enchantments, but it costs experience levels.
How to decorate a shield in Minecraft
To customize, place the desired banner and shield on the crafting table or crafting grid to craft a custom design. Its pattern only receives half the resolution of a banner, and it can't be washed using a cauldron or repainted. You can use any banner in Minecraft to create it.