It was the year 2011 when Mojang Studios launched their sand box game: Minecraft. As soon it was launched, it became highly popular. One of the most amazing features of Minecraft is its: Modding Community. It allows players to customize their gaming experience to a great extent.
Mods, more commonly referred to as modifications, include everything from adjusting very simple gameplay mechanics through to the introduction of totally new features in a game that enhance its replay value and general depth.
This article will help you learn how to MOD Minecraft so that you can freely unlock your creativity without limitations within the game.
Keep reading, keep learning!
What is a Minecraft MOD?
What is a Minecraft mod?
A Minecraft mod is a user-developed modification aimed at changing the original game content. Mods usually add new items and blocks with specific functionality, introduce new game mechanics, or even introduce totally new worlds. The modding community came up with a huge number of modifications, starting from minor tweaks to the most complex systems able to turn gameplay into a completely new experience.
For example, the players can add new creatures, change the weather system, or add quests and storylines.
Why MOD Minecraft?
Why Mod Minecraft?
Modding Minecraft does so much more than enhance a gamer’s experience; it is also an excellent way to help teach the very basics of programming and design. Some great abilities modders can gain from simple mod development include Java coding, development tools, and even understanding the mechanics of the game. Additionally, the modding community is also incredibly large and helpful, holding lots of resources and forums on collaboration and learning.
How to MOD Minecraft?
First of all, you will need to set up a proper development environment for modding Minecraft. Follow the below important steps:
Step 1: Download and install Java Development Kit
Minecraft mods are mostly written in Java so the first step will be to download and install JDK. You should use the latest version based on your operating system. You can find JDK from Oracle’s website.
Step 2: Setting Up Your Text Editor
You will need a text editor or an Integrated Development Environment to create the codes. For this purpose, Eclipse is used by the majority of Minecraft modders because it has a lot of functionality and includes support for Java. To download and install Eclipse, visit their official website.
Step 3: Download and Install Minecraft Forge
It is a modding platform that easily creates and handles mods. To download Forge go to the official Forge website and select the version that matches your Minecraft installation. Follow the installation instructions on the site.
Step 4: Create Your First Mod
Now that you have setup your environment, let’s make your first mod. One of the easiest projects to begin with is to create a custom sword. Follow the below steps:
- Open Eclipse and create a new project.
- Set up the project structure by making the necessary folders (src, resources, etc.).
- Write the code for your custom sword including definitions for properties like damage and durability, and explain how it relates to other elements in the game.
- Compile your mod to make sure there are no errors.
Step 5: Testing Your Mod
Test the mod in Minecraft after you have compiled it. Place the mod file into the mods folder of your Minecraft installation. Now run Minecraft using the Forge profile, and your mod should now be usable.
Minecraft MOD Installation
Minecraft Mod Installation
If you don’t feel like creating mods but would rather use already existing ones, then the installation process for them is pretty easy. Here’s how to install them:
Step 1: Download Mods
You can download mods from
- CurseForge
- MinecraftMods
- And other similar sites
While downloading the mod, keep in mind your version of Minecraft.
Step 2: Find Mods Folder
The mods folder is usually found in the `.minecraft` directory. Here is how to locate it exactly depending on your OS:
- Windows: Open `C:\Users$$Your Username]\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\mods`.
- macOS: Open `~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods`.
- Linux: Open Terminal and run `xdg-open ~/.minecraft/mods`.
If there is no mods folder, then you can create one.
Step 3: Installing the Mods
Paste the downloaded mod files into the mods folder. Each mod is required to have a certain version of Forge, so make sure that forge is installed in the correct version.
Step 4: Running Minecraft
Now you have to start the Minecraft launcher, select your profile you created for Forge and start the game. All your installed mods should work now.
Popular Minecraft Modding Tools
Popular Minecraft Modding Tools
While making mods from scratch can be very rewarding in its own right, there are a few tools that make things much easier:
MCreator:
MCreator is software that can make creating Minecraft mods easy without tons of coding knowledge. It offers a graphical interface for designing mods which is an excellent beginning point for beginners.
Blockbench:
Blockbench is a 3D modeling tool for creating custom models for your mods. It is mostly used when designing new items and creatures.
MCreator and Blockbench Integration
You can use MCreator to model the very basic functionality of your mod, and Blockbench for creating custom models. Combining these two, you can get more complicated yet amazing looking mods.
Learning Resources
To expand on your modding abilities, check out the following:
- Online Tutorials: Websites like CodaKid provide step-by-step guides and tutorials regarding Minecraft modding.
- YouTube Channels: Modders share their modding experience on YouTube with clips and images that help along the way.
- Minecraft Forums: Engage with the community on forums such as Minecraft Forum or Reddit where you can ask any questions or even post some of your finished work.
Conclusion
As far as Minecraft is concerned, modding is the core area of personalization that a player can make in order to have the game take shape in accordance with his/her character. Whether making mods or going through the plethora available, the skills acquired are pretty useful.
Finally, anyone can become a Minecraft modder and share their work in this vibrant community.
