Aether 2 Mod Wiki

The Aether II (Highlands / Genesis of the Void) is the legendary sequel to the original Aether mod. It transports players to a hostile paradise miles above the clouds, featuring a completely different world from the Overworld. This version, specifically for Minecraft, introduces the Highlands Update, which overhauled the terrain generation, added a new portal system, and implemented the Undercloud—a dangerous layer beneath the floating islands.

Key features include:

• A New Dimension: A vast expanse of floating islands and cloud oceans.
• Advanced Progression: Move beyond vanilla tools with materials like Zanite, Arkenium, and Gravitite.
• Unique Mechanics: Separate inventories for the Aether and Overworld, a built-in Party System, and a comprehensive Guidebook.
• Mythical Mobs: Tame flying Moas, dodge poisonous Cockatrices, and encounter the mysterious Necromancer.

In the Highlands update, the method of entering the Aether has changed from the classic Glowstone portal. Players must now construct a portal frame using Quartz Blocks (mined from the Nether) and activate it with a Water Bucket.

Portal Construction

1. Build a 4x5 frame of Quartz Blocks (similar to a Nether portal).
2. Right-click the bottom of the frame with a Water Bucket.
3. Step through the shimmering water to begin your journey.

Upon first entering, you may find yourself in a prologue area or the Necromancer's Tower, where you must interact with the Necromancer NPC to fully access the Holy Isles.

The Aether is divided into several distinct biomes, each with its own flora, fauna, and environmental hazards.

The Undercloud

If you fall off an island, you don't immediately die. Instead, you fall into the Undercloud, a dark abyss made of Undershale. This area is significantly harder than the surface, requiring higher-tier pickaxes (Zanite or better) to mine resources. Falling further from the Undercloud will eventually teleport you back to the sky of the Overworld.

The Aether is teeming with life, ranging from peaceful mounts to terrifying predators.

Passive & Neutral Mobs

• Moa: The iconic flightless bird of the Aether. They come in many colors (Blue, White, Black, etc.) and can be tamed by stealing an egg from a nest and hatching it. Tamed Moas can perform multiple mid-air jumps.
• Aerbunny: Small, fluffy rabbits that can be picked up and worn on the head to slow your fall.
• Aerwhale: Massive, peaceful beasts that float through the sky. They are purely decorative but add to the atmosphere.
• Phyg: A flying pig that can be saddled and ridden, though it is less agile than a Moa.

Hostile Mobs

• Cockatrice: Deadly birds that shoot poisonous needles. They are aggressive and can be distinguished by their glowing eyes at night.
• Swet: Gelatinous creatures (Blue or Golden) that try to engulf the player and carry them into the air or off cliffs.
• Zephyr: Cloud-like entities that shoot snowballs to knock players off islands.
• Sentry: Found in ruins, these stone constructs explode or attack when approached.

The Aether features a completely new set of materials that replace Overworld equivalents.

Natural Blocks

• Skyroot Wood: The primary wood source. Skyroot tools have a chance to drop double items when used.
• Holystone: The most common stone. Used for basic tools and construction.
• Undershale: Found in the Undercloud; a harder version of stone that requires Zanite+ tools.
• Quicksoil: Speeds up entities walking on it. Found on the edges of islands.
• Aerclouds: Come in several varieties: Cold (solid), Blue (bouncy), and Purple (directional movement).

Ores

• Ambrosium Ore: The "coal" of the Aether. Used as fuel for the Altar and to craft torches.
• Zanite Ore: The "iron" equivalent. Zanite tools become stronger as their durability decreases.
• Arkenium Ore: A mid-to-high tier ore used for advanced forging and reinforcement.
• Gravitite Ore: The rarest ore. It has reverse gravity and will float upward when mined unless a block is above it. Used for the highest tier of gear.
• Continuum Ore: Drops a Continuum Orb, which provides a random item when used.

Aether II equipment often comes with special abilities and set bonuses.

Tool & Armor Tiers

1. Skyroot: Basic wood tier; double drops ability.
2. Holystone: Basic stone tier; occasionally drops extra Ambrosium.
3. Zanite: Iron tier; mining speed increases as durability drops.
4. Arkenium: Diamond tier; used as a base for reinforcement.
5. Gravitite: Ultimate tier; tools can launch mobs into the air, and armor allows for high jumps.

Special Items

• Moa Saddle: Used to ride tamed Moas.
• Aechor Petal: Dropped by Aechor Plants; used to tame Moas and craft darts.
• Golden Amber: Harvested from Amberroot logs; used in the Amber Hourglass.
• Blueberries/Oranges: Native food sources found on bushes and trees.

The Aether II introduces several complex systems to manage your progression.

The Altar

The Altar is the most important utility block. It uses Ambrosium Shards as fuel to:

• Enchant Items: Turn ordinary items into enchanted versions (e.g., Enchanted Aether Grass).
• Process Ores: Convert inert Arkenium or Gravitite into usable plates.
• Repair Gear: Restore durability to Aether tools and armor.

Amber Hourglass

Many ores in the Highlands update drop in a "fossilized" or "inert" state. The Amber Hourglass uses Golden Amber to restore these materials to their functional forms (e.g., Fossilized Zanite to Zanite Gemstones).

Arkenium Forge

Used for the Reinforcement System. You can upgrade your Arkenium gear using Corbanite and Arkenium plates to increase stats and unlock Charm Slots. Charms are rare loot items that provide passive buffs when slotted into your gear.

Guidebook and Bestiary

Press the yellow ribbon button in your inventory to open the Traveller's Guidebook. This tracks every mob you've encountered (Bestiary), provides lore, and shows your current Aether-specific equipment slots (Gloves, Pendants, Rings, etc.).

Exploration is rewarded with unique structures and challenging dungeons.

• Outposts: Small buildings found on major islands. They contain a campfire that acts as a respawn point within the Aether. You can also find utility NPCs here.
• Moa Nests: Small structures where wild Moas congregate. Stealing an egg from here will provoke the parents.
• Sentry Ruins: Crumbling stone structures filled with Sentries and loot chests.
• Necromancer's Tower: A massive tower where the Necromancer resides. It serves as the gateway to the dimension and a hub for early-game quests.
• Dungeons: While the Highlands update focuses on open-world survival, dungeons like the Sentry Ruins provide linear challenges with unique bosses and exclusive loot like the Hammer of Notch or Valkyrie tools.

Most Aether recipes follow vanilla patterns but use Aether-specific materials.

Basic Crafting

• Skyroot Crafting Table: 4 Skyroot Planks.
• Skyroot Sticks: 2 Skyroot Planks.
• Ambrosium Torch: 1 Skyroot Stick + 1 Ambrosium Shard.
• Zanite Tools: Standard tool shapes using Zanite Gemstones and Skyroot Sticks.

Utility Blocks