Minecraft wiki entry for Mechanics, associated text: Blocking: Players can block attacks using shields.
Breaking: Players can break most blocks, sometimes requiring or benefiting from particular tools.
Instant mining: Players can break certain blocks instantly, sometimes requiring particular tools, enchantments or effects to do so.
Damage: Entities (including player) can receive damage from the environment or other entities, potentially dying or being destroyed if they receive too much.
Attack cooldown‌[Java Edition only]: After attacking, players need to wait some time to deal full damage with their next attack.
Critical hits: Players can deal more damage by attacking while falling.
Drops: Entities and mobs to drop particular items or blocks (including items carried in their inventory) when they die or are destroyed.
Dual wield: Players can wield 2 items, one in each hand. This includes shield use.
Monster infighting: Some mobs will shift their attack to another player or mob when attacked, even if they were already engaged with another target.