Overview#
Connectible Chains (available for versions 1.21.11 and 1.20.1) enhances the aesthetic utility of chains and leads by allowing them to stretch between blocks. Unlike vanilla chains, which are rigid and block-based, this mod introduces a physics-inspired "catenary" curve, making chains appear to sag naturally under their own weight.
These connected chains are not merely visual; they possess collision detection and can be interacted with using specific tools. The mod is highly compatible with other popular decoration mods, allowing for ropes and specialized leads to be used in the same manner.
Core Mechanics#
The mod changes how chains and leads interact with the environment. Instead of placing a chain as a vertical or horizontal block, players can now "link" two points together.
Creating a Connection
- Start Point: Right-click a compatible block (such as a fence or wall) while holding a Chain or Lead.
- End Point: Move to another compatible block and right-click it to complete the connection.
- Visual Feedback: A sagging chain will appear between the two points. The amount of sag (drip) is determined by the distance and configuration settings.
Interaction and Removal
- Sneak-Placing: To place a chain as a standard vanilla block without triggering the connection mechanic, the player must Sneak while right-clicking.
- Breaking Chains: Connected chains can be broken by attacking them with Shears.
- Collision: Chains have physical hitboxes. If a chain becomes invisible or glitched, players can press
F3+Bto view entity hitboxes and remove them manually with shears. - Oxidation: In versions 1.21.9 and above, copper chains used for connections will naturally oxidize over time, matching the behavior of vanilla copper blocks.
Items and Blocks#
The mod utilizes existing vanilla items and blocks while adding new properties to them.
Compatible Items
| Item | Function |
|---|---|
| Chain | The primary item used to create metallic catenary connections. |
| Lead | Used to create rope-like sagging connections between fences. |
| Shears | The tool required to safely break and remove connected chains. |
Compatible Blocks
Connections can be anchored to any block belonging to the following vanilla tags:
#minecraft:fences(All wooden and nether brick fences)#minecraft:walls(Stone, cobblestone, and deepslate walls)#minecraft:iron_bars(Standard iron bars)
Configuration#
Modpack developers and players can customize the behavior of the chains through the configuration file.
| Config Key | Default Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
max_length |
7 | The maximum distance (in blocks) a chain can stretch. Can be increased up to 32. |
drip |
0.5 | Specifies how much the chain hangs. Higher values result in a deeper sag. |
show_tooltips |
true | Toggles the visibility of the "Connectible" tooltip on compatible items. |
Developer Customization
Developers can add support for modded items (like golden chains or specialized ropes) by adding them to the connectiblechains:catenary_items tag via a datapack. The mod will automatically attempt to pull the texture and sound properties from the item's block variant.
Mod Compatibility#
Connectible Chains features native support for several popular mods, allowing their unique rope and chain items to use the catenary system:
- Farmer's Delight: Supports the use of Ropes.
- Supplementaries: Supports Ropes and specialized hanging items.
- Beautify: Supports decorative Ropes.
- Critters and Companions: Supports the Silk Lead.
- Macaw's Lights and Lamps: Supports various decorative chains.
Supported Languages#
The mod is translated into several languages as of version 2.5.6:
| Language | Status | Contributor |
|---|---|---|
| English (en_us) | Complete | Standard |
| Spanish (es_ar, es_mx, etc.) | Partial/Complete | Texaliuz, TheLegendofSaram |
| Japanese (ja_jp) | Complete | maeko802 |
| Dutch (nl_nl) | Complete | legoatoom |
| Russian (ru_ru) | Partial | Alexander317 |
| Chinese (zh_tw, zh_cn) | Complete | dirtTW, A012pyshjs210 |
