Introduction
Model blocks are a fantastic way to add custom decorative elements and unique functionality to your Minecraft worlds. They allow you to go beyond the standard cubic shapes and introduce more complex designs. Perhaps you envision grand pillars, towering statues, or even custom furniture. One common challenge is creating a model that spans two blocks in height. This article will guide you through the process of crafting a functional two-block high model block in Minecraft, providing you with the knowledge to enrich your creations and expand the possibilities of your game.
Many players find themselves wanting to make a block with a model that is two blocks high, and for good reason. The aesthetic appeal is undeniable – taller structures, more detailed designs, and the ability to create imposing features. Functionally, a two-block high model can represent more complex objects, such as a lantern hanging from a post or a support beam that spans an opening. Achieving this, however, requires understanding the nuances of how Minecraft handles block spaces and interactions.
This article will focus primarily on using data packs to create these two-block high blocks. While command blocks and mods offer alternative approaches, data packs strike a balance between accessibility, sustainability, and relative ease of learning. They offer a clean and organized way to introduce custom content without altering the core game files.
Understanding the Challenges of Two-Block High Models
Minecraft, at its heart, treats each block space as a distinct and individual unit. When creating a two-block high model, you’re essentially trying to occupy two of these units with a single, cohesive object. This presents several challenges that need to be addressed for the model to function correctly and seamlessly within the game world.
One of the primary challenges is collision. If you simply place a visual model spanning two blocks, the player might be able to walk right through parts of it, particularly the upper section. This breaks immersion and makes the object feel incomplete. The model needs to have proper collision boundaries so players and other entities interact with it realistically.
Another key aspect is the block-breaking mechanic. Ideally, when a player breaks either the top or bottom portion of the two-block high model, the entire structure should break simultaneously. Preventing this can lead to visual glitches and an unsatisfying user experience. Implementing this requires some clever techniques involving custom functions and command execution.
Finally, it’s absolutely essential to have properly defined model files, blockstate files, and loot tables. These files act as blueprints for your block, instructing Minecraft on how to render it, how it behaves in different states, and what it drops when broken. Errors in these files can lead to the block not appearing correctly, not functioning as expected, or even crashing the game.
Crafting Your Two-Block Model with Data Packs
Lets go through how to use a data pack to achieve this. This is a solid approach to making your blocks.
Setting Up Your Data Pack Environment
Before you can begin creating your two-block high model, you need to set up the data pack environment. This involves creating a folder structure within your Minecraft world save and adding a special file that tells Minecraft that the folder contains a data pack.
First, locate your Minecraft world save folder. This is usually found in the saves folder within your Minecraft installation directory. Inside your world save folder, you should find a folder called datapacks. If the folder doesn’t exist, create it.
Next, create a new folder within the datapacks folder. This folder will hold all the files for your custom block. Choose a descriptive name for the folder, like mytallblock.
Inside the mytallblock folder, create a file named pack.mcmeta. This file tells Minecraft that the folder is a data pack. Open pack.mcmeta in a text editor and add the following content:
{
"pack": {
"pack_format": 9,
"description": "My Custom Tall Block Data Pack"
}
}
Make sure to save the file with the .mcmeta extension. The pack_format should match the version of Minecraft you are using. Check the Minecraft Wiki for the current version’s pack_format.
You will also need a text editor that is suitable for working with JSON files and .mcfunction files. Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, and Notepad++ are all excellent options.
Designing the Block Model
The block model defines the shape and appearance of your custom block. You will use a JSON file to define the model. Blockbench is a great way to see how the model is going to look visually as you create it.
Open Blockbench (or your preferred modeling tool) and create a new block model. Focus on arranging the elements to form a two-block high shape. Each element in the model is defined by its from and to coordinates, which specify the opposite corners of a rectangular prism.
For example, to create a simple rectangular pillar that is two blocks high, you could define two elements: one for the bottom block and one for the top block. Remember that coordinates run from zero to sixteen.
Here’s an example of the JSON code for a basic two-block high pillar:
{
"elements": [
{
"from": [ 0, 0, 0 ],
"to": [ 16, 16, 16 ],
"faces": {
"north": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"east": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"south": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"west": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"up": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"down": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" }
}
},
{
"from": [ 0, 16, 0 ],
"to": [ 16, 32, 16 ],
"faces": {
"north": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"east": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"south": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"west": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"up": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" },
"down": { "uv": [ 0, 0, 16, 16 ], "texture": "#texture" }
}
}
],
"textures": {
"texture": "namespace:blocks/myblocktexture"
}
}
Save the model file as mytallblock.json in the following directory within your data pack: assets\namespace\models\block. Replace namespace with your desired namespace (e.g., mymods).
Configuring the Blockstate File
The blockstate file links the model to a specific block name in Minecraft. Create a JSON file named mytallblock.json in the following directory within your data pack: assets\namespace\blockstates. The contents of the file should be:
{
"variants": {
"": { "model": "namespace:block/mytallblock" }
}
}
Replace namespace with the same namespace you used in the model file. This blockstate simply tells Minecraft to use the mytallblock model for all states of the mytallblock block.
Defining Block Loot
The loot table determines what the block drops when it’s broken. To ensure that the block drops itself, create a JSON file named mytallblock.json in the following directory within your data pack: data\namespace\loot_tables\blocks. The contents of the file should be:
{
"pools": [
{
"rolls": 1,
"entries": [
{
"type": "minecraft:item",
"name": "namespace:mytallblock"
}
]
}
]
}
Remember to replace namespace with your namespace. This loot table simply tells Minecraft to drop one mytallblock item when the block is broken.
Defining the Block Tag
The block .json tag in data/minecraft/tags/blocks is required to ensure some properties of the blocks are carried over. Create a json file in data/minecraft/tags/blocks with the name of your block, mytallblock.json. The contents of the file should be:
{
"replace": false,
"values": [
"namespace:mytallblock"
]
}
This allows you to tag properties, like whether a pickaxe or something else is required to mine your block.
Making the Block Placeable
By default, new blocks cannot be placed. To make your block placeable, you need to add it to the blocks tag within the data/minecraft/tags/items directory. Create a JSON file named mytallblock.json in the data/minecraft/tags/items with this information:
{
"replace": false,
"values": [
"namespace:mytallblock"
]
}
Remember to use your chosen namespace. This will now allow you to place your block.
Collision Handling with invisible Armor Stands
A two-block-tall collision box will make the players behave as desired with your block. An armor stand can be set up to do this effectively.
Breaking Behavior: Complete Destruction
The most seamless way to ensure the entire block breaks at once is to call an .mcfunction file on breakage.
Create an .mcfunction with the name of your choosing, such as, break_mytallblock.mcfunction, located at data\namespace\functions. Inside of that you will want the following functions
setblock ~ ~ ~ air destroy
setblock ~ ~1 ~ air destroy
Make sure you’re triggering this on the destruction of either block with a placed armor stand.
Putting It All Together: The .mcfunction file and Block Placement.
On placing of the block summon an invisible armor stand to be the collision.
summon armor_stand ~ ~ ~ {Invisible:1b,Invulnerable:1b,NoBasePlate:1b,Marker:1b,CustomName:'{"text":"mytallblock"}',Tags:["mytallblock"]}
On destruction of the block, destroy the armor stand as well.
kill @e[tag=mytallblock,distance=..1]
Testing and Troubleshooting
To load the data pack into your Minecraft world, place the mytallblock folder (containing all the files you created) into the datapacks folder of your world save. Then, in Minecraft, run the command /reload. This will reload the data packs and apply the changes.
If you encounter errors, double-check the following:
- JSON Syntax: Ensure that all your JSON files are correctly formatted. Use a JSON validator tool to check for syntax errors.
- File Paths: Verify that the file paths in your blockstate, model, and loot table files are correct and match the actual file locations within your data pack.
- Namespace: Make sure you use the same namespace consistently across all files.
- Minecraft Version Compatibility: Confirm that the
pack_formatin thepack.mcmetafile is compatible with your Minecraft version.
By following these steps, you should be able to create a functional two-block high model block in Minecraft using data packs. This method provides a clean, organized, and relatively easy way to add custom content to your game and unlock a world of creative possibilities.
In Conclusion
Creating a two-block high model block in Minecraft can seem daunting, but by using data packs and following these steps, you can successfully add custom creations to your game. Remember that the data pack method is a solid approach to creating these blocks. The model file, blockstate file, and loot table all need to be setup to ensure the blocks break and look like what you would like them to look like.
Now, you can begin to enjoy creating new Minecraft structures and assets with your very own custom blocks. Go forth, experiment, and share your creations with the Minecraft community! Happy building!
