Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Tip:
Delivering the Winning Blow
Deliver a
critical hit
to cause up to 50% more damage. This works for every ma-
terial (and tool) except the hoe. The trick is to make the hit as you are falling, and
the easiest way to do that is to jump first, timing it right so that you have passed
the apex of your leap by the time you strike. I'm not sure if it helps to yell “Hiiiiy-
aaa!!!” as you do so, but feel free to give it a try. You'll know you've succeeded
whenyouseealittle bloomofstarsaroundtheunfortunaterecipient ofyourattack
immediately after the hit.
Critical hitscanbecrucialforsurvivalbecausetheycankillsomemobsinasingle
blow,savingyoursword'sdurability.Putinabitofpracticewhenyoucan,andthe
timing of the hit, and the optional battle cry, will become second nature.
The same techniques that work in many other combat games also work in Minecraft. Keep
on the move; don't just stand like a statue and flail. Float like a butterfly and sting like an
infuriated wasp. Use the left-right keys to circle around the enemy and dodge direct blows,
ranged attacks such as from skeletons, and melee attacks, which essentially are full-body
broadsides by slimes and the like. Always use height to your advantage when out in the
open. It will help both with avoiding attacks and in delivering critical hits.
Swordcraft
The sword will no doubt become your go-to weapon. In a pinch, it's easy to quickly craft
a sword from a few raw materials, and its damage and durability increase quickly as you
upgradefromthestonetoironanddiamond.
Table5.1
liststhematerials,damageinflicted,
and durability of each material.
TABLE 5.1
Sword Materials
The damage points represent the minimum damage from a successful strike. Critical hits
increase that by a random amount up to the totals shown in the table. Iron and diamond
swords are obviously the most powerful, especially if you keep in mind that attack is actu-
ally the best defense. The quicker you can kill a mob, the less time it has to deliver blows
in return. Dispatch them fast, and move on with your health mostly intact.
