Shielded Zombies

Think zombies are dangerous enough already?

What if they could defend themselves?

Shielded Zombies gives zombie-type mobs the ability to spawn with shields and actually use them in combat.

Instead of simply carrying a shield, these zombies can detect threats, raise their shields, block incoming attacks, and continue pursuing their targets while defending themselves.

So yeah…

That zombie isn't just coming for you. It's prepared.

What Does It Add?

Shielded Zombies adds shield functionality to:

• Zombies
• Husks
• Drowned
• Zombie Villagers
• Zombified Piglins
• Other compatible vanilla zombie variants

Zombies can spawn with a shield in their offhand, allowing them to keep using their normal weapon.

They Actually Use the Shield

This isn't just an equipment change.

Shielded zombies can actively:

• Detect nearby threats
• Face attacking players
• Raise their shield when defending themselves
• Block incoming attacks
• Stop blocking when the threat passes
• Continue moving while blocking
• Have their shields disabled by axes
• Lose their shield permanently when it breaks

This means fighting a shielded zombie isn't simply a matter of hitting it until it dies.

You'll have to deal with its defense first.

Bring an Axe

If a zombie is hiding behind its shield, an axe can disable it, giving you an opportunity to attack.

But don't get too comfortable.

Shield disabling isn't permanent. Once the cooldown expires, the zombie can raise its shield again.

So if you're going to take one down…

Make your opening count.

Enchanted Shields

Shielded zombies can also spawn with enchanted shields.

Supported enchantments include:

• Unbreaking I
• Unbreaking II
• Unbreaking III
• Mending

The chance for a shield to be enchanted, as well as the individual enchantment weights, can be configured.

Configurable Spawning

You decide how common shielded zombies should be.

The configuration allows you to control:

• Overall shield spawn chance
• Shield spawn chance for individual zombie variants
• Chance for shields to be enchanted
• Unbreaking I weight
• Unbreaking II weight
• Unbreaking III weight
• Mending weight

Want shields to be a rare surprise?

Lower the chances.

Want your apocalypse to be filled with heavily defended undead?

Increase them.

You can tune the system to fit your modpack or server.

Shield Durability

Shielded zombies use normal Minecraft shield durability mechanics.

Their shields can:

• Take durability damage while blocking
• Benefit from Unbreaking
• Benefit from Mending
• Eventually break

When a zombie's shield breaks, it stays broken.

The zombie does not receive a replacement shield.

FLAME's Zombie Lib

Shielded Zombies uses FLAME's Zombie Lib for its shared zombie equipment and configuration systems.

This allows it to work alongside other FLAME zombie mods while keeping their equipment systems consistent and easier to maintain.

Server & Singleplayer

Designed for:

• Singleplayer
• Dedicated servers
• Multiplayer
• Zombie-apocalypse modpacks

The mod is designed with server-friendly gameplay in mind and avoids unnecessary heavy processing.

Technical Details

Minecraft: 1.20.1
Mod Loader: Forge
Dependencies: FLAME's Zombie Lib

Don't Just Fight the Undead. Break Through Their Defense.

You finally find a zombie.

You raise your sword.

You swing.

CLANG.

The zombie raises its shield.

You try again.

CLANG.

"…You've got to be kidding me."

Now you know what the axe is for.

Shielded Zombies makes the undead more than something that simply runs toward you.

Sometimes, they know how to defend themselves. 🧟