SwordsPlus Mod: New Swords from Coal, Dirt & Emeralds
Vanilla Minecraft offers a limited set of melee weapons: wood, stone, iron, gold, diamond, and netherite. For players seeking variety without overhauling the entire game, this add-on provides a clean solution. It introduces functional blades crafted from common and uncommon materials, preserving the core survival experience while expanding your arsenal.
What This Mod Adds to Your Arsenal
The mod repurposes existing resources into combat-ready tools. No new ores or world generation are introduced; all ingredients come from standard gameplay. The result is a set of weapons that fit naturally into the vanilla aesthetic.
New Sword Types
- Coal Sword: An early-game option. Coal is abundant, making this a practical starter weapon before you secure iron.
- Lapis Lazuli Sword: A visually striking blue blade with an improved enchantability stat. Useful for players who accumulate lapis without a clear purpose.
- Emerald Sword: A high-tier weapon for those who trade with villagers. Its damage output approaches diamond level, justifying the rarity of the material.
- Dirt Sword: A novelty item with minimal damage. It breaks as quickly as a wooden tool, making it ideal for casual PvP or roleplay servers.
Crafting Recipes and Balance
Recipes follow the classic sword pattern: two sticks and three units of the chosen material. For example, three coal blocks create a coal sword, three lapis lazuli create the blue blade, and so on. No complex combinations are required, and you will not need to consult a wiki mid-game.
Balance is carefully tuned to avoid breaking progression. The coal sword is weaker than stone, the lapis sword performs near iron level, and the emerald sword rivals diamond but demands a rarer resource. The dirt sword deals symbolic damage, matching the speed of a wooden tool. This design keeps the mod lightweight and compatible with vanilla difficulty curves.
How to Install and Version Compatibility
The mod runs on both client and server. To play with friends, place the JAR file into the mods folder on both sides. No additional libraries are required, and the mod does not conflict with most other add-ons due to its minimal footprint.
Supported versions include Minecraft up to 1.12.2 and select builds of 1.16.5. The original developer has discontinued active updates, merging the content into a larger project. However, this version remains stable for older, well-tested modpacks. If you want to quickly test the blades without manual configuration, use a launcher that supports one-click mod installation. This simplifies the process of adding the mod to your chosen profile.
Server Setup and Performance
Because the mod uses only vanilla resources, textures automatically match the default resource pack. There is no need for separate texture downloads. The mod does not add new biomes, structures, or ores, so world generation remains untouched. This makes it a safe addition to servers that prioritize stability and low client load.
For server administrators, installation is straightforward. Add the mod to the server's mods folder, restart, and confirm that all players have the same version. The lack of external dependencies reduces the risk of crashes or version mismatches.
Who Should Use This Mod
This add-on suits players who want more combat variety without adopting heavy systems like Tinkers' Construct or Spartan Weaponry. It adds no new mechanics, interfaces, or tutorials. You install it, craft a sword, and continue playing. It also fits well into vanilla Let's Plays or light RPG-style survival, where each new item feels like a small achievement.
The dirt sword, in particular, offers a humorous option for duels with friends. Combined with speed or jump boost potions, it creates entertaining scenarios that require no commands or creative mode.
Final Verdict
Despite the lack of ongoing updates, this mod remains a functional example of how a small idea can refresh the game. The coal, lapis, emerald, and dirt swords do not disrupt balance but provide new tactical options and visual variety. If you appreciate minimalistic add-ons that respect the vanilla style, this one deserves a spot in your collection. With modern launchers simplifying the process, you can download SwordsPlus Mod: New Swords from Coal, Dirt & Emeralds for Minecraft and start crafting within minutes. The installation is straightforward, and the mod's compatibility with older versions ensures a reliable experience for any stable modpack.
In summary, the mod delivers exactly what it promises: four new swords, intuitive recipes, and no unnecessary complexity. It is a practical choice for players who want a quick, balanced expansion to their melee options.