Few other games allow for the same level of customization as Minecraft. From players being able to create their own skins to the freedom of building any structure imaginable, Minecraft is the true definition of a sandbox game. The amount of freedom even allows players to craft custom shields for an extra layer of customization.
Shields were added to Minecraft update 1.9 as a part of the combat update. Shields are the definitive way to block incoming attacks from mobs and players as the feature to block with a sword had been removed. Whether playing on a PvP server or in a shared survival world, players will likely be seen strolling around touting a shield. While shields do have durability and can be broken if they take enough hits, some players choose to decorate their shields so their opponents know who's coming towards them. This guide will teach players how to customize their shields to stand out in battle.
Make A Custom Shield In Minecraft Java Edition
First off, the ability to customize shields is exclusive to Minecraft Java Edition which is only available on PC. Console and Windows Edition players will not be able to customize their shields as the feature is not available on Bedrock Minecraft. But for Java players, the first step is acquiring a shield that requires six wooden planks and one iron ingot. The wood needs to be placed in a crafting table in the shape of a fork or a field goal with the iron ingot placed in the top middle space.
Next players will need to make a banner using six wool and one stick. The wool can be any color, but all six pieces need to be the same color. Place the wool in the top two rows of the crafting table and place the stick in the bottom middle slot. This will make a solid colored banner that players can customize by using a loom. The loom is a work station that players can craft or find in a village. Using dyes, players can make different patterned banners.
All that's left to do is put the shield and banner next to one another in the crafting bench and, voila, the player's shield is not customized. Be wary, a shield that is destroyed will also destroy the banner. Players can make copies of their banners by placing a black banner next to an existing banner in a crafting table. The banners have to be the same base color, and the blank banner has to be free of any patterns.
Minecraft Java Edition is available on PC.