In Minecraft you can become a walking tank: create a durable shield

When night falls in the world of Minecraft, and shadows thicken amid the sounds of zombies growling and skeletons firing arrows, you realize: survival is impossible without reliable protection. That’s when the shield appears in your hand—a tool that not only saves lives but also gives you the confidence to face any threats.

A shield isn’t just a piece of wood and metal. It’s a symbol of resilience and the ability to withstand danger. In the game, it’s a tool capable of blocking damage from most attacks: skeletons' arrows, melee strikes, and even creeper explosions become less deadly with this marvel in your possession.

How to make a shield in Minecraft

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You might be surprised to learn that some players don’t even know this item exists. It’s not the most obvious tool, and the shield wasn’t part of Minecraft from the very beginning. Yes, there was a time when we managed without protection, and running was the only salvation. Now, things are much easier—crafting a shield requires only a few simple resources.

To start, you’ll need 6 wooden planks. They’re easy to make: just place logs in the small crafting window in your inventory or use a crafting table.

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Next, you’ll need 1 iron ingot—a small piece of metal mined from the earth and smelted in a furnace.

To make a shield in Minecraft, arrange the planks in a "Y" shape and place the iron ingot in the top-center slot.

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Ready for Action and there you have it—your loyal companion, ready for battle.

How to find a shield in the game

Not only can you craft this useful item, but you can also find it. Ironically, you’ll need to fight pillagers to get one—without having a shield in hand. What’s the point, then? The point is to get a banner for your shield, as it makes it truly unique.

Why do you need a shield?

In battle, the shield becomes your second skin. It can block up to 100% of damage from arrows and most melee attacks if you use it in time. Hold down the right mouse button, and the shield will stand between you and your enemy. Imagine standing on a hilltop with a horde of skeletons below. Their arrows whistle through the air, but every single one bounces harmlessly off your shield.

But that’s not all. A shield not only protects you but also adds an element of strategy. If you block an enemy’s attack properly, you can catch them off guard and launch a counterattack. And with the “Unbreaking” enchantment, your shield becomes even more durable, allowing you to survive more battles.

Which enchantments to use?

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This is simple—focus on durability and longevity. Since the shield isn’t a weapon, enchantments that increase damage won’t work. Similarly, experience-gaining enchantments aren’t applicable. However, Unbreaking and Mending are perfect choices, turning Steve into a true tank!

Shield as a style element

Shield in Minecraft isn’t just a utilitarian tool; it’s also a way to express yourself. You can decorate its front with any banner. We have a separate article on how to craft banners. Once you’re ready, simply combine the shield and banner in the crafting table.

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And that’s it! This way, you can create a unique shield not only for yourself but also for your entire clan.

Imagine having not just a tool but a partner with a story on your back. Your Minecraft shield has seen your first steps in the Nether, protected you from ghast explosions, witnessed victories over creepers, and endured knightly PvP duels. Its scratches are medals that tell the tale of your achievements.

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