This issue was introduced in 26.2 Snapshot 6.
Falling pointed dripstone and sulfur spikes deal more damage than they did in 26.2 Snapshot 5 and prior. In 26.4 Snapshot 3, icicles also use this new damage calculation.
【 Steps to Reproduce 】
Open a new creative world in Java 26.4 Snapshot 3 and switch to Survival mode.
Place a support block exactly 4 blocks above the player's head.
Attach a Hanging Icicle underneath it.
Break the support block to let the Icicle fall directly onto the player.
【 Expected Result 】
The icicle should deal a moderate amount of damage, reflecting the short distance it fell.
【 Actual Result 】
The icicle deals a massive 9 hearts of damage (18 health points) from a low drop height of only 4 blocks, nearly one-shotting the player.
【 Additional Information 】
Game Version: 26.4 Snapshot 3
https://medal.tv/games/minecraft/clips/nG5BKN3SmhdAgci-c?invite=cr-MSxUTHIsNDk2ODY1NTU3
Environment
Official Launcher, Vanilla (No Mods) Operating System: Windows 11
This affects all falling pointed blocks and was actually introduced in 26.2 Snapshot 6: