Better Badlands Mod Wiki

Better Badlands is a vanilla-plus style expansion designed to address the lack of unique features in the Badlands (Mesa) biome. Developed by Team Aurora, the mod introduces a selection of blocks and mechanics that fit seamlessly into the Minecraft aesthetic while providing new utility for builders and survivalists. Key additions include a highly flammable fuse block called Kindling, directional Terracotta Lamps, and a more logical approach to Dark Oak tree generation in arid environments.

Kindling

Kindling is a highly flammable utility block designed for use as a fuse or a trap. It features a dry, brush-like texture and comes in several architectural variants.

• Variants: Available as full blocks, slabs, and stairs. If the Quark mod is installed, vertical slab variants are also available.
• Behavior: When ignited, fire spreads rapidly across adjacent Kindling blocks. Once the fire consumes the block, it does not simply disappear; instead, it breaks into several Twigs.
• Usage: Ideal for creating long-distance ignition fuses for TNT or decorative fire pits.

Terracotta Lamps

Terracotta Lamps are decorative light sources that provide a unique mechanical advantage: directional lighting. They are available in all 17 Minecraft colors (including the natural uncolored variant).

• Directional Light: Unlike standard torches or lanterns, these lamps only emit light in the direction they are facing. This allows players to hide light sources behind walls or create focused spotlights without illuminating the surrounding area.
• Aesthetic: The lamps feature unique, ornate textures that allow them to double as decorative floor or wall tiles.

Twigs

Twigs are a resource item introduced by the mod. They are primarily obtained as a byproduct of burning Kindling. When a Kindling block is consumed by fire, it drops multiple Twigs on the ground. These can be collected and used as a basic fuel source or for crafting purposes.

The mod makes significant changes to how trees generate in specific biomes to improve immersion and resource availability.

Small Dark Oak Trees

In vanilla Minecraft, Dark Oak trees require four saplings in a 2x2 grid to grow. Better Badlands introduces Small Dark Oak Trees, which can be grown from a single sapling.

• Biome Changes: These small variants naturally replace standard Oak trees in the Wooded Badlands Plateau and Dark Forest biomes. This change makes Dark Oak wood more logically accessible in the Badlands, where the wood is already used for naturally generating Mineshafts.
• Farming: This feature makes Dark Oak wood significantly easier to farm in small spaces, as players no longer need to commit to large 2x2 plots.

Fire Propagation

Kindling has a unique fire spread mechanic. Unlike wood, which burns slowly, Kindling is designed for rapid propagation. This makes it an effective tool for clearing brush or triggering redstone-adjacent fire mechanics over a distance.

Directional Lighting

Terracotta Lamps utilize a custom light-emission logic. By placing the lamp, the player determines the "face" of the block that will glow. This is particularly useful for map makers and builders who want to control the atmosphere of a room without the "flat" lighting produced by traditional light blocks.

Compatibility Features

If the Quark mod is installed, additional recipes and features become available:

• Stick Bundles: Can be used as an alternative to Dead Bushes when crafting Kindling.
• Vertical Slabs: Kindling can be crafted into vertical slab variants.