Mad Help Mod Overview

Mad Help is a specialized toolkit for modpack developers, originally created at the request of the "tolkiencrat" modpack creator.

Key Features

Map Installer

Core functionality allows pack developers to create a selection of downloadable maps for users. The mod automatically downloads and installs specified maps on the client. Also supports downloading specific world regions with the ability to merge them into existing worlds.

Splash Screen

Configurable system for displaying informational text upon first launch of the pack or when it's updated. Can be set to appear on every load, when configuration changes, or completely disabled.

Cheat Prevention

Hides the "Game Mode" and "Allow Cheats" buttons from the LAN multiplayer menu. While technically possible to bypass through configuration, removing obvious options reduces the temptation for cheating.

Online Configuration

Configuration files for map downloads and splash screen settings can be stored online (e.g., in GitHub repositories). This enables updating map lists and content without needing to release new pack versions.

Installation and Configuration

Installation: Standard Forge mod installation. Recommended for client-side only — serves no purpose on servers and may cause crashes.

Map Setup

First launch generates a configuration template config/madhelp/MadHelpContentList.json with parameters:

• displayName — map name shown in download list
• fileName — ZIP file name for download
• description — brief map description
• info — detailed formatting-supported information
• releaseNumber — version number for update tracking
• downloadURL — direct download link for archive
• Regional download parameters: isRegional, regionInputPath, regionOutputPath

Splash Screen Configuration

File config/madhelp/MadHelpSplashScreen.json contains:

• revision — version number for content updates
• infoText — splash screen text content

Cheat Prevention

Enabled through Madhelp.json — removes relevant buttons from the interface.

Important: Requires Brandon's Core version 1.0.0.7 or higher.