Guarding
by Team Abode
With Guarding, shields gain parry timing, the Pummeling and Barbed enchantments, a Netherite Shield and faster blocking.
What it does
Blocking at the right moment triggers a parry that pushes enemies back and sends projectiles flying in return. Two enchantments extend the mechanic: Pummeling increases the knockback a parry delivers, while Barbed places thorns on the shield so attackers are hurt when they strike it.
A Netherite Shield is added as a sturdier option, with more durability, resistance to fire and a degree of knockback resistance. It takes armor trims for its cosmetics rather than banners. Shields also start blocking sooner, with a quicker raise of the guard. Guarding requires Fabric API and Sketch on Fabric, and it is released under the CC0 1.0 Universal license, so it is open source. Builds cover 1.18.2 – 1.21.1, with 2.7.4 for 1.21.1 as the latest file.
Because the environment is client and server, the server and every player need the mod installed. Source code, an issue tracker and a wiki are publicly available.
Key features
Shield parrying
A well-timed block performs a parry that pushes back enemies and flings projectiles back.
Pummeling enchantment
Pummeling raises the knockback that a parry delivers to the attacker.
Barbed enchantment
Barbed applies thorns to the shield, damaging attackers who hit it.
Netherite Shield
A more durable shield with fire resistance and some knockback resistance.
Armor trim cosmetics
The Netherite Shield takes armor trims in place of banners for its appearance.
Quicker blocking
Shields raise their guard faster than before, so a block lands sooner after the input.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x2 of 2 versions with builds
1.20.x5 of 5 versions with builds
1.19.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.18.x1 of 1 version with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 2
How it compares
Balanced Shield is a Fabric mod for 1.20.1, open source under the MIT License and run on client and server. Better Shields is a Fabric mod for 1.18.1 – 1.19.4 under the MIT License, not open source, also on client and server. Fryc's Parry (aka Sword Parry) covers 1.20 – 1.21.2 on Fabric and is open source under the MIT License, with the same client and server environment.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guarding | Fabric | 1.18.2 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2024-09-15 |
| Balanced Shield | Fabric | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2025-07-17 |
| Better Shields | Fabric | 1.18.1 – 1.19.4 | Client and server | 2023-04-23 |
| Fryc's Parry (aka Sword Parry) | Fabric | 1.20 – 1.21.2 | Client and server | 2026-05-11 |
Questions
Does Guarding need Fabric API?
Must the server have Guarding installed?
Which game versions does Guarding support?
In the catalog
Guarding is one of 17,631 Equipment mods on ModsFinder, and one of 8,894 Equipment mods for Fabric. 32,366 mods support Minecraft 1.21.1.
More from Team Abode
Similar mods
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/guarding
- Owner
- Team Abode
- Published
- 2022-04-09
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2024-09-15
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15