What Is the Four Diamond Swords Resource Pack?
Minecraft’s default diamond sword is iconic, but after hundreds of hours in survival or creative mode, you might crave a little more visual flair. The Four Diamond Swords resource pack answers that call by introducing a collection of uniquely colored diamond swords, all powered by the CustomModelData tag. Instead of replacing the standard texture outright, this pack cleverly uses numbered variants so you can wield a green, blue, or even a fiery orange blade without losing the original. It started as a simple set of four swords and grew into a much larger arsenal, making it a favorite among builders, roleplayers, and anyone who loves customizing their gear.
The Original Four Swords and How They Work
When the pack first launched, it added exactly four diamond swords, each assigned a CustomModelData number from 1 to 4. To obtain one, you simply use a command like:
/give PlayerName diamond_sword{CustomModelData:1}
This would drop a green diamond sword into your inventory. The other numbers unlocked different colors—perhaps a deep crimson, a royal purple, or a sleek black blade. The beauty of this system is that it doesn’t require any mods or external programs; it runs entirely on vanilla Minecraft’s command mechanics, provided the resource pack is active. You can even rename the sword on an anvil to match its new look, turning a simple “Diamond Sword” into “Emerald Edge” or “Shadowfang.”
Expanding the Arsenal: Four Plus Four Plus One
The pack’s creator didn’t stop at four. A September 22nd update doubled the count, adding swords with CustomModelData numbers 5 through 8. The pack’s name evolved to “Four Plus Four Diamond Swords,” and suddenly you had eight distinct blades to choose from. Just a week later, on September 29th, one final diamond sword joined the lineup using CustomModelData number 9, pushing the total to nine. The name shifted again to “Four Plus Four Plus One Diamond Swords,” a playful nod to its organic growth. Each new sword maintained the same high-quality texture work, ensuring that every color felt like a natural, polished addition to the game.
Bonus Golden Pickaxe
In a surprise twist, a May 2020 update introduced a golden pickaxe using CustomModelData number 2. While the pack’s heart is diamond swords, this extra tool shows the flexibility of the CustomModelData approach. You can summon it with a similar command, and it blends seamlessly into the pack’s aesthetic. It’s a small but appreciated bonus for players who want their tools to match their customized weapons.
Optifine Integration and Exclusive Content
For players who use Optifine, the pack received a significant boost in 2021. Optifine support was added, along with an Optifine-exclusive sword that you can’t get through standard CustomModelData commands. This special blade leverages Optifine’s advanced texture features, possibly offering animated effects or emissive glows that vanilla Minecraft can’t render. If you’re running Optifine, the pack automatically detects it and unlocks this hidden sword, giving you an even richer visual experience. It’s a smart way to reward players who already enhance their game with this popular optimization mod.
Flexible Base Items and Renaming Tricks
One of the most user-friendly aspects of the Four Diamond Swords pack is that you aren’t forced to use actual diamond swords as the base item. The creator designed the textures so that any renamed sword—or even an iron sword, which is far easier to obtain in survival—can display the custom look. For example, you could craft a cheap iron sword, rename it to “Green Diamond Sword” on an anvil, and the pack will apply the green texture as long as the name matches the intended variant. This opens up endless possibilities for adventure maps, minigames, and survival worlds where diamonds are scarce. The pack’s description notes that non-color-based names for CustomModelData swords might change in future updates, but the core functionality remains wonderfully adaptable.
Installing and Using the Pack in Your World
Getting started is straightforward. Download the resource pack from any trusted Minecraft community site, then place the .zip file in your resourcepacks folder. Activate it from the in-game menu, and you’re ready to summon swords with commands. If you prefer a more streamlined experience, the foxygame.net launcher makes the process even simpler. This modern, flexible launcher lets you browse and install resource packs directly from its built-in menu, so you can add the Four Diamond Swords collection without digging through folders or restarting the game manually. It’s a convenient way to keep all your custom content organized and up to date, especially if you frequently switch between different packs and mods.
Command Cheat Sheet
Here’s a quick reference for the CustomModelData numbers and their corresponding items:
- 1–4: Original four colored diamond swords (green, plus three others).
- 5–8: Second wave of four diamond swords added in the September 22nd update.
- 9: The final diamond sword from the September 29th update.
- 2 (pickaxe): Golden pickaxe variant, sharing the number with one of the swords but for a different tool.
- Optifine exclusive: Automatically applied when Optifine is active; no command needed.
Remember, all swords can be renamed versions of the diamond sword or an iron sword. The command format is always /give @p diamond_sword{CustomModelData:X} (replace X with the desired number). For the pickaxe, use /give @p golden_pickaxe{CustomModelData:2}.
Why This Pack Stands Out
Many resource packs simply replace the default textures, but the Four Diamond Swords pack respects the vanilla game while expanding it. By using CustomModelData, it avoids overwriting the original diamond sword and gives players granular control. The gradual updates—from four to nine swords, plus a pickaxe and Optifine support—show a creator who listens to the community and keeps refining their work. The ability to use iron swords as a canvas makes it practical for survival, and the Optifine exclusive adds a layer of discovery for those who dig deeper. It’s a perfect example of how a small, focused idea can blossom into a versatile tool for self-expression in Minecraft.
Final Thoughts
The Four Diamond Swords resource pack, now humorously titled “Four Plus Four Plus One Diamond Swords,” is more than a cosmetic tweak—it’s a lesson in creative Minecraft customization. Whether you’re a mapmaker designing a class-based PvP arena, a roleplayer wanting a signature blade, or just a builder who likes color-coordinated tools, this pack delivers. Its reliance on vanilla commands means it’s accessible to everyone, and the optional Optifine integration sweetens the deal. Grab it, experiment with the nine unique swords, and see how a simple resource pack can transform the way you play. The memories and downloads it has gathered over the years are a testament to its enduring charm.