Overview#
The Relics Mod (available for 1.21.1 and 1.20.1) transforms Minecraft's exploration and loot systems by adding over 25 unique artifacts known as Relics. Unlike standard equipment, every Relic features randomized "MMO-like" stats, a dedicated leveling system, and progressive abilities that unlock as the player uses them. These items are designed to integrate seamlessly with other mods, scaling their power to match both vanilla-plus and high-power modpacks.
Relics are primarily found in loot chests within specific structures (like Desert Pyramids, Abandoned Mineshafts, and Bastions) or dropped by Mimics. They require the Curios API to be equipped in specialized accessory slots.
Core Mechanics#
Leveling and Experience
Relics gain Relic Experience through specific actions related to their function (e.g., dealing damage, taking hits, or using active abilities). As a Relic levels up, it gains Upgrade Points which can be spent to enhance its stats or unlock new ability tiers.
- Experience Spreading: By default, 25% of experience gained by one equipped Relic is shared with all other Relics in the player's inventory, allowing for passive progression of secondary gear.
- Relic Experience Bottle: A rare loot item that can be consumed to grant a flat amount of experience to an equipped Relic.
Ranks and Prestige
Once a Relic reaches its maximum level, players can Rank Up the item. This resets the Relic's level to zero but increases its Rank (Prestige). Higher Ranks unlock more powerful ability tiers and higher stat caps, allowing for long-term progression.
Quality and Rerolling
When a Relic is first discovered, it rolls a Quality percentage. This determines the initial strength of its randomized stats.
- Rerolling: Players can reroll a Relic's stats by spending 50 Minecraft Experience levels.
- Luck System: Every time a reroll fails to improve the stats, the player's internal "Luck" for that Relic increases, improving the odds of a better roll on the next attempt.
Research System
In newer versions (1.20.1+), the physical Research Table has been replaced by an integrated GUI. Players can access the Relic's management screen (typically via a keybind like Left-Alt or by clicking the item in the inventory) to view stats, spend points, and manage abilities.
Relics List#
Relics are categorized by their equipment slot and primary function. Below are the most prominent Relics found in the mod.
Mantles and Robes (Body/Back Slot)
| Relic | Description | Key Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Leafy Mantle | A forest-themed cloak that grants mobility in foliage. | Restores health in leaves; prevents death by consuming forest energy. |
| Midnight Mantle | A celestial robe that shifts power with the Moon phases. | Full Moon: +Damage/Speed; New Moon: +Toughness/Regen; Invisibility in dark. |
| Glitchy Mantle | A reality-warping cloak that confuses attackers. | Evasion chance; leaves behind "torn copies" (decoys); allows stepping over voids. |
| Ghostly Mantle | A spectral shroud trailing a suffocating mist. | Suffocates nearby enemies; reduces enemy strength on gaze; grants brief invulnerability. |
Footwear (Feet Slot)
| Relic | Description | Key Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Springy Boot | High-tension boots designed for verticality. | Bounces the wearer back into the air upon landing; reduces fall damage. |
| Roller Skate | High-speed skates for rapid ground travel. | Increases movement speed; sparks from drifting deal damage to nearby mobs. |
| Cut Glass Boot | Boots that crystallize liquids underfoot. | Allows walking on water and lava by storing and recognizing the liquid. |
| Aqua Walker | Specialized boots for aquatic traversal. | Grants high-speed movement and jumping on the water's surface. |
| Amphibian Boot | Hybrid boots for land and sea. | Increases swim speed and provides a smooth transition between water and land. |
Jewelry (Necklace/Ring Slots)
| Relic | Description | Key Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective Necklace | A defensive charm that stores incoming damage. | Stores damage in spheres; releases spheres to strike enemies when the wearer attacks. |
| Jellyfish Necklace | An aquatic relic that charges with electricity. | Regen in rain/water; releases electric arcs that sting nearby enemies. |
| Ring of Seven Sins | A double-edged ring that responds to the wearer's state. | Buffs based on Pride, Wrath, Gluttony, etc., but penalizes if conditions change. |
| Holy Locket | A divine charm found in temples. | Grants protection against undead and provides a "Second Life" mechanic. |
| Bastion Ring | A heavy gold ring found in the Nether. | Increases knockback resistance and armor; Piglins become neutral. |
Belts and Accessories (Belt/Misc Slots)
| Relic | Description | Key Abilities |
|---|---|---|
| Kinetic Belt | A momentum-based belt for aerial control. | Slows fall speed; preserves horizontal momentum; softens landings. |
| Hunting Belt | A commander's belt for beastmasters. | Buffs tamed animals; damage increases with the number of nearby pets. |
| Experience Disperser | A utility relic for gear progression. | Increases the percentage of experience shared with other unequipped relics. |
| Rider Flute | A magical instrument for mount management. | Can "store" a tamed mount and summon it instantly from anywhere. |
| Chef's Hat | A culinary relic that generates food. | Slain mobs have a chance to drop Meatballs; can be eaten raw or cooked. |
Mobs#
Mimic
The Mimic is the primary guardian of Relics. It appears as a standard wooden chest in underground campsites or dungeons. When a player attempts to open it, the Mimic reveals its true form—a toothy, aggressive creature.
- Behavior: Mimics are fast and deal significant physical damage. They are immune to certain status effects and can jump to close distances.
- Drops: Mimics are guaranteed to drop at least one random Relic upon death. They also drop Mimic Dust.
- Mimic Dust: This item can be used on a standard vanilla chest to transform it into a Mimic. If the chest contains items, the resulting Mimic will be stronger but will drop more loot.
Items and Blocks#
Key Items
- Mimic Dust: Used to create artificial Mimics for relic farming.
- Relic Experience Bottle: Found in high-tier loot chests; provides a significant XP boost to the currently managed Relic.
- Researching Tools: Various items used in older versions to identify Relics; in 1.20.1+, these are largely replaced by the integrated UI.
Compatibility Addons
Relics Mod features several official "Reliquified" addons that bring the leveling and stat system to other popular mods:
- Reliquified Artifacts: Adds Relics mechanics to items from the Artifacts mod.
- Reliquified Twilight Forest: Adds unique Relics dropped by Twilight Forest bosses (e.g., Lich Crown, Firefly Queen).
- Reliquified Cataclysm: Adds high-tier Relics based on L_Ender's Cataclysm bosses.
Mechanics and Synergy#
Synergies
Some Relics possess a hidden Synergy tab. These are powerful abilities that only activate when two specific Relics are equipped simultaneously. For example, wearing the Midnight Mantle and the Reflective Necklace may unlock a unique celestial defense ability.
Configuration
The mod is highly configurable via the relics-common.toml file. Server owners can adjust:
- Loot Rates: The probability of Relics appearing in various chest types.
- XP Multipliers: How fast Relics level up.
- Stat Ranges: The minimum and maximum possible values for randomized stats.
- Blacklists: Specific Relics can be disabled from generating in the world.
