Minecraft:Add-on: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:00, 28 May 2026

Promotional artwork for the introduction of add-ons to the Marketplace

An add-on is a package format and a type of Minecraft:downloadable content that provides additional custom game features beyond the base game in Minecraft. It contains a set of Template:Ws used for constructing and customizing certain game objects and elements, such as Minecraft:entities, Minecraft:blocks, Minecraft:items, Minecraft:biomes, Minecraft:structures, the Minecraft:user interface, and more. It is officially supported by Minecraft:Mojang Studios, who provide the Creator Documentation for developers.

Add-ons consist of three main APIs: a Minecraft:resource pack for managing assets and resources, a Minecraft:behavior pack for defining data-driven behaviors, and scripting for writing a set of procedural instructions to perform custom behaviors and interactions. These functions and utilities are used for Template:W.

Add-ons are officially hosted on the Minecraft:Marketplace, where players can download or purchase them on their devices using an in-game digital currency called Minecraft:Minecoins. They must be submitted by members in the Minecraft:Minecraft Partner Program and approved by the Minecraft Content Team, or made directly in collaboration with Minecraft:Mojang Studios as official DLC. They can also be packaged for external downloading, but these cannot be imported on consoles.

Overview

Packs

Add-ons can be created with two types of data packs: Minecraft:behavior packs and Minecraft:resource packs. Behavior packs can be used to change Minecraft:gameplay and allow adding and customizing entity behaviors,<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Minecraft:loot tables,<ref>Template:Citation</ref> spawn rules,<ref>Template:Citation</ref> Minecraft:item behaviors,<ref>Template:Citation</ref> item Minecraft:recipes,<ref>Template:Citation</ref> biome characteristics,<ref name="biome-component-list">Template:Citation</ref> and much more. Resource packs affect how the game looks and have no effect on gameplay, and they allow adding and customizing Minecraft:textures, Minecraft:models, Minecraft:music, texts, and interfaces.

Definitions are written in Minecraft:JSON files, which are organized in multiple folders by their features. This system allows users to override and modify certain features in the base game, or add unique features with their own pack.

All contents of an add-on can be packaged together in a zipped Template:Cd file. An add-on file can be automatically imported by the game, which will organize all contents in the dedicated directories in Template:Cd.

Sub-packs

Resource packs and behavior packs can contain other packs inside the root, known as sub-packs.<ref>Template:Cite</ref> A sub-pack has the same format as the main pack and the directory of a sub-pack can have any name. Sub-packs need to be specified in the Template:Cd file of the main pack, where a name and minimum memory tier can also be added. For example, a pack can have multiple less resource-intensive sub-packs for lower memory tiers, but it can also be used for other types of settings. The memory tier, affecting which sub-pack is used, can be adjusted in the pack's settings menu in-game.

Molang

Template:Main Molang is a simple expression-based language designed for fast, data-driven calculation of values at run-time, and with a direct connection to in-game values and systems. It is used Template:In in their add-on system with its purpose being to enable low-level systems like animation to support flexible data-driven behavior for both internal and external creators, while staying highly performant.<ref>"Molang Documentation - Introduction to Molang"</ref>

Scripting

File:Breakpointhit.png

Scripting in Template:W with Minecraft debugger enabled

Scripting is an add-on feature used to write a set of procedural instructions for the game to perform custom behaviors and interactions at a certain time or in response to events and actions.<ref>Template:Citation</ref> It lets users control behaviors of entities, blocks, and items; characteristics of the world; or an entire game loop.<ref name="intro-scripting">Template:Citation</ref> It is fundamentally different from the behavior pack system, the latter uses a component system with preset definitions provided by the game.

Script files are written in the Template:W programming language and loaded by the game under the Template:Cd directory inside an add-on. Users may use Template:W, a dialect of JavaScript, which provides better error reporting and a static type system.<ref name="intro-scripting"/><ref>Template:Citation</ref> The Scripting API provides script modules for users to interact with the game, each module must be added as a dependency in the Minecraft:manifest.json, some notable ones are:<ref>Template:Citation</ref>

Module	Description	Latest versions	Notes
Template:Cd	Provides common resources, such as error classes or interfaces.	1.3.0	–
Template:Cd	Provides diagnostics functionality for discovering and diagnosing issues with custom content. Currently provides APIs for Sentry service.	1.0.0-beta	–
Template:Cd	Provides interactions between the script engine and the game world, such as blocks, entities, items, players, and others; additionally provides Custom Components V2 and Custom Commands.	2.7.0 2.9.0-beta	–
Template:Cd	Provides players and server communication through customizable forms.	2.0.0 2.1.0-beta	–
Template:Cd	Allows scripts to dynamically customize graphical settings from Minecraft:Vibrant Visuals defined in resource packs; currently only atmospherics.	1.0.0-beta	Pre-release only.
Template:Cd	Provides access to the Internet through web requests, such as GET, POST, and others.	1.0.0-beta	Pre-release only. Only usable on Minecraft:Bedrock Dedicated Server.
Template:Cd	Provides the Minecraft:GameTest framework for testing behaviors and interactions within the game world. See Template:Slink for further information.	1.0.0-beta	Pre-release only. The oldest module for scripting, other names may include: Template:Cd.
Template:Cd	Provides APIs useful for Minecraft:dedicated server administration, such as whitelist management, and managing player permissions.	1.0.0-beta	Pre-release only. Only usable on Minecraft:Bedrock Dedicated Server.
Template:Cd	Provides scripting APIs for Minecraft:Bedrock Editor.Template:Info needed	0.1.0-beta	–
External modules
Template:Cd	Provides utilities and functions for common math operations.	2.4.0	Notable APIs include: Template:Cd and Template:Cd.
Template:Cd	Provides utilities and functions for common gameplay operations.	1.3.0	Notables APIs include: Template:Cd and Template:Cd.

Typing definitions (for use in TypeScript) can be installed via Template:W package manager from the official packages owned by mc-npm. There are other built-in modules, further reading.

External modules are not built directly into the game and act as a helpers or utilities for development; they are available on minecraft-scripting-libraries GitHub and can only be installed through npm. They need to be merged with the scripting project through a bundler; Mojang recommends esbuild for simplicity.

The Scripting API version 2 is a major update to the Scripting API, which provides a new API to define custom components and custom commands along with other major API changes that aren't backward compatible with the previous version.<ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref><ref>Template:Citation</ref> Most changes from the Scripting API version 2 are available from Template:Cd version 2.0.0.

Marketplace

The Minecraft:Marketplace is an in-game platform where creators may sell their add-ons to the player-base. All Marketplace content must be submitted by members in the Minecraft:Minecraft Partner Program and approved by the Minecraft Content Team. Purchased content in the Marketplace is synchronized to the player's Microsoft account, and if they are not signed in, it is saved locally on their device.

Free add-ons are released as part of special events, for occasions such as to promote the release of Minecraft:A Minecraft Movie for Minecraft's 15 Years celebration and the eventful McDonald's X A Minecraft Movie promotion. See Template:Slink for a full list of add-ons officially promoted by Minecraft:Mojang Studios.

In addition to the Marketplace, there are community websites dedicated to hosting community-made add-ons, although such add-ons may only be loaded on Windows and mobile, whereas consoles can only access those add-ons through Minecraft:Realms.

Minecraft Education

File:MCEDU Add-Ons.jpeg

Logo for add-ons on Minecraft Education

In 2026, add-ons were introduced into Minecraft:Minecraft Education.<ref name=":edu">Template:Citation</ref><ref name=":video">Template:YouTube link</ref> These add-ons are all free, and designed to be optional utilities for teachers. All DLC of this nature are referred to as add-ons, however several function as Minecraft:skin packs instead.

Loading tipsTemplate:Anchor

File:Bedrock-modified-world-warning.png

An example of an add-on loading tip

Extra Minecraft:loading tip messages appear if the player is loading a world with add-ons applied. The loading message box is titled "Modified World", and loading tip messages would primarily warn the player about the add-ons or resource packs applied. For a full list, see Template:Slink.

Official add-ons

Template:See also

Bedrock Edition

Image	Name	Description	Release date	Purchasable
	Minecraft:Minecon 2018 New Entity Sample	A pack to show the usage of add-ons to add custom Minecraft:entities for creators, showcased in Minecraft:MINECON Earth 2018.	November 19, 2018	Template:Tc
	Minecraft:Minecraft Live 2022 Sample Pack	A pack to demonstrate the Minecraft Entity Wizard in Minecraft:Blockbench, showcased in Minecraft:Minecraft Live 2022.	October 17, 2022	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Poisonous Potato	An add-on themed around the poisonous potato April Fools' Day event in 2024.	April 1, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:15 Year Party Supplies	An add-on themed around the Minecraft:15th anniversary of Minecraft with features from Minecraft:15 Year Journey.	May 21, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Tetris	A collaborative add-on with features from Minecraft:Tetris.	June 6, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Lush Bath Bomb	A collaborative add-on to promote bath bombs from Lush.	August 1, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	SpongeBob SquarePants	A collaborative add-on with features from Minecraft:SpongeBob SquarePants.	August 20, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Ghost Pets	A themed add-on with ghost Minecraft:pet mobs for the Minecraft:Expect the unexpected event around Minecraft:The Garden Awakens.	November 4, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Majestic Camping	A camping-themed add-on for the Expect the unexpected event.	November 4, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Phantom Frames	A themed add-on for the Expect the unexpected event.	December 4, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Scary Furniture	An add-on for the Expect the unexpected event with haunted Minecraft furniture blocks.	December 10, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Mob Lights	Another themed add-on for the Expect the unexpected event.	December 10, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Monster Food	An add-on featured for Expect the unexpected with haunted food items and mobs.	December 10, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Lava Chicken	A promotional add-on for A Minecraft Movie which adds Steve's Lava Chicken shown in the movie.	December 20, 2024	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Sonic	A collaborative add-on with features from Minecraft:Sonic the Hedgehog.	January 7, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	A Minecraft Movie	An add-on that adds many features shown in A Minecraft Movie.	February 26, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	A Minecraft Movie: JetPack	A limited promotional add-on for A Minecraft Movie which could be obtained by purchasing tickets on its opening weekend.	February 27, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	McDonald's	An add-on themed around the collaboration of A Minecraft Movie with McDonald's.	March 24, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Time Capsule	A promotional add-on made for the Minecraft:15 Days of Minecraft event.	May 16, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	MLB Fan Cave		June 2, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Adidas Adventurers	A collaborative add-on with Minecraft:Adidas.	June 3, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	How to Train Your Dragon	A collaborative add-on with Minecraft:Universal Studios about the movie How to Train Your Dragon.	June 10, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Vibrant Memories	An add-on made to promote Minecraft:Vibrant Visuals after its release.	June 18, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Claims Adjuster	An official add-on that has been promoted with the Minecraft:Ice Cube Claims Adjuster series.	August 13, 2025	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Friendly Fishing	An official collaborative add-on between Marketplace Partners and Conservation International themed around sea life.	September 26, 2025	Template:Tc
	Jurassic World			Template:Tc
	TRON			Template:Tc
width=150x150	Dungeon Descent	An add-on released to promote new features from Minecraft:Mounts of Mayhem.	January 12, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Tiny Takeover: Mini Mania	A minigame-centric add-on released to promote Minecraft:Tiny Takeover.	April 21, 2026	Template:Tc

Minecraft Education


Image	Name	Description	Release date	Available
width=150x150	Minecraft:Dice	An add-on which introduces dice blocks.	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Math Chests Division	An add-on which adds chest blocks made for division.	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Math Chests Multiplication	An add-on which adds chest blocks made for multiplication.	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Roman Balneae Structure Pack	An add-on which adds a Roman structure.Template:Info needed	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Ancient Egypt NPC Pack 1	An add-on which adds NPC skins.	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Ancient Greece NPC Pack 1	An add-on which adds NPC skins.Template:Info needed	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Number Shaped Blocks	An add-on which adds blocks molded to various numbers.	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Number Blocks	An add-on which introduces numeric blocks.	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Ancient Rome NPC Pack 1	An add-on which adds NPC skins.	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc
width=150x150	Minecraft:Non-transitive Dice	An add-on which adds non-transitive dice.	April 9, 2026	Template:Tc

History

Template:For

General

This section includes major additions and milestones of add-ons. It also includes all Minecraft:Marketplace related history. Template:HistoryTable

Scripting

Template:HistoryTable

Videos

Tutorials from the official Minecraft Creator Channel. Template:Yt Template:Yt Template:Yt Template:Yt Template:Yt Template:Yt

Historical videos

These videos were uploaded when add-ons were first introduced. They demonstrate how add-ons could create customized gameplay and modify existing entities.

The first introduction of add-ons Template:Yt Template:Yt

Early add-ons tutorial and playthrough Template:Yt Template:Yt Template:Yt

Early Scripting API and experimental custom UI<ref name="minecraft-script-engine"/> Template:Yt

Quotes

"

Within Minecraft, there are so many ways to be creative and build the worlds of your dreams. But when you want to extend Minecraft even further and introduce new mobs, items and other artifacts into your world, you’ll want to go to the next level of creation by building new Add-On packs that can transform Minecraft.