A Grandkids Workshop Project
Sword Makers
Build your first Minecraft add-on together: a sword nobody has ever seen, designed by your grandkids, with its own picture, name, battle cry and a special power that works only for its owner.
DownloadsWhat you'll make
Its own look
Drawn square by square in a free drawing program.
Its own stats
How hard it hits, how long it lasts, and whether it survives lava.
A battle cry
A word the kids record, played on every hit.
A special power
A short script, with an owner badge so it works only for its maker.
A recipe
Crafted in the game from ingredients the kids choose.
Launch Day
Shared with the family on their tablets, phones and consoles.
Who it's for
- Grown-ups: no coding experience needed. The book explains every click.
- Kids: about 5 to 10. Older kids type and lead; younger ones draw, test and take pictures.
- You'll need: a Windows computer with Minecraft for Windows (Bedrock edition), and two free programs. The finished sword also plays on tablets, phones and consoles.
What it costs
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A Windows computer | $0 if you have one | See "Will my computer work?" below |
| Minecraft for Windows | About $30, once | Sold as Minecraft: Java & Bedrock Edition for PC in the Microsoft Store. Already own it on this computer? Then $0. A copy on a Switch, Xbox or tablet doesn't count: the PC needs its own. |
| VS Code and Blockbench | Free | The two programs used to edit and draw the sword |
| Starter Kit and printables | Free | On this page, under Downloads |
| A mouse | Optional, about $15 | Minecraft is much easier with a mouse than a laptop touchpad |
| Printer and paper | Optional | For the activity pages (or draw on plain paper) |
Smallest total: $0 if Minecraft is already on your Windows computer; about $30 if not. Prices are US and can change; check the Microsoft Store.
Will my computer work?
The quick test: if your grandkid already plays Minecraft smoothly on this computer, it's ready. The other two programs need far less than the game.
Otherwise, compare your computer with the minimums below. To see what you have: Start > Settings > System > About (processor, memory and Windows version), and System > Storage (free space).
| Minimum | Better | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10 (64-bit) | Windows 11. Microsoft no longer supports Windows 10, so programs may stop updating for it |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB | 8 GB or more |
| Processor | About Intel Celeron J4105 or AMD FX-4100 | Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen |
| Graphics | About Intel HD Graphics 4000 or AMD Radeon R5 | Any graphics from the last few years |
| Free space | A few GB | 10 GB or more |
| Other | A keyboard and mouse; internet for downloads; a Microsoft account to sign in to Minecraft | |
Mac, Chromebook or tablet only? The building steps need a Windows computer (Macs and Chromebooks don't run the Windows version of Minecraft). But once it's made, the sword plays on tablets, phones and consoles too.
The nine sessions
- Designing TogetherBig ideas, the Design Sheet, and a safe test world.
- My First PackTurn the diamond sword red, and learn how packs work.
- Pixel ArtistDraw the sword, square by square.
- A Brand-New SwordGive it its own name and place in the game.
- Sword StatsDamage, durability, shimmer and a recorded battle cry.
- Detecting a HitThe first script: the sword notices what it hits.
- The Special PowerThe power, and the owner badge.
- Polish and RecipeSparks, chance, and a crafting recipe.
- Launch DayShare it with the family and show it off.
Downloads
Free, for readers of the book. Download them on the Windows computer you'll use for the project.
Sword Starter Kit
Ready-made pack files for every chapter, a finished example, the UUID Worksheet and a pixel grid. Right-click the file, then choose Extract All.
Download (zip)Printables
Every activity page from the book: Design Sheet, pixel grids, the certificate, Quick Reference and more.
Open (PDF)The code, typed out
Every pack file in large print, if you'd rather type it or scan it than download the kit.
Open (PDF)Something not working? Every chapter of the book ends with an "If something went wrong" table. Start there, then check Minecraft's Content Log: it tells you which pack, which file and which line.