Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Their jumping ability gives them a slight edge in combat. The best strategy is similar to
that of defeating zombies. Click fast and often to hit them as rapidly as possible, but also
walk backward at the same time, so long as you know what's behind you. This can help
keep you out of range of their jump attack.
Caution:
I Always Feel Like Somebody's Watching Me
Ever had the feeling someone's watching you? In Minecraft, that
someone is probably a spider with all eight eyes, bright points of red in
the dark. Spiders don't require a line of sight to enter pursuit mode, so
they'll be on your trail as soon as you get within 16 blocks, and they'll
do almost anything to get closer. Lock yourself in your shelter for the
night,buttakecareinthemorning.Ifyouhearthespider'shissing/slurp-
ing noise, it might still be waiting for you, hatred in every eye. Spiders
haveahabitoflurkinginambushonyourroof,waiting foryouto“trala
la” out the door the next morning without a care in the world—until you
feel their fangs sink into your back! Fortunately, the large spiders aren't
poisonous,sojustmakesureyouhaveyourswordinhand,readytofight
back, and you'll be fine.
Skeletons
The sound of skeletons' rattling bones usually gives these mobs away a few moments be-
fore their arrow pierces your breastbone. They're sharpshooters, so the best approach is to
stay out of the direct line of fire, ducking out to attack only when they're close enough. Do
it commando-style, moving sideways to avoid the feathered missiles that will undoubtedly
be coming your way. It's not an arrow-proof strategy, but it can help.
Figure 5.3
shows a
skeleton with its ubiquitous bow.
