SwordBlock
by elykja
SwordBlock restores the classic sword blocking animation on Fabric, a client-side visual change for players on 1.21.10 and 1.21.11.
What it does
The mod brings back the older sword blocking visuals in 1.21, so a raised sword shows the blocking pose again. It also adds a third person view with arm rotation, and a keybind that toggles the blocking animation on or off. Players can switch it off whenever they prefer the current look.
The author describes the mod as purely visual. It does not add actual sword blocking mechanics or damage reduction, so combat results stay the same. It is client-side only, so the server does not need it, and the author notes it is safe on servers such as Hypixel. It also works with animation mods and texture packs.
Files are published for Fabric only, covering game versions 1.21.10 and 1.21.11, with 2.0.1 for 1.21.11 as the latest file. The code is open source under the MIT License, and the issue tracker and source code are public.
Key features
Classic blocking animation
The older sword pose returns while a player holds the block input with a sword.
Third person arm rotation
An arm rotation view is added for third person, so the blocking pose is visible from behind.
On and off toggle
A keybind switches the blocking visuals on or off without restarting the game.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Playing on Hypixel
Players who want the older blocking look can use the mod on a server, since it needs nothing on the server side.
Pairing with animation packs
Players using animation mods or texture packs can run SwordBlock next to them, according to the author.
Who it’s for: Players on Fabric 1.21.10 or 1.21.11 who want the older sword blocking look and do not need any change to combat rules.
How it compares
OldVisuals brings back older visuals on Fabric for 1.21.4, is client-side only and is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only. Bring Blocking Back is also client-side only and open source under the MIT License, with Fabric files for 1.21.10 – 26.3. Clean View mod is client-side only under the MIT License, not open source, and covers 1.21.1 – 1.21.11.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SwordBlock | Fabric | 1.21.10 – 1.21.11 | Client-side only | 2026-04-16 |
| OldVisuals | Fabric | 1.21.4 | Client-side only | 2025-02-26 |
| Bring Blocking Back | Fabric | 1.21.10 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-10-10 |
| Clean View mod | Fabric | 1.21.1 – 1.21.11 | Client-side only | 2026-05-04 |
Questions
Does SwordBlock need to be installed on the server?
Does SwordBlock change how blocking damage works?
Which game versions does SwordBlock support?
In the catalog
SwordBlock is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,575 Optimization mods for Fabric. 19,862 mods support Minecraft 1.21.11.
Similar mods
What the author says
Note: This mod is purely visual and does not add actual sword blocking mechanics (damage reduction). It is 100% client-side and safe for use on servers like Hypixel.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/swordblock
- Owner
- elykja
- Published
- 2026-02-22
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-04-16
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15