What Better Combat works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge |
| Minecraft versions | 1.18.2, 1.19.2, 1.20.1, 1.21.1, 1.21.4, 1.21.11 |
| Environment | Client, Server |
Better Combat overhauls Minecraft Java Edition's melee combat with directional slash, slam, and stab animations drawn from Minecraft Dungeons. Each weapon type has its own attack motion, so a sword swings differently from a hammer or spear. The mod runs on Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge and supports Minecraft 1.18.2 through 1.21.11.
What Better Combat changes in-game
Vanilla Minecraft uses a single swing animation for every weapon. Better Combat replaces this with a set of weapon-class attack patterns: one-handed weapons perform sweeping slashes and stabs, two-handed weapons deliver wide slams, and dual-wielded weapons chain alternating strikes. Attack animations are tied to weapon type rather than player input, so the change is visible the moment you equip a different weapon.
- Directional slash, slam, and stab animations per weapon class
- Dual-wielding with alternating attack sequences
- Combo system with timing-based follow-up strikes
- Compatible with custom weapons added by other mods
- Configurable via in-game screen (requires Cloth Config API)
How to install Better Combat
Better Combat requires three library mods alongside your loader. Install all of them before placing Better Combat in your mods folder.
- 1.Install Fabric, Forge, or NeoForge for your target Minecraft version.
- 2.Download Cloth Config API and Player Animation Library from Modrinth. On Fabric, also download Fabric API.
- 3.Download Better Combat from Modrinth and drop all the .jar files into your mods folder.
- 4.Launch Minecraft and confirm the mods screen lists Better Combat and all three dependencies.
Loaders, versions, and dependencies
- Loaders: Fabric, Forge, NeoForge
- Minecraft versions: 1.18.2, 1.19.2, 1.20.1, 1.21.1, 1.21.4, 1.21.11 (plus intermediate releases)
- Required on all loaders: Cloth Config API, Player Animation Library
- Required on Fabric only: Fabric API
- Side: client and server (both required)
Coverage is not the same across the three loaders. Fabric and NeoForge track current Minecraft releases, both shipping build 3.2.2 on July 22, 2026 for Minecraft 26.2. Forge lags well behind: its highest-ever Minecraft version was 1.20.2, reached in an April 2024 beta, and the newest actual Forge release (1.9.0, published December 2, 2025) only covers Minecraft 1.20 and 1.20.1. Players on a current Minecraft release should install Fabric or NeoForge; Forge is the choice only if you are still on the 1.20.1 line.
Questions about Better Combat.
5 questions
How do I install Better Combat?
Download Better Combat and its required libraries (Cloth Config API and Player Animation Library, plus Fabric API on Fabric) from Modrinth. Place all the .jar files in your Minecraft mods folder alongside Fabric, Forge, or NeoForge for your version.
Does Better Combat work with Forge and NeoForge?
Yes, all three loaders are supported, but coverage is not identical. Fabric and NeoForge track current Minecraft releases, while Forge's newest build only reaches Minecraft 1.20.1. Cloth Config API and Player Animation Library are required on every loader; Fabric API is required on Fabric only.
Does Better Combat work on multiplayer servers?
Yes, but it must be installed on both the client and the server. If only the client has it, you will get a connection error or be kicked when joining a server without the mod.
Which Minecraft version does Better Combat support?
Support depends on the loader. Fabric and NeoForge track current Minecraft releases, both reaching Minecraft 26.2 as of July 2026. Forge trails far behind: its newest build, published December 2025, only covers Minecraft 1.20 and 1.20.1, and Forge has never shipped past 1.20.2. Check the Modrinth page for the exact build matching your version and loader.
Is Better Combat compatible with weapon mods?
Better Combat is built to recognize weapon types registered by other mods and apply matching attack animations. Compatibility with specific weapon mods depends on how those mods register their items. Check the Better Combat Modrinth page or GitHub for confirmed compatible pairings.
