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Creating an Addon

Table of Contents

Project Setup

Before you begin creating a content pack, it's important to set up a structured project. This involves:

  • Creating a Project Folder: Start by creating a new folder for your content pack. This will be the root directory where all your content pack files reside.
  • Understanding File Hierarchy: Familiarize yourself with the standard file hierarchy expected by [Your Mod Name]. This typically includes separate folders for blocks, items, entities, textures, and models.
  • Initial Configuration Files: Create initial configuration files that define the basic information about your content pack, such as its name, version, and any dependencies it has.

Content Pack Directory Structure

The content pack structure for [Your Mod Name] is as follows:

  • content/<pack_id>/: Root directory for a specific content pack.
    • block/: Contains subdirectories and files defining new blocks.
      • sound_groups/: Definitions for block sound groups.
      • ores/: Specific definitions for ore-type blocks.
      • properties/: General properties for blocks.
      • wood_types/: Wood Type settings
      • block_set_type/: Wood Type settings
    • items/: For item-related definitions and properties.
      • weapons/: Files defining new weapon items.
      • tools/: Definitions for tool-type items.
      • armor/: Armor item specifications.
      • properties/: General properties and characteristics of items.
      • shields/: Custom shield item definitions.
      • tiers/: Different tier levels for items, typically impacting quality or effectiveness.
    • commands/: Custom commands introduced by the content pack.
    • item_groups/: Organizes items into groups for better categorization.
      • expanded/: Expanded item groups for more detailed categorization.
      • sub_groups/: Sub-categories within item groups.
    • cauldron_types/: Something

Each directory should contain JSON files and other relevant assets (like textures and models) for the respective content types.

Key Files and Their Roles

Describe different file types used in content packs, such as JSON files for definitions and PNG files for textures.

Naming Conventions and Formats

Outline best practices for naming files and directories. Discuss the required formats for various types of content.

Creating Custom Blocks

Creating new blocks involves several steps:

  • Defining Block Properties: Use JSON files to define properties like hardness, resistance, and interaction behavior.
  • Designing Textures: Create textures for your block. Ensure they are the correct resolution and format.
  • Block Models: If your block requires a custom model, design it using appropriate tools and reference it in the block's JSON file.
  • Interaction Rules: Define how the block interacts with players and the environment, such as response to being hit, broken, or activated.

Developing New Items

To add new items to the game:

  • Item JSON Definition: Define the item's properties, including its durability, effect, and crafting recipe, in a JSON file.
  • Creating Item Textures: Design the item's texture. Pay attention to detail, as items are often visible up close in the player's hand.
  • Special Behaviors: If your item has special behaviors (like a potion with effects), script these behaviors and link them to your item definition.

Integrating Blocks and Items

Tips on ensuring that new blocks and items integrate smoothly with the game’s mechanics. Include testing procedures for balance and functionality.

Basics of Entity Creation

Overview of creating custom entities, including defining their behaviors and properties.

Modeling and Texturing Entities

Instructions on designing models and applying textures for custom entities.

Scripting Entity Behaviors

Introduction to scripting custom behaviors and interactions for entities.

Setting Up a Test Environment

How to create a Minecraft world for testing content packs and using Minecraft’s debug features.

Troubleshooting and Optimization

Common issues in content pack development and their solutions. Tips for optimizing content pack performance.

Advanced Content Creation

Creating content packs with complex game mechanics. Considerations for multiplayer compatibility and testing.

Updating and Maintenance

Keeping your content pack up-to-date with Minecraft and mod versions. Maintaining a changelog for content pack updates.

Additional Resources

  • Example Packs: Links to sample content packs.
  • Community Support: Information on forums or Discord channels.
  • Video Tutorials: Links to helpful video guides.