Note: This does not work on versions before 1.21.11. No backports are planned due to this being a datapack and not a mod.

Installation:

-Rapiers (Data).zip file goes into the datapack folder of your world.

-Rapiers (Resources).zip file goes into your resource pack folder and must be enabled for this datapack to work!

If you cannot find the required resource pack, it can be found by:

1. Clicking this link

2. Download "Rapiers (Resources).zip" like normal

Rapiers are a new tiered weapon type that are functionally spear-sword hybrids.

Rapiers of all tiers

They are crafted by flipping sword recipes by 45 degrees.

Just like spears, they have a small icon in the inventory but are bigger when held.

While moving, rapiers function like normal swords, being able to perform sweep attacks. While either sprinting or standing completely still, rapiers can stab forward like spears do.

Rapiers are also capable of guarding with right-click similarly to how swords used to work, but in turn, cannot be used with a shield. Do note that they can only block melee attacks.

Swords vs Rapiers:

Swords

+Can be used with shields or any ranged weapon in the off-hand.

+Can perform critical strikes by falling.

+Can perform knockback attacks by sprinting.

+Can attack faster because it can be swung even if the attack cooldown meter is not full.

-Cannot guard, needing a shield for blocking.

-Relies on sweeping edge to have good crowd control.

Rapiers

+Can guard, reducing melee damage taken by 50%.

+Better crowd control as it's stab attack can pierce and as well as sweep like a normal sword.

+Farther attack reach, especially when standing still.

-Slower attack speed as the attack cooldown meter needs to be full in order to attack.

-Risky playstyle as standing still or running straight into enemies are needed to fully utilize its special ability.

-Cannot be used with shields or any ranged weapon in the off-hand.

-Cannot perform knockback attacks by sprinting as it is replaced by the stab attack.

-Critical strikes are harder to perform as you need to be moving sideways when falling.

Known bugs:

-There is a visual bug when crafting the netherite rapier, where its name appears as "diamond rapier" until you actually craft the item, which correctly gives it its name back.

Check out my other datapacks:

Mobility Enchants (1.21.4-1.21.11)

Blaze Attack Animation (1.19.4+)

Extra Bows (1.21.9+)