What is Another Way To Start (AWTS)?
Another Way To Start, often abbreviated as AWTS, is a meticulously crafted Minecraft modpack that redefines the survival experience. Unlike standard kitchen-sink packs where you can rush to endgame in a few hours, AWTS introduces a rigid step-by-step progression line. Every milestone you reach unlocks new possibilities, forcing you to engage with mods you might otherwise ignore. The pack originally launched for Minecraft 1.7.10 and later saw a beta version for 1.10.2 under the name AWTS2, though both iterations are now discontinued and no longer officially supported. Despite that, the core design philosophy remains a fascinating case study in guided survival.
Step-by-Step Progression System
The heart of AWTS lies in its gated advancement. You cannot simply mine a diamond on day one and leap into draconic armor. Instead, the pack weaves together over 250 mods into a coherent journey. Early game might demand mastering basic Botania mana generation before you can access Thermal Expansion machines. Mid-game could require building a complex Applied Energistics network to unlock Thaumcraft research. This linear path ensures that every player experiences the full breadth of the modded ecosystem, turning what could be a chaotic sandbox into a curated adventure.
- Quests and custom recipes enforce the order of progression.
- Key items are locked behind achievements that require cross-mod interaction.
- Exploration is rewarded but never lets you skip essential tech or magic tiers.
Balancing Overpowered Items
Many modpacks suffer from power creep, where a single item trivializes entire sections of the game. AWTS tackles this head-on by modifying overpowered tools, armor, and machines. For instance, certain Draconic Evolution components have their recipes altered to demand resources from Blood Magic and Forestry, making them true endgame rewards. The pack authors carefully audited mods like ProjectE and Equivalent Exchange, either disabling or heavily gating their most broken features. This balance work means that even veteran players will find a fresh challenge, as familiar shortcuts are removed.
Endgame Challenges and Creative Items
Once you conquer the progression line, AWTS doesn't just leave you with a pat on the back. The pack includes custom creative-tier items designed to push your limits further. These might be absurdly expensive crafting recipes that require millions of resources, or unique artifacts that grant flight, invincibility, or world-altering powers. They serve as a final test of your infrastructure and automation skills. Reaching this stage often demands a fully optimized base with multiple mod interactions running in parallel, a true testament to your mastery of the pack's mechanics.
While the official CurseForge link is now dead and the pack is no longer maintained, you can still find archived versions through community forums. For those who want a hassle-free installation, a modern launcher like foxygame.net can simplify the process. Its built-in modpack browser lets you download and launch AWTS directly from the menu, handling Forge versions and memory allocation automatically. This flexibility is especially handy when dealing with older packs that require specific Java 8 environments and precise RAM settings.
Installation and System Requirements
Running AWTS smoothly demands a bit of preparation. The pack is heavy, with over 250 mods, so allocating at least 3 GB of RAM is mandatory, though 4 GB is strongly recommended to avoid lag spikes during world generation or complex automation. You must use Java 8, as newer versions can cause crashes with the 1.7.10 Forge build. If you are setting up the pack manually on MultiMC, the exact Forge version needed is 1.7.10-1614. Without the correct Forge, many core mods will fail to load. Always double-check your Java arguments and disable any unnecessary background applications to keep performance stable.
Why AWTS Still Matters
Even though AWTS is discontinued, its influence can be seen in modern expert packs like Enigmatica 2 Expert or Divine Journey. The idea of a tightly controlled progression line, where each mod serves a specific role in a larger narrative, has become a staple of the genre. AWTS was one of the early pioneers that proved players enjoy being guided through a massive mod list rather than being overwhelmed by choice. Its balance philosophy also set a standard: don't just throw mods together, but actively tweak them to create a cohesive experience.
- It demonstrated that linear progression can coexist with sandbox creativity.
- It showed the importance of cross-mod recipe integration.
- It inspired a wave of "expert-style" modpacks that dominate today's modded scene.
Final Thoughts
Another Way To Start may be a relic of the 1.7.10 era, but its design principles are timeless. If you are tired of aimless modded worlds where you reach godhood in a weekend, AWTS offers a blueprint for meaningful progression. The pack demands patience, planning, and a willingness to learn obscure mod mechanics. While you won't find official support or updates, the community archives keep the experience alive. Just remember to allocate enough RAM, stick to Java 8, and embrace the step-by-step journey. In a gaming landscape full of instant gratification, AWTS reminds us that the best adventures are those where every step forward feels earned.