Only Forward
Only Forward removes the ability to move backwards and sideways, leaving the W key as the only way to walk in a Fabric world.
What it does
Holding S and D no longer moves the player, so backpedaling, strafing and sideways dodges stop working. The change is permanent while the mod is installed and is meant for players who want a harder version of the game. Skeletons, zombie horde fights and bridge building over a void all become harder without those keys, and a retreat option is the only way to back away from danger.
The mod is client-side only, so the player installs it alone and servers do not need it. It also changes vehicles: boats can only be steered by rowing with A and D, and horses cannot back up. Only Forward is open source under the MIT License and has one file, 1.0.0, for 1.21.11, which is published for Fabric only.
Key features
Forward-only movement
The S and D keys are disabled, and only W moves the player forward through the world.
Combat without retreat
Players cannot backpedal from a zombie horde or strafe-dodge a skeleton's arrow, so fights become head-on charges.
Harder building and mining
Bridges over a void and sneaking backwards to place blocks are no longer possible, and a dug-out lava pocket can leave a player with only one way out.
Vehicle controls
Boats must be rowed with A and D, and horses cannot back up, which changes how mounts are driven and aimed.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Hardcore challenge runs
Players who want a stricter test of their movement can play a survival world with the mod installed.
Who it’s for: Players who want a harder, forward-only version of Minecraft and are comfortable with the loss of backward and sideways movement.
How it compares
AutoWalk is a client-side Fabric and Quilt mod, open source under the MIT License, for 1.19 – 26.3, and it automates walking rather than removing keys. Minecraft But Backwards is a Fabric, Forge and NeoForge mod for 26.1 – 26.3 that is not open source, and it is needed on the server while players may skip it. Stand Still! Skeleton! is not open source and covers 1.21.2 – 26.3 on four loaders, and the server needs it while clients can leave it out.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Only Forward | Fabric | 1.21.11 | Client-side only | 2026-01-04 |
| AutoWalk | Fabric and Quilt | 1.19 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-09-16 |
| Minecraft But Backwards | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 26.1 – 26.3 | Server required, client optional | 2026-09-18 |
| Stand Still! Skeleton! | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.21.2 – 26.3 | Server required, client optional | 2026-09-17 |
Questions
Does Only Forward need to be installed on the server?
Which loader does Only Forward support?
Can the change be turned off during a session?
In the catalog
Only Forward is one of 7,555 Cursed mods on ModsFinder, and one of 4,235 Cursed mods for Fabric. 19,862 mods support Minecraft 1.21.11.
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What the author says
You think you've mastered Minecraft? For years, you've relied on your 'S' key as a safety net. You've used 'A' and 'D' to dodge, weave, and build. Only Forward does exactly what it says: it permanently disables your ability to move backwards or sideways. Your A, S, and D keys are dead. There is only W. Retreat is not…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/onlyforward
- Owner
- UDPSendToFailed
- Published
- 2026-01-04
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-01-04
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15