Old Combat Datapack
Old Combat Datapack is a server datapack that restores older combat mechanics, including sword blocking and removed attack speed.
What it does
The datapack brings back the combat system from before the later combat updates, using its default settings, and also picks up some mechanics from much earlier Minecraft. Sword blocking returns, the attack speed mechanic is removed, and the damage of old axes is restored. The offhand slot is disabled in several ways. Each mechanic can be toggled, and a few associated settings allow further customization.
Settings are reached through a configuration menu run by a command. The datapack reverts only part of the mob AI changes, and it is not a complete reversal of every update.
The pack is server required and client optional: the server needs it, while players may add it to see the in-game settings. Files are published for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt, across 12 release versions, with 1.5.0-rc1+mod for 1.21.11 as the latest file. Snapshot builds are published. Some features require Andrew's Datapack Utilities, and the pack does not fully function without it. The code is under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license and is not open source.
Key features
Sword blocking restored
Swords can block incoming attacks again, as they did before the later combat update.
Attack speed removed
The attack speed mechanic is taken out, so weapon timing follows the older combat rules.
Old axe damage
Axes deal the damage values they had in the earlier combat system.
Toggleable mechanics
Each restored mechanic can be switched on or off, with several related settings for finer control.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x12 of 12 versions with builds
This mod also publishes snapshot builds. Snapshots are not shown in the matrix.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Optional 1
How it compares
Vanilla Sword Blocking is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later, server required and client optional, with files for 1.21.4 – 1.21.10 on all four loaders. Sword Blocking is not open source, uses a custom license and covers 1.21.2 – 26.3 on the same loaders. Old Combat Datapack covers 1.21 – 1.21.11 and is not open source either.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Combat Datapack | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.21 – 1.21.11 | Server required, client optional | 2026-02-16 |
| Vanilla Sword Blocking | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.21.4 – 1.21.10 | Server required, client optional | 2025-03-25 |
| Sword Blocking | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.21.2 – 26.3 | Server required, client optional | 2026-09-16 |
Questions
Does Old Combat Datapack need Andrew's Datapack Utilities?
Does the server need Old Combat Datapack?
Which game versions does Old Combat Datapack support?
In the catalog
Old Combat Datapack is one of 8,016 Management mods on ModsFinder, and one of 5,930 Management mods for Fabric. 19,862 mods support Minecraft 1.21.11.
More from AndrewGaming587
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What the author says
NOTICE: 1.21.2-1.21.4 is supported and most features are available, but doesn't have sword blocking and is not a priority when it comes to updates and feature compatibility. 1.21.1 isn't supported, though experimental 1.21.1 builds are in the works (available now), and the pack doesn't work on 1.20 and below at all…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/oldcombat
- Owner
- AndrewGaming587
- Published
- 2025-03-30
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-02-16
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15