For fans of Minecraft for PC, today is a day to rejoice. Mojang, in collaboration with Microsoft, just released Minecraft v1.9 to PC users. With the new update, players can look forward to a healthy dose of fixes and new features that include:
- 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
Above all, Mojang was particularly proud of announcing the changes to the combat mechanics in the game.
“Most remarkably, the combat mechanics have been updated to make fighting more interesting and offer more map-making options.”
Microsoft’s stewardship of the beloved Minecraft franchise has, until this point, been great for fans and gamers alike. Hopefully, their symbiotic relationship will continue along this path of expansion and support.
