Bridging Two Worlds: How CC: VS Transforms Ship Control in Minecraft
Minecraft modding constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible, and the intersection of two beloved mods—ComputerCraft and Valkyrien Skies 2—creates something truly special. The CC: VS addon is a minimalist yet powerful integration layer that lets in-game computers tap directly into the physics and mechanics of moving ships. Whether you’re a seasoned engineer crafting complex redstone contraptions or a server admin looking to enhance player-built vehicles, this addon opens up a new dimension of programmable automation.
What Exactly Is CC: VS?
At its core, CC: VS (ComputerCraft: Valkyrien Skies) is a lightweight bridge mod designed to expand the capabilities of ComputerCraft computers when placed on Valkyrien Skies 2 ships. Without it, computers on ships have limited awareness of the vessel they’re riding—they can’t easily read speed, orientation, or block positions relative to the ship’s physics grid. This addon solves that by introducing two dedicated APIs that give Lua programmers the hooks they need to build intelligent ship systems, from autopilots to dynamic stabilizers.
Key Features That Elevate Ship Automation
The addon keeps things focused, delivering exactly what’s needed without bloat. Here’s what you get when you install it:
ShipAPI – Your Window into Ship Data
Any standard ComputerCraft computer placed on a Valkyrien Skies ship immediately gains access to the ship API. It’s also aliased with the ship’s own name at startup, so you can reference it naturally in your scripts. This API exposes crucial real-time information: the ship’s velocity, angular velocity, center of mass, bounding box dimensions, and even the transform matrix that maps ship-relative coordinates to world space. With these data points, you can create custom HUDs that display navigation telemetry, trigger alarms when the ship tilts too far, or automatically adjust stabilizer fins based on pitch and roll. The possibilities stretch as far as your Lua skills can take you.
ExtendedShipAPI – Command Computers Take the Helm
For those wielding Command Computers, the addon unlocks an even more potent toolset. The ExtendedShipAPI inherits all the methods of ShipAPI and adds direct control over the ship’s movement. You can set linear velocity, angular velocity, or even apply forces to specific points on the ship’s grid. This means a Command Computer can act as a true flight controller, executing complex maneuvers like auto-docking, orbital station-keeping, or synchronized fleet movements. Because the API provides fine-grained control, you can implement PID loops for buttery-smooth motion—perfect for building elevators, cranes, or VTOL airships that feel responsive and realistic.
Built-In Utilities for Custom PID Controllers
Since version 0.0.8, CC: VS includes a set of in-game utility programs specifically for crafting custom PID controllers. Thanks to contributions from 19PHOBOSS98 (released under the MIT License), you no longer have to code a PID algorithm from scratch. These programs let you tune proportional, integral, and derivative gains directly from a terminal, making it far easier to dial in stable flight characteristics for your unique ship designs. Whether you’re building a lumbering cargo hauler or a nimble scout skiff, these tools help you achieve the exact handling you want without diving deep into control theory.
Seamless Installation and Modpack Integration
Getting CC: VS running is straightforward—just drop it into your mods folder alongside Valkyrien Skies 2 and ComputerCraft. For players who prefer a streamlined experience, managing mods through a dedicated launcher can save hours of troubleshooting. The foxygame.net launcher, for instance, offers a modern and flexible way to handle your Minecraft installations, allowing you to browse and download mods like CC: VS directly from its menu, which simplifies the entire setup process and keeps everything automatically organized. This kind of tool is especially handy when you’re juggling multiple mods that depend on specific versions of Valkyrien Skies or ComputerCraft, ensuring compatibility without manual file wrangling.
Practical Applications: From Solo Worlds to Multiplayer Servers
The true power of CC: VS shines in practical builds. Imagine a quarry ship that automatically levels itself over uneven terrain using real-time pitch data, or a cargo airship that calculates optimal thrust vectors to conserve fuel (if you’re using a fuel mod). On multiplayer servers, factions can program patrol ships that follow waypoints, report intruders via wireless modems, and even engage in automated combat maneuvers. The combination of Valkyrien Skies’ physics and ComputerCraft’s networking capabilities turns ships into programmable entities that can interact with the wider world in ways that static redstone never could.
Why This Addon Matters for the Modded Ecosystem
CC: VS represents a philosophy of focused, interoperable modding. Instead of reinventing the wheel, it connects two mature mods, letting each do what it does best. ComputerCraft handles computation and user interfaces, Valkyrien Skies handles physics and block movement, and CC: VS provides the translator. This modular approach means you can mix and match other addons without worrying about conflicts, and the lightweight nature keeps server performance impact minimal. For modpack creators, it’s a low-risk addition that dramatically expands gameplay depth for tech-oriented players.
Getting Started with Your First Ship Script
To dive in, place a computer on your ship, boot it up, and type lua to enter the interactive prompt. Run ship to see the API methods. A simple altitude hold script might look like this:
- Read the ship’s current Y velocity with
ship.getVelocity() - Compare it to a target value
- Use
ship.setLinearVelocity()(if on a Command Computer) to correct drift
From there, you can build up to full autopilot systems that navigate by GPS coordinates, avoid obstacles using distance sensors, and log performance data to files. The included PID utility programs make tuning such systems a breeze, letting you focus on the creative engineering rather than the math.
Conclusion: A Must-Have for Shipwrights and Programmers
CC: VS may be minimalist, but its impact on the Minecraft modded scene is anything but small. By giving ComputerCraft computers deep insight and control over Valkyrien Skies ships, it transforms static vehicles into dynamic, programmable machines. Whether you’re a solo tinkerer perfecting a personal airship or a server community building an automated trading fleet, this addon provides the missing link. Its clean APIs, built-in PID tools, and easy installation make it accessible to newcomers while offering the depth that veteran Lua coders crave. If you’re ready to take your ships from simple transports to intelligent automatons, CC: VS belongs in your mods folder.
--- **Update May 13, 2026:** Added 2 files for version 1.20.1 (Fabric, Forge).