Overview#
The Structure Compass mod (version 26.1.1 for Minecraft) simplifies the often tedious process of finding specific landmarks in the vast, procedurally generated worlds of Minecraft. Unlike the standard compass which only points to the world spawn point, or the Recovery Compass which points to the last death location, the Structure Compass can be tuned to detect any structure registered in the game's code.
This mod is particularly powerful for players using large modpacks, as it automatically detects structures from other mods (such as dungeons, towers, or custom villages) without requiring manual patches or additional configuration. It serves as a balanced alternative to the /locate command, requiring resources to craft and physical travel to reach the destination.
Items#
The mod adds a single, highly functional item to the game.
Structure Compass
The Structure Compass is the core tool of the mod. It functions as a handheld radar that identifies the coordinates of the nearest specified structure and directs the player toward it using its dynamic needle.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Item ID | structurecompass:structure_compass |
| Max Stack Size | 1 |
| Durability | Infinite |
| Rarity | Uncommon |
| Renewable | Yes |
When held, the compass needle will spin aimlessly until a target structure is selected. Once a target is set, the needle behaves like a traditional compass, pointing toward the horizontal coordinates of the structure's center.
Mechanics#
The Structure Compass operates through a dedicated Graphical User Interface (GUI) and real-time tracking mechanics.
Selecting a Structure
To use the compass, the player must right-click while holding the item. This action opens a selection menu containing a list of every structure available in the current dimension.
- Search Bar: Located at the top of the GUI, this allows players to filter structures by name (e.g., typing "Village" or "Bastion").
- Structure List: A scrollable list displaying the internal names of all registered structures.
- Start Search: After selecting a structure from the list, clicking this button initiates the tracking process.
Tracking and Navigation
Once a search is active, the compass provides several pieces of information:
- The Needle: The red needle on the item icon will point toward the nearest instance of the chosen structure.
- Distance Display: While the compass is in the player's main hand or off-hand, the distance to the target (in blocks) is displayed in the action bar above the hotbar.
- Status Messages: If the structure cannot be found within the search radius, the game will display a "Structure not found" message in the chat.
Resetting the Compass
To clear the current target and stop the tracking, players can Shift + Right-click with the compass in hand. This will reset the needle to its default spinning state, allowing for a new search to be initiated.
Crafting Recipes#
The Structure Compass is designed to be accessible in the mid-game, requiring materials that encourage early exploration of the world.
Structure Compass Recipe
To craft the compass, players need a standard Minecraft Compass and four blocks of Mossy Cobblestone. The Mossy Cobblestone represents the "ancient" nature of the structures the compass is designed to find.
| Slot | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| Top-Middle | Mossy Cobblestone |
| Center | Compass |
| Bottom-Middle | Mossy Cobblestone |
| Left-Middle | Mossy Cobblestone |
| Right-Middle | Mossy Cobblestone |
Note: In some modpack configurations, the recipe may be altered to use Mossy Stone Bricks or Dried Kelp, but Mossy Cobblestone is the default for version 26.1.1.
Configuration#
Server administrators and players can fine-tune the mod's behavior through the structurecompass-common.toml configuration file. This is useful for maintaining game balance or improving performance on low-end hardware.
Configurable Options
| Option | Default Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
maxSearchRadius |
10000 | The maximum distance (in blocks) the compass will scan to find a structure. |
structureBlacklist |
[ ] | A list of structure IDs that the compass is forbidden from locating (e.g., minecraft:stronghold). |
allowSearchingInUnloadedChunks |
true | Determines if the compass can scan chunks that are not currently loaded in memory. |
By blacklisting structures like the Stronghold or Ancient City, server owners can ensure that players still need to use traditional methods (like Eyes of Ender) for progression-critical locations.
Compatibility#
The Structure Compass mod is built to be highly compatible with the Minecraft Forge and Fabric ecosystems.
- Modded Structures: It automatically detects structures from popular mods such as Repurposed Structures, When Dungeons Arise, and YUNG's Better Series.
- Dimensions: The compass works in the Nether and the End, as well as custom dimensions like the Twilight Forest or Blue Skies. It will only list structures that exist within the dimension the player is currently occupying.
- Performance: The search algorithm is optimized to run on a separate thread, ensuring that the game does not freeze or stutter while the compass is scanning for distant structures.
