With Minecraft’s most recent snapshot, Shields were added to the lineup of things being released in 1.9 that we’ve got our hands on. Other members of this list include potion arrows and the removal of sword blocking
Shields have a pretty simple crafting recipe – any three wool, any three wooden planks, and an iron ingot. While it’s possible that Mojang may increase the cost of this for balance purposes later in development, the current recipe makes sense and is easy to remember. (It’s basically a sideways bed).
At the moment however, they don’t look too flash, having been compared to flatscreens by multiple people (image credit to katking on Votable). 
So what exactly do shields do?
According to the Minecraft Wiki, they slow players to a sneaking pace when used, but reduce melee attacks to 33% of their original damage, and remove all damage from projectiles. These attacks lower the shield’s durability. Blockable attacks include mob melee attacks, arrows, fireballs, thrown items such as snowballs, damage from Thorns, and some explosions such as those created by Creepers.
You can also add patterns to shields by crafting a banner and a shield together. Finally, shields can’t be enchanted via an enchanting table, however anvils can apply Unbreaking.
Are shields worth using?
The ability to reduce damage by more than 50% is pretty impressive. Blocking arrows is also pretty cool. However, I’m not 100% sure about the movement speed debuff. In reality, you would only use the shield while under attack, so it’s not a huge deal, but I still feel like I’m truding through treacle while sneaking, and that experience isn’t something I want to transfer to shields.
Personal opinion aside, I think shields are awesome!
What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
