Polearms: Spears with 7-Block Reach in Minecraft
Standard melee combat in Minecraft often boils down to trading blows with swords or axes. For players who prefer keeping enemies at a distance without switching to bows, the Polearms: Spears with 7-Block Reach in Minecraft add-on offers a practical alternative. This lightweight modification introduces spear-type weapons that fundamentally extend your attack range, giving you a clear tactical edge in both PvE and PvP scenarios.
Core Mechanics and Weapon Stats
The mod functions by adding spears that are mechanically treated as swords. This means all standard sword enchantments, anvil repairs, and sweeping attacks apply directly to the new weapons. The critical difference lies in the reach: you can strike targets up to seven blocks away, which is more than double the vanilla range. This allows you to hit skeleton archers before they loose an arrow or keep charging creepers at bay without risking an explosion.
Crafting and Materials
Recipes are straightforward. You combine any standard sword with two sticks to form the longer haft. The mod supports all conventional materials, including wood, stone, iron, gold, diamond, and netherite on compatible versions. Damage and durability values match the sword used in the recipe; only the reach changes. This ensures the spear scales with your progression and remains relevant from the early game to endgame content.
Compatibility and Loader Support
The mod is available for multiple Minecraft versions, including 1.7.10, 1.10.2, and 1.11.2 and newer via a semi-official port. It runs on the Forge loader, which remains the standard for most custom modpacks. The original author, DerTrueForce, has released the source code under the Apache license, allowing community ports and modifications. In practice, the mod shows no conflicts with major tech or magic packs. For instance, on 1.7.10, spears interact correctly with ProjectE's Covalence Dust. While it does not integrate with Tinkers' Construct material systems, you can still carry a spear as a secondary weapon without issues.
Installation Guide
To download Polearms: Spears with 7-Block Reach in Minecraft, follow these steps:
- Ensure you have the correct Forge version installed for your Minecraft client.
- Download the mod JAR file from the official CurseForge page for your game version.
- Place the JAR into the
modsfolder inside your.minecraftdirectory. - Launch the game and verify the mod loads in the main menu.
For a more streamlined process, some launchers offer integrated mod browsing. This allows you to select the mod directly from a list without manual file management. This method is particularly useful for players unfamiliar with how to install mods manually.
Modpack Integration and Permissions
The author explicitly permits the inclusion of this mod in any public or private modpack. The only requirement is attribution, such as a credit line reading "Polearms, by DerTrueForce." This open policy makes it a safe addition to curated packs. Due to its small file size and minimal code footprint, it adds negligible performance overhead, even in large modpacks with dozens of other modifications.
Tactical Advantages in Combat
The seven-block reach changes melee engagement rules. You can safely attack iron golems or wither skeletons without entering their attack radius. In PvP, a player wielding a spear can outrange an opponent with a standard sword, provided you maintain proper spacing. On version 1.10.2, the sweeping attack hits all entities in range, making crowd control significantly easier. The primary drawback is the lack of blocking, but pairing the spear with a shield in the off-hand compensates fully, creating a defensive and offensive combination suitable for exploring the Nether or the End.
Final Assessment
For players seeking a simple, balanced, and reliable extension to melee combat, Polearms: Spears with 7-Block Reach in Minecraft for Minecraft delivers exactly what it promises. The mod does not alter game balance beyond the reach mechanic, integrates cleanly with existing systems, and respects modpack authors' needs. Whether you are facing phantom swarms, raiding a bastion, or dueling on a PvP server, the spear offers a practical and satisfying solution. Download the mod for your version, add it to your mods folder, and experience the advantage of striking first from a safe distance.