Getting Started with Modded Minecraft

Jumping into the world of modded Minecraft can be overwhelming at first. With over 300+ mods available in many modpacks, you might find yourself staring at 200+ pages of items in JEI (Just Enough Items), each packed with unfamiliar blocks and tools. It's a big leap from vanilla Minecraft, but don't worry—this guide will help you get started!

Setting Goals

Whether you're entirely new to modded Minecraft or have some experience, setting goals is essential. Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve in this modpack? Many modpacks revolve around achieving automation and progression, which often requires substantial resources and power.

Starting with Power and Resources

In most modpacks, your first priority should be establishing a reliable power source and a steady supply of ores. Research the modpack you're playing to identify the easiest early-game power generators. For example, in Direwolf20 1.21, you could start with a coal generator or a magma generator. These options are usually simple to set up and effective for beginners.

Next, consider how you'll gather resources. Many modpacks include tools or machines to mine ores automatically. Whether it's a basic mining turtle, a quarry, or another method, find the one that suits your gameplay style. Once you have power and a reliable source of ores, you're ready to move forward.

Automation: Work Smarter, Not Harder

Manually smelting ores and managing outputs can become tedious. Automation is the key to freeing up your time for other tasks. Start small, using basic item transfer systems like itemducts or pipes. For example:

• Set up a chest for raw ores.
• Use itemducts to transport ores from the chest to a furnace.
• Send smelted ingots from the furnace to another chest.

This simple setup will save you time and effort. As you progress, you'll unlock advanced automation tools like Applied Energistics 2 or Refined Storage, allowing you to create powerful, centralized systems to manage your items.

For in-depth tutorials, YouTube is an excellent resource for learning modded Minecraft automation techniques.

Exploring Mods That Interest You

Once your resource pipeline is stable, it's time to explore mods that capture your interest. Mods often fall into categories like:

• Magic Mods (e.g., Botania, Thaumcraft): Perfect if you enjoy spells, potions, and mystical themes.
• Tech Mods (e.g., Mekanism, Thermal Expansion): Ideal for those who love machines and engineering.
• Nature Mods (e.g., Pam’s HarvestCraft, Forestry): Great for players interested in farming or natural aesthetics.

Find a category that excites you and dive in. Searching for modpacks that emphasize your preferred playstyle can make your experience even more enjoyable.

Choosing the Right Modpack

Selecting a modpack that fits your preferences can be daunting. Start by browsing platforms like CurseForge or Feed The Beast for popular modpacks. Watching YouTubers play modpacks can also give you a sense of which ones might suit your playstyle.

It’s normal to go through some trial and error when finding the perfect modpack. Each one offers a unique mix of challenges and features. After completing a modpack, reflect on what you enjoyed and what you felt was missing to guide your next choice.

A Personal Approach to Getting Started

Having played numerous modpacks, I’ve developed a checklist that helps me get started efficiently:

My Modded Minecraft Checklist:

1. Identify an early-game power source.
2. Find or create a basic quarry for resource gathering.
3. Automate the conversion of ores into ingots.
4. Transition from chests to a refined storage system (e.g., Applied Energistics 2).
5. Set a long-term goal, like crafting the ultimate armor or building a high-tech base.
6. Be flexible! If you lose interest in a specific goal, explore other mods or improve your base design.

Personally, I love automating everything. If I notice I’m constantly running out of a particular item, I focus on creating an automated solution for it. When I need a break from technical challenges, I shift my attention to upgrading my base or experimenting with different mods.

Final Thoughts

Modded Minecraft opens up endless possibilities. While the sheer number of mods and items may seem intimidating at first, taking things step by step will help you master the basics and discover what you enjoy most. Start with small goals, automate where you can, and let your creativity guide you as you explore the vast modded Minecraft universe.

Written by Jazz | Owner of DirtCraft