Starter Files &
Project Setup

🛠️ Tools You Need to Install

Install these before opening Episode 1. All are free. You only need to do this once.

📚 What You'll Build Series Overview

📁 Complete Project Folder Structure

This is what your project looks like after completing all 6 episodes. Green files are ones you create everything else comes from the Fabric template.

🚀 Quick Setup Walkthrough

Follow these steps once before starting Episode 1. This is also covered in Episode 1 Steps 1–4 in more detail.

1. 1
   Install Java JDK 21 from Adoptium. Run the installer and follow the defaults. When done, open a terminal and type java -version you should see openjdk 21.
2. 2
   Install IntelliJ IDEA Community from JetBrains. Scroll down to the Community Edition (it's free). Install with defaults.
3. 3
   Generate a Fabric mod template at fabricmc.net/develop/template. Settings to use: Mod Name = Crystal Mod, Package Name = com.example.crystalmod, Minecraft Version = 1.21.1, check Use Kotlin = OFF. Click Generate and download the ZIP.
4. 4
   Extract the ZIP and open the folder in IntelliJ: File → Open → select the extracted folder. When asked "Trust project?" click Trust Project.
5. 5
   Wait for Gradle sync. IntelliJ will automatically start downloading dependencies (the elephant icon in the bottom right spins). This takes 5–20 minutes on the first run. Wait for BUILD SUCCESSFUL in the Build panel.
6. 6
   Run genSources (optional but recommended): open the Gradle panel (right side) → Tasks → fabric → double-click genSources. This lets IntelliJ show you Minecraft's source code when you Ctrl+click things.
7. 7
   You're ready! Head to Episode 1 and start at Step 5.

📄 Final fabric.mod.json

After Episode 5, your fabric.mod.json should look like this (with both main and client entry points):

{
  "schemaVersion": 1,
  "id": "crystalmod",
  "version": "1.0.0",
  "name": "Crystal Mod",
  "description": "A crystal-themed mod with gems, blocks, food, tools, and a frog!",
  "authors": ["YourName"],
  "entrypoints": {
    "main": ["com.example.crystalmod.CrystalMod"],
    "client": ["com.example.crystalmod.CrystalModClient"]
  },
  "depends": {
    "fabricloader": ">=0.15.0",
    "fabric-api": "*",
    "minecraft": "~1.21.1",
    "java": ">=21"
  }
}

❓ Common Questions

Why Fabric and not Forge?

Fabric is lighter, faster to set up, and has a cleaner API for beginners. Forge is more powerful for large mods but has a steeper learning curve. Most modern modding tutorials for 1.21+ use Fabric.

Can I use a different Minecraft version?

The code in this series is written for Minecraft 1.21.1. Other 1.21.x versions should mostly work but some class names and method signatures changed between minor versions. If you get errors, check the Fabric wiki for the specific version you're using.

Do I need to own Minecraft to mod it?

You need a legitimate copy of Minecraft Java Edition to run the mod in-game. However, you can write, compile, and build the mod without owning it the runClient Gradle task handles launching a test copy.

How do I share my mod with friends?

Build it with the Gradle task: Tasks → build → build. This creates a .jar file in build/libs/. Your friends need Fabric Loader and Fabric API installed, then they drop your .jar into their mods/ folder.

Where can I learn more after this series?

The Fabric Wiki is the best reference. The Fabric Discord has a #mod-dev channel where you can ask questions. Also check out the fabric-example-mod on GitHub for more example code.