You can say that Minecraft has certainly grown beyond the initial expectations of its creator, where the simple digging simulator is now a full-fledged adventure game. In fact, Mojang has done its bit to ensure that it remains fresh and relevant to gamers for as long as possible, by introducing regular updates for the game, making it a very, very different title compared to the original 2009 release. The latest patch, known as the “Combat Update,” is the Minecraft 1.9 patch.

The Combat Update patch comes with a slew of new features, where among them would include an upgraded and expanded set of combat options. In other words, if you have been lusting after bloodthirsty sword-and-shield combat situations in the world of Minecraft, this is the patch that you have been waiting for.

The inventory slot would be expanded, offering an “off-hand” slot which can be used to let you hold a shield, making it useful to block incoming arrows from Skeleton Archers and the like. Apart from that, how about including a stack of torches in that slot, so that you do not have to set up a lighting system in the mine? The possibilities are endless, and it would be interesting to see what kind of combos that players will come up with in due time. [Press Release]

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