The Package Mod
The Package Mod is a utility for modpack creators that allows you to configure bulk crafting recipes which each player must research before they can be used. The core concept is inspired by Factorio mechanics, specifically Labs and Assemblers.
The mod adds three blocks:
- Packager - tracks which recipes the player has researched; accepts required items and outputs completed packages
- Unpackager - takes finished packages and allows instant extraction of all contained items
- Researcher - consumes resources and tracks which packages the player has crafted and researched, unlocking access to new recipes
Mechanical feature: none of these blocks have internal inventories. Items must be inserted and extracted only through external systems like hoppers or pipes. However, graphical interfaces are provided for convenience - you can select needed packages, view remaining requirements (data updates in real-time), and manage production.
Important: the mod itself contains no built-in recipes. Modpack creators must add them via JSON files or use CraftTweaker (support is already included).
Commands for Players and Developers
The Package Mod includes several useful commands:
- /packagecheckifresearched - checks whether a specific player has researched a particular recipe (with tab-completion hints)
- /packagecheckresearched - displays a list of all packages researched by the player
- /packagesetresearched - operator command that forcibly sets research status for any recipe for the specified player
For Developers
Custom recipes can be configured via JSON files. Each recipe can include any number of item types and their required quantities, plus research conditions - consumed resources, required number of already crafted packages, and prerequisite researches that must be completed before access is granted.
All configuration is stored in config/packagemod/packageadder.json. Configuration examples are available in the project's GitHub repository.
Alternative method: using CraftTweaker. Details, script examples (like test test.zs), and documentation can be found on the project wiki.
How to practically use The Package Mod?
This modification works best not for increasing difficulty through expensive recipes, but for creating more efficient production chains. Like Angel's and Bob's Mods for Factorio, you can build production lines of varying scales to produce large quantities of resources with improved efficiency - fewer costs per unit, but larger total volumes.
If your players will need large amounts of specific items, use The Package Mod together with Modular Machinery, ContentTweaker, and other machines to create complex but highly efficient production processes.
For Players
The Package Mod is useless when installed alone - it contains no default recipes. But if you're playing a modpack with this modification, here's how to use it:
- Place a Packager → use the "Select" function - you'll see all available packages. Grayed out ones haven't been researched yet
- To research a new recipe, place a Researcher and feed required resources through automated systems (like hoppers)
- Transfer packages created in the Packager to the Unpackager to instantly receive all component items
Special thanks to Exo594 for the amazing block models.
