Simple Sweep
Minecraft’s combat system underwent a major overhaul in the 1.9 update, introducing timed attacks and the sweeping edge mechanic. While the sweep attack is great for crowd control, it can be frustrating when you accidentally hit a neutral mob or a tamed animal while fighting a single target. That’s where Simple Sweep comes in — a lightweight mod that gives you full control over when the sweep attack triggers, without altering any other aspect of the game.
What Does Simple Sweep Do?
Simple Sweep for Minecraft is a minimalistic tweak that changes how the sweep attack works. By default, the mod completely removes the sweep attack from all weapons — unless the weapon is enchanted with Sweeping Edge. This means you can fight single enemies without worrying about collateral damage, while still enjoying the full power of a sweeping blade when you intentionally enchant your sword.
The mod is highly configurable, so you can tailor it to your playstyle. A whitelist option lets you specify exactly which items should have their sweep attack blocked. If you prefer a blacklist approach, you can list only the weapons that should keep the sweep attack. There’s even a crouch-only mode: set onlyCrouch to true, and the sweep attack will only activate when you’re sneaking, regardless of enchantments. This adds a layer of skill-based control to combat.
Configuration Made Easy
Simple Sweep uses a straightforward config file that you can edit with any text editor. The three main options are:
- whitelist — If this list contains entries, only the items listed will have their sweep attack blocked. Use registry names like
minecraft:diamond_sword. - blacklist — Only used when the whitelist is empty. Items in this list will be excluded from having their sweep attack blocked.
- onlyCrouch — Set to true to require the player to be crouching to perform a sweep attack, even with Sweeping Edge.
To find the registry name of any item, press F3 + H in-game to enable advanced tooltips, then hover over the item. This makes it simple to populate your whitelist or blacklist with the exact weapons you want to control.
How to Install Simple Sweep
Getting started with Simple Sweep is quick and painless. First, make sure you have the correct mod loader installed. The mod supports Fabric and Forge for Minecraft versions 1.19.4, 1.20.1, and 1.20.4. You’ll also need the corresponding API: Fabric API for Fabric, or no extra API for Forge. Once your loader is set up, download Simple Sweep from a trusted mod repository and place the .jar file into your mods folder. Launch the game, and the mod will be active immediately with its default settings — no sweep attack unless you have Sweeping Edge.
If you’re looking for an even smoother experience, the foxygame.net launcher includes Simple Sweep in its curated add-on catalog, allowing you to install it with a single click and automatically keep it updated alongside your other mods. This eliminates the hassle of manually checking for version compatibility every time Minecraft updates.
Why You Need Simple Sweep
Many players find the default sweep attack disruptive, especially in survival worlds where you might be breeding animals or living near villagers. Accidentally hitting a golem or a wolf can turn a peaceful day into a disaster. Simple Sweep for Minecraft solves this by making the sweep attack a conscious choice. You can still enjoy the benefits of Sweeping Edge when facing hordes of zombies, but you won’t accidentally clear out your own farm.
The mod is also perfect for map makers and server administrators who want to fine-tune combat mechanics without installing a massive overhaul. Its lightweight design means it won’t conflict with other mods, and the config file can be adjusted per world or server-wide.
Compatibility and Support
Simple Sweep is built to work seamlessly with other popular combat and quality-of-life mods. It doesn’t add new items or change core mechanics, so it’s safe to add or remove from existing worlds. If you run into any issues, the mod’s issue tracker is the best place to report bugs or request features. The developer actively maintains the mod, ensuring it stays up to date with the latest Minecraft releases.
Whether you’re a casual player tired of accidental sweeps or a hardcore survivalist who wants precise control, Simple Sweep is a must-have addition to your modpack. Download Simple Sweep today and take command of your sword swings.