⛏️ Episode 1 · Beginner · Setup

Open the Data Folder
Episode 1: What a Datapack Is

A datapack is the friendliest Minecraft mod of all: just a folder of text files, no mod loader and no install. In this episode you make one, load it and see it work.

👶 Ages 10+ ⏱️ ~40 mins ⛏️ Minecraft ✓ Free workshop
📁 Datapack folder 📄 pack.mcmeta ♻️ /reload ✅ Load check
⛏️ Start Step 1 ← All Episodes
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Build it in our Datapack Studio too: lay out the crafting recipe, write your function and pack files, then export a real datapack zip in the browser with no install. Open the Minecraft Mod Studio →
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No install needed: datapacks work in normal Minecraft Java Edition. You do need the Java Edition game (not Bedrock) to follow along.
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Ember says: no compiler, no mod loader, no admin rights. A datapack is a folder you drop into a world. This is the best first mod in any game.
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What a Datapack Is
A folder Minecraft reads
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Goal for this step

Understand what a datapack is and where it lives.

  • 1A datapack is a folder of text files that changes Minecraft using the game own systems.
  • 2It lives in a world folder at saves/<your world>/datapacks/.
  • 3You never touch the game own files, so a datapack is safe and easy to remove.
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Fill in the Blanks
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A datapack goes in a world at saves/<world>//.
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Knowledge Check
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Where does a datapack go?
Asaves//datapacks/
BThe .minecraft/mods folder
CThe game install folder
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Make pack.mcmeta
The file that says "I am a datapack"
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Goal for this step

Create a datapack the game accepts.

  • 1Make a folder for your pack inside datapacks.
  • 2Inside it, create a file called pack.mcmeta.
  • 3It needs a pack_format number matching your Minecraft version, and a description.
{
  "pack": {
    "pack_format": 48,
    "description": "My First Datapack"
  }
}
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Fill in the Blanks
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The file that marks a folder as a datapack is pack..
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Knowledge Check
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What does pack.mcmeta do?
ATells Minecraft this folder is a datapack and which version it is for
BStores your items
CPlays a sound
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Load It
/reload and /datapack list
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Goal for this step

See your pack loaded in the game.

  • 1Open your world and type /reload to load datapacks.
  • 2Type /datapack list and find your pack in the list.
  • 3If it is not there, check the folder is unzipped and holds pack.mcmeta at its top level.
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Fill in the Blanks
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To load datapacks without restarting, type /.
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Knowledge Check
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Your pack is not listed. Most likely cause?
AThe folder is not in datapacks, or pack.mcmeta is not at its top level
BYour PC is slow
CYou need a mod loader
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Ready Check
The four things you now have
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Goal for this step

Confirm your setup before writing content.

  • 1Minecraft Java Edition running.
  • 2A world you can open.
  • 3A datapack folder with a valid pack.mcmeta.
  • 4The pack shows in /datapack list.
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Fill in the Blanks
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A datapack needs no and no mod loader.
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Knowledge Check
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What is the best thing about a datapack?
ANo install, no mod loader, easy to remove
BIt costs money
CIt needs admin rights
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Your Datapack Is Live!
You made a datapack and the game loaded it. Now let us add something real: a crafting recipe.
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Next: Episode 2: Your First Recipe →