Knights & Heraldry is a mod that aims to bring a more grounded, late medieval feel to Minecraft’s arms and armour. Built on top of Better Combat, it expands the combat system to make fights feel less like simple clicking. (Better Combat is not needed, but recommended)

You’ll find a wide range of weapons, from common tools of war like daggers and spears to rarer pieces such as arquebuses and handgonnes. Armour is detailed and customisable, giving you more control over how you prepare for battle.

Combat in this mod introduces a stamina system, varied damage types, and more realistic weapon reach. Positioning matters now, stand too close or too far, and your strikes will lose their bite. These features work alongside Better Combat’s animations and systems, and won’t interfere with vanilla or other modded gear.

Stamina

When using weapons or armour from this mod, a stamina bar will appear above your hunger bar. Actions like sprinting, jumping, attacking, and even taking hits (especially in full plate) will drain it.

If your stamina runs dry, you’ll be left exhausted and unable to fight back effectively, any hit you take will make your weapon drop. Pick your moments wisely, or risk being caught off guard.

Armour

Armour is built in layers.

First, choose a base: gambeson or mail. Each offers protection against different damage types. Gambeson fares better against bludgeoning damage type, while mail is stronger against slashing damage type.

On top of that, you can add plate or brigandine pieces as accessories. These improve overall protection but come with added weight, increasing stamina usage when moving.

Gambeson: Mail:

Sets examples:

Damage Ranges

Each weapon has its own effective range. Stand at the right distance, and you’ll deal proper damage. Too close or too far, and your strikes will be weakened.

Sword:

Dagger:

Pitchfork:

Damage Types

There are 3 new damage types, Slashing, Piercing and Bludgeoning. Each has its place, depending on your gear.

Slashing:

Lighter attacks that use less stamina

Piercing:

Ignores armour advantages

Blugeoning:

Heavier blows, good for knocking enemies back

Getting Started

There are a few ways to begin:
1. Crafting your gear
You may find manuscripts in chests. With a smithing hammer, tongs, an anvil, and the needed materials, you can forge your own equipment.

Turn a regular anvil into a Craftsman’s Anvil by right-clicking it while crouching with a hammer. Add your materials and manuscripts, then start hammering.

Most items require heated iron, made by placing iron ingots in a campfire. Handle with care, hot metal will burn you without tongs.

Smithing will not guarantee a successful item. Better quality items are harder to make and may fail, costing you materials, except the manuscript. Once complete, quench the item to finish the process.

2. Villager trades
Some weapons and armour can be obtained through villagers, though it may take time to find what you’re after.

3. Exploration
Rare gear can also be uncovered in suspicious sand. These items may be worn, but can either be repaired or broken down into manuscripts for future crafting.