BetterSpectralArrows

BetterSpectralArrows is a compact server-side addition in the "vanilla+" style that significantly expands the functionality of spectral arrows. Now when hitting blocks, these arrows create temporary light sources in the Minecraft world.

The main goal of the mod is to make exploring the new cave systems added in version 1.18 more convenient and engaging. Each light source created by an arrow has its own timer that starts counting from the moment the block appears. Each light block fades independently of others.

To facilitate access to spectral arrows in the early stages of the game, the mod adds two new crafting recipes using resources from the new caves: Glow Berries and Glow Ink Sacks.

Configuration Settings

Server configuration allows fine-tuning all aspects of created light sources, crafting recipes, and other mod parameters.

Light Source Configuration

Settings allow adjustment of:

• Initial light level of created blocks
• Fade interval in ticks (20 ticks ≈ 1 second)
• Amount of light level reduction per cycle
• Probability of light block fading

For example, to create light sources that completely disappear after 2 minutes, use the following configuration:

["BetterSpectralArrows - light block config"]

#Initial light level for created blocks.
#Range: 1 ~ 15
start_light_lvl = 15
#Time interval in ticks for decreasing light level of placed light blocks.
# -1 indicates forever
#Range: > -1
decay_interval = 1200  # ~2 minutes
#Amount of levels for decreasing light level of placed light blocks.
#Range: 1 ~ 15
decay_amount = 15
#Chance for a light block to decay/reduce its light level.
# 1 indicates 100% decaying chance
# 0 indicates no decaying
#Range: 0.0 ~ 1.0
decay_chance = 1.0

In this case, arrows will create light sources of level 15 that will disappear with 100% probability after approximately 2 minutes.

For more durable and gradual fading, you can use:

start_light_lvl = 15
decay_interval = 800 # ~40 seconds
decay_amount = 1
decay_chance = 0.5

This configuration provides slow fading of light sources - every ~40 seconds with 50% probability, the light level will decrease by one unit.

Creating eternal light sources is also possible. Set the decay interval to -1 or decay probability to 0. Blocks will continue to be tracked (without performance loss) but won't be removed. You can always change settings to resume the decay process.

Arrow Recipe Configuration

You can enable/disable crafting recipes for spectral arrows using glow berries or ink, and adjust the required ingredient quantities. Additionally, configuration is available for instant removal of fired arrows after creating a light block for gameplay balancing.

["BetterSpectralArrows - Recipe config"]
#Enable or disable crafting spectral arrows with glow ink
craft_with_glow_ink = true
#Amount of glow ink required for recipe
#Range: 1 ~ 8
amount_glow_ink = 1
#Enable or disable crafting spectral arrows with glow berries
craft_with_glow_berries = true
#Amount of glow berries required for recipe
#Range: 1 ~ 8
amount_glow_berries = 2

These configuration parameters are used only for generating corresponding recipes. After recipe creation, they become irrelevant. To enable/disable recipes, use the flag in the recipe file.

    {
      "isEnabled": true,
      "configName": "craft_with_glow_ink",
      "type": "bsa:boolean_config"
    }

Known Issues

Report errors, problems, and suggestions to GitHub. Please include Forge and mod versions in your reports.

Known Issues:

• Arrows sometimes not creating light blocks when hitting non-solid blocks/surfaces

License and Permissions

The mod is distributed under the MIT License. You can freely include it in any modpacks.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Will the mod be ported to versions <1.18?
• A: No, this would require introducing a separate light block, which would necessitate installing the mod on the client side as well.