Combat / Night Plains
How to Fight Skeletons
Skeletons own the open dark with a bow that hits from 16 blocks out. The fix is not out-shooting them - it is closing the gap. Raise a shield, strafe diagonally so their aim trails behind you, and burst them in melee before they back-pedal to reset range.
The shield-and-strafe rush
A skeleton fires every ~2 seconds and re-aims constantly, so trading arrows at range is a losing game. Hold block to zero out every frontal shot, then move sideways-toward it on a diagonal - this breaks its aim lead while you cover ground. Inside 3 blocks, drop the shield and swing: 20 HP falls to three netherite hits. If a second bowman appears, retreat to a doorway so only one can fire at a time, and at dawn kite outdoor packs into sunlight to let them burn.
Quick answers
+How much damage does a skeleton arrow do?
On Normal an arrow deals about 2-4 damage (1-2 hearts); on Hard it scales to roughly 5 damage. A fully raised shield blocks all of it from the front, which is why closing behind a shield is the core tactic.
+How many hits to kill a skeleton?
A skeleton has 20 HP (10 hearts). A diamond sword (7 damage) kills in 3 hits, a netherite sword (8) in 3, and a critical hit adds ~50% so a jump-crit combo can drop it in 2-3 swings.
+Does a shield really block arrows?
Yes. While blocking, a shield negates 100% of frontal projectile and most melee damage. The only catch is you cannot block what comes from behind, so never let a second skeleton flank you.
+What is the best way to close distance?
Strafe diagonally toward the skeleton with the shield up. Moving sideways breaks its aim lead, and the raised shield eats any shot that does connect, so you reach melee range nearly untouched.
+How do I beat multiple skeletons at once?
Funnel them. Back into a 1-wide doorway or corner so only one can line up a shot. Block, kill the front one, step back, repeat. A splash potion of harming or a single TNT also clears tight clusters.
+Can I just wait for them to burn?
Skeletons catch fire in direct daylight unless they are shaded or wearing a helmet. If you are low, kite them into open ground and stall until sunrise - but indoors or under trees you must fight them yourself.