Axes Are Weapons Mod is a gameplay mod that changes axe combat behavior for Minecraft on Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge. It reduces the extra durability loss axes normally take in combat and opens up Looting plus other enchantment options through configuration.
If you have ever watched an axe wear out faster than it should while fighting, this mod solves that frustration directly. It makes axe-based combat less punishing, adds useful enchantment options, and gives you more control over how weapons behave. With more than 1.2 million downloads, it has already proven that a lot of players want exactly this kind of combat adjustment.
Key Features of Axes Are Weapons Mod
- Reduced combat durability loss - Axes normally take extra durability damage when used in combat because the game treats them like mining tools first. This mod changes that behavior so axes lose only 1 durability point per hit, which makes them much less frustrating to use in long fights.
- Looting support for axes - Looting on an axe changes how a lot of players think about weapon choice. Instead of swapping to a sword just for drops, you can keep your favorite axe in hand and still build around better loot outcomes.
- Configurable combat enchantments - The mod can also enable Knockback, Fire Aspect, and modded sword enchantments for axes. That matters because it lets you shape the weapon around your playstyle instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all combat setup.
- Damage enchantments in the Enchanting Table - Sharpness, Smite, and Bane of the Arthropods can appear in the table by default. That is a practical upgrade because you do not have to depend on books to get a serious axe enchantment path started.
- Enchanting table affects found loot too - The mod notes that enchanting table options also affect loot you find in the world. In practice, that means the config does more than change one menu, because it can shape how enchanted gear shows up across a playthrough.
- Optional extra weapon rules - The config includes broader options like fast Cobweb breaking and an "All Tools Are Weapons" setting. Those are useful if you want to push the mod beyond simple axe buffs and define a wider combat sandbox for your world or server.
- Mostly server-friendly design - The mod is described as working mostly server-only, which is a strong fit for multiplayer setups. The one caveat is fast Cobweb breaking, which needs the client to have the mod and the setting enabled too.
How to Install Axes Are Weapons Mod
- Choose your mod loader first: Fabric, Forge, or NeoForge.
- Install Cloth Config, since the mod requires it to run correctly.
- If you are using Fabric, also install Fabric API because it is required since version 1.8.0.
- Download the file that matches your Minecraft version from the download table below.
- Place the mod jar in your
modsfolder, launch the game or server, and adjust the config if you want features like cobweb breaking or broader weapon rules.
Requirements & Compatibility
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Minecraft versions | Listed for Minecraft 1.16 through 1.21, with current download entries shown for 26.1.1, 26.1, and 1.21.11 down to 1.21.6. |
| Supported loaders | Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge. |
| Dependencies | Cloth Config is required. Fabric also requires Fabric API since 1.8.0. |
| Server compatibility | Mostly server-only, but fast Cobweb breaking requires the client to have the mod and the setting enabled as well. |
| Category | Minecraft Mods, equipment, game-mechanics. |
| License and source | MIT license, with source available on GitHub. |
What's New
- The latest changelog notes a port to 26.1.
- The current release is listed as 26.1.1.
- The mod page continues to list broad support across Minecraft 1.16 through 1.21.
- Current download entries are available for Fabric and NeoForge on the listed recent versions.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Makes axes less punishing to use in combat.
- Adds Looting support and more enchantment flexibility.
- Offers useful config options for different playstyles.
- Works across a wide range of Minecraft versions.
- Fits multiplayer setups well in most cases.
Cons
- Requires Cloth Config.
- Fabric users also need Fabric API.
- Fast Cobweb breaking is not fully server-only.
- Some of the broader weapon behavior changes depend on config choices.
Alternatives to Axes Are Weapons Mod
- Better Combat - A broader melee overhaul if you want combat to feel different across more than just axes.
- Simply Swords - A good match if you want more weapon variety alongside combat-focused progression.
- Combat Roll - A complementary combat mod if you want more movement options during fights.
Download Axes Are Weapons Mod
| Minecraft Version | Fabric | Forge | NeoForge |
|---|---|---|---|
| For Minecraft 26.1.1 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 26.1 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.11 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.10 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.9 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.8 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.7 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.6 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.5 | Download | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.4 | Download | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.3 | Download | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.2 | Download | — | Download |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Axes Are Weapons Mod reduce axe durability loss in combat?
Yes, it does. The mod changes axe combat behavior so axes lose only 1 durability point when hitting things, instead of the increased loss they normally suffer because they are treated as mining tools.
Can axes get Looting with this mod?
Yes, Looting is enabled for axes. That makes axe builds more attractive because you no longer have to choose between your preferred weapon shape and an enchantment that helps with drops.
Does the mod work on servers?
Yes, mostly. The mod is described as mostly server-only, but fast Cobweb breaking is the exception because the client also needs the mod and the setting enabled.
Do I need Cloth Config to use it?
Yes, Cloth Config is required. The mod relies on it for configuration, which is where several of the extra weapon and combat options are controlled.
Do Fabric users need Fabric API too?
Yes, Fabric users also need Fabric API since version 1.8.0. That dependency is separate from Cloth Config and should be installed before you launch the game.
What Minecraft versions does Axes Are Weapons Mod support?
It is listed for Minecraft 1.16 through 1.21. The download section also shows recent builds for 26.1.1, 26.1, and multiple 1.21.x versions.
Can I use this mod on Forge and NeoForge?
Yes, it is listed for both Forge and NeoForge, along with Fabric. That makes it a flexible choice if you want the same combat tweak across different modded setups.
