1

Follow

Scythe: a sideways momentum weapon and farming tool

I would like to suggest adding a scythe as a weapon and farming tool based on sideways momentum.

Minecraft already has momentum-based weapons in different directions: the mace rewards vertical momentum through falling attacks, and the spear rewards forward momentum through charging and thrusting. A scythe could complete this idea by rewarding sideways momentum.

The scythe's core mechanic would be sideways cutting. If the player stands still or moves straight forward, it deals normal damage. If the player sidesteps, circles an enemy, or cuts across a target's path, it gains extra cutting damage based on the player's actual sideways movement speed.

This would make the scythe different from a sword or spear. The spear is strong in a straight forward charge; the scythe is strong when cutting sideways. For example, a scythe user could dodge a mounted spear charge and strike as the enemy passes by, but only with correct timing and positioning.

As a farming tool, the scythe could harvest mature crops in a small area without breaking immature crops. A scythe-only enchantment, Replanting, could automatically replant crops if the player has the right seeds or crops.

To balance it, the scythe could be weaker than a sword in standing combat, but a successful sideways cut should give a clear reward.

In short: mace = vertical momentum, spear = forward momentum, scythe = sideways momentum.

Registered User shared this idea

• June 17, 2026 04:46
• Report a Concern

Please sign in to leave a comment.

• 1

  Registered User commented

  Comment actions Permalink

  • June 17, 2026 04:51
  • Report a Concern
  • Comment actions Permalink

  A possible off-hand balance rule:

  The scythe could still be held while the off-hand has an item, but the sideways cutting bonus would only work when the off-hand is empty.

  If the player has a shield, totem, or another item in the off-hand, the scythe would only perform normal attacks. If the off-hand is empty, the player could use both hands for a wider cutting animation, and the sideways momentum bonus would become active.

  This would make the mechanic clear: safety from the off-hand, or stronger movement-based cutting with both hands.