Mo' Bends Mod Wiki

Mo' Bends (available for versions 1.21.1, 1.20.1, and earlier) is a client-side cosmetic mod that transforms the rigid, blocky movements of Minecraft characters into fluid, aesthetic animations. By introducing a skeletal system with joints (bending) to the standard models, the mod allows for more realistic actions such as running, jumping, swimming, and combat.

Because the mod is client-side, it only needs to be installed on the player's computer and works perfectly on multiplayer servers without requiring server-side installation. It is highly customizable through an in-game menu, allowing players to toggle specific animations and effects to suit their preference.

The mod operates on a unique animation engine that overrides the default Minecraft rendering system.

Bending & Joints

Unlike vanilla Minecraft models which consist of solid boxes, Mo' Bends divides limbs into segments (e.g., upper arm and lower arm). This allows the model to 'bend' at the elbows, knees, and waist, creating a more human-like silhouette during movement.

The Mutation System

Mo' Bends uses a 'Mutation' system to apply its changes. When an entity (like a Player or Zombie) spawns, the mod 'mutates' the standard model into a Bends-compatible model. This system is designed to be compatible with modded armors, though some highly complex 3D armors may require manual configuration in the settings.

Client-Side Nature

As a purely visual modification, Mo' Bends does not change the hitbox, reach, or physical properties of entities. A player using Mo' Bends will still have the same combat range and movement speed as a vanilla player; only the visual representation of those actions is altered.

The player model receives the most extensive overhaul, with unique animations for almost every possible action:

• Basic Movement: Includes realistic standing (idle breathing), walking, and sprinting (leaning forward with high-action arm swings).
• Jumping: Features a dynamic takeoff, mid-air pose, and a landing 'crouch' to absorb impact. Sprint-jumping adds an exaggerated forward leap.
• Swimming: Replaces the stiff vanilla pose with a fluid breaststroke or crawl animation.
• Combat:
  • Sword Slashes: A three-hit combo system featuring horizontal, vertical, and diagonal swings.
  • Battle Stance: A ready-position when holding a weapon, making the player look prepared for a fight.
  • Fist Punching: Boxing-style jabs and hooks when attacking with an empty hand.
• Archery: A detailed bow-drawing animation where the player pulls the string back to their cheek and stabilizes their stance.
• Climbing: Hand-over-hand movement when ascending ladders or vines.
• Sneaking: A lowered center of gravity with cautious, weighted steps.
• Miscellaneous: Includes animations for falling (flailing limbs), eating/drinking, and flying in Creative mode (graceful gliding or 'superman' flight).

Mo' Bends animates several iconic Minecraft mobs, giving them distinct 'personalities' through their movement. While the mod changes their visuals, their base stats and drops remain vanilla.

Beyond model bending, the mod adds several particle and trail effects to enhance the 'epic' feel of the game.

Sword Trails

When swinging a sword, a white semi-transparent arc (trail) follows the blade. This emphasizes the speed and direction of the attack. These trails can be customized or disabled in the configuration menu.

Arrow Trails

Projectiles fired from a bow leave a subtle trail in the air, making it easier to track the trajectory of shots during long-range archery.

Custom Death & Hurt Effects

Instead of the standard red flash and 'poof' of smoke, Mo' Bends introduces a system where mobs and players fall over realistically upon death. The 'Hurt' effect also includes a slight flinch animation that corresponds to the direction of the damage taken.

The mod is designed to be highly flexible, allowing players to enable or disable any part of the overhaul.

• Menu Key (Default: G): Pressing this key opens the Mo' Bends main menu. From here, you can access 'Packs' and 'Settings'.
• Toggles: Within the settings, you can individually enable or disable animations for the Player, Zombie, Spider, Skeleton, and other supported mobs.
• Trail Customization: Players can toggle Sword Trails and Arrow Trails on or off.
• Commands:
  • /mobends: The base command for the mod.
  • /mobends reload: Reloads the current configuration and BendsPacks.

For power-users and developers, Mo' Bends offers tools to create entirely new animations.

BendsPacks

BendsPacks are custom animation sets (similar to Resource Packs) that can be shared and installed. They are stored in the .minecraft/bendspacks folder and use a JSON-based format to define bone rotations, positions, and keyframes.

Animation Editor

The mod includes an in-game Animation Editor (accessible via the menu) that allows users to manipulate the skeletal structure of a model in real-time. You can adjust the 'bones' of a character to create custom poses or entirely new movement cycles, which can then be exported as a BendsPack.

Mo' Bends is an animation-focused mod and does not add new items, blocks, recipes, or biomes to the game world. It is designed to enhance the existing vanilla content.

• Items: While no new items are added, the mod changes the way the player holds and uses vanilla items like Swords, Bows, and Tools.
• Blocks: The mod interacts with blocks like Ladders and Vines by triggering a specific climbing animation when the player is attached to them.
• Biomes/Dimensions: The mod has no effect on world generation or environmental mechanics.