Minecraft officially updated to version 1.9

Minecraft fans rejoice! The update for version 1.9 has been rolled out and there are some major improvements to the game's combat, most notably the inclusion of shields and charged attacks. Among the other changes are improvements for map building, new blocks to build with, new enemies and even wings to glide around the open environment with.

Here's the full list of changes.

• Added shields
• Attacking now has a “cool-down” delay, making it more important to time your attacks
• You can now hold items in both hands (default quick key to swap items is ‘F’)
• Swords have a special sweep attack
• Axes have a special crushing blow attack
• Added the elytra
• New mob: Shulker
• Expanded The End
• Added Chorus plants
• New Purpur blocks
• New End Rod block
• Added dragon head block
• Ender Dragon can be resummoned
• Added beetroot and beetroot soup (from MC:PE)
• Added grass path block
• Added igloos
• Armor protection values have been lowered
• Added tipped arrows
• Added spectral arrows
• Added Frost Walker enchantment and frosted ice block
• Added a whole bunch of new sound effects
• Added sound effect subtitles
• Brewing Stand now requires Blaze Powder to activate
• Added skeleton riders
• We believe we’ve fixed MC-10 and a whole bunch of other issues
• Removed Herobrine

Fighting has always been present in the game, particularly in its Survival mode, but never before has it been this gratifying. Improvement to the game's combat will definitely open up a new world of possibilities for content creators going forward.