The Combat Update patch comes with a slew of new features, where among them would include an upgraded and expanded set of combat options. In other words, if you have been lusting after bloodthirsty sword-and-shield combat situations in the world of Minecraft, this is the patch that you have been waiting for.
The inventory slot would be expanded, offering an “off-hand” slot which can be used to let you hold a shield, making it useful to block incoming arrows from Skeleton Archers and the like. Apart from that, how about including a stack of torches in that slot, so that you do not have to set up a lighting system in the mine? The possibilities are endless, and it would be interesting to see what kind of combos that players will come up with in due time. [Press Release]