Shield
Tool Stack: 1 Since 1.9 (Combat Update)
Quick answer: Craft it: iron ingot in the top-center slot of a crafting table, surrounded by 6 planks in a Y shape (any wood type).
How to get it
- Craft it: iron ingot in the top-center slot of a crafting table, surrounded by 6 planks in a Y shape (any wood type)
- Or trade: journeyman-level armorer villagers sell shields for emeralds (Java)
- Your first shield costs 1 iron and 6 planks - there is no excuse to fight skeletons without one
Uses
- Block incoming frontal attacks: hold use in Java, sneak in Bedrock - blocking starts after a 0.25-second delay
- Fully negates melee, arrows and explosions from the front; attacks of 3+ damage wear its 336 durability
- Watch for axes: a hit from an axe-wielding player or mob (or a warden) disables your shield for 5 seconds
- Combine it with a banner in the loom to wear your design on your arm
- Repair by combining two shields or with planks on an anvil
Renewability
Fully renewable: wood and iron are farmable, and armorers sell them.
Java vs Bedrock
Blocking differs: hold right-click in Java, sneak in Bedrock. Bedrock shields knock back melee attackers.
Related: Iron Ingot