Entity Information
Ever been deep in a Minecraft world and wondered exactly what makes a particular mob tick? Maybe you are a mod developer trying to debug a custom creature, or a server admin tracking down a lag source. The Entity Information add-on gives you a straightforward, no-fuss tool to peek behind the curtain of any entity in the game. With a single stick and a quick whack, you can pull up a wealth of data that is normally hidden away in code.
What Is Entity Information?
Entity Information is a lightweight utility mod designed to make life easier for both players and mod developers. It introduces a special item called the Information Stick. When you hit any living entity with this stick, the mod instantly prints a detailed readout of that entity's internal properties directly into your chat. No complicated commands, no external programs — just a simple, in-game interaction that reveals everything from the entity's unique ID to its exact position and how long it has existed in the world.
The mod works seamlessly with vanilla mobs like creepers, villagers, and horses, but its real power shines when used alongside other mods. Any entity added by another mod, whether it is a mythical beast or a custom NPC, can be inspected with the same stick. This makes Entity Information an indispensable part of any modpack creator's toolkit.
How to Get and Use the Information Stick
Getting your hands on the Information Stick is refreshingly simple. There is no crafting recipe to memorize and no rare drop to hunt for. Just open your chat window and type the command /informationstick or the shorter alias /ist. The stick will appear in your inventory immediately. You can use it in any game mode, as long as you have the necessary permissions to run commands.
Once you have the stick, equip it and right-click (or left-click, depending on your configuration) on any entity. The mod will then send a series of messages to your chat, each one revealing a different piece of information. Here is a breakdown of what you will see:
- Name (1.12):
entity.getName()— the simple name string for older Minecraft versions. - Name (1.13+):
entity.getName().getString()— the updated name retrieval for modern versions. - EntityName:
entity.toString().split("[")[0]— a clean, readable name extracted from the entity's class. - EntityId: The unique numerical ID assigned to that specific entity instance.
- UUID: The universally unique identifier, crucial for targeting entities with commands or mods.
- Position: The exact block coordinates, stripped of extra formatting for easy reading.
- isSilent: A boolean flag showing whether the entity is currently silenced.
- ticksExisted: How many game ticks the entity has been alive, useful for tracking spawn timing.
All of this data appears instantly, making it perfect for quick checks while testing a mod or troubleshooting a farm.
Supported Minecraft Versions and Loaders
Entity Information is built to be as accessible as possible across the modding ecosystem. You can use it on a wide range of Minecraft versions, from the classic 1.12.2 all the way up to the latest releases. The mod is actively maintained for modern versions including 1.16.5, 1.18.2, 1.19.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.1, and 1.20.4. It is available for both the Forge and Fabric mod loaders, so no matter which platform you prefer, you can integrate it into your setup without hassle. This broad compatibility makes it a reliable choice whether you are running a heavily modded server or a minimal client-side instance.
Why Developers Love Entity Information
If you have ever tried to debug a mod interaction or figure out why a custom entity is not behaving as expected, you know how tedious it can be to sift through logs or write temporary debug commands. Entity Information cuts through that complexity. With a single stick, you can verify an entity's UUID, check if it is being registered correctly, and confirm its position — all in real time. This is especially valuable when working with complex modpacks where multiple mods might alter entity behavior.
For example, imagine you are testing a new mob added by a mod and you need to ensure its unique ID is being recognized by another mod that applies status effects. Instead of digging through console logs, you just hit the mob with the Information Stick and see the UUID and entity name instantly. The mod is also a fantastic learning tool for anyone curious about how Minecraft handles entities under the hood.
How to Install Entity Information
Installing Entity Information is as straightforward as the mod itself. First, make sure you have the correct mod loader installed for your Minecraft version — either Forge or Fabric. Then, simply place the downloaded Entity Information jar file into your mods folder. You can find the mod on CurseForge or Modrinth by searching for "Entity Information for Minecraft". Always download from these official platforms to ensure you get a safe, up-to-date file.
If you are using a custom launcher that streamlines mod management, the process becomes even easier. For instance, the foxygame.net launcher includes a curated add-on catalog where you can find Entity Information and install it with a single click, automatically matching the correct version to your mod loader and keeping it updated without any manual file shuffling. Once the mod is in your mods folder, launch the game, join a world, and type /ist to get your Information Stick. There are no dependencies to worry about, so you can start inspecting entities right away.
Practical Uses Beyond Debugging
While Entity Information is clearly aimed at developers, it has plenty of uses for regular players too. Server administrators can use it to quickly identify problematic entities causing lag by checking their ticksExisted value. Map makers can verify that custom-named entities are spawning correctly. Even in single-player, it is a fun way to learn more about the game's inner workings. The mod is completely client-side optional, meaning it can run on a server without requiring every player to install it, though players will need it to use the stick themselves.
The mod is also designed to be pack-friendly. You are free to include Entity Information in any modpack, as long as the download remains hosted within the CurseForge or Modrinth ecosystem. This open policy has made it a staple in many developer-focused and quality-of-life modpacks.
Conclusion
Entity Information strips away the mystery of Minecraft's entity system and puts powerful debugging tools right into your hand — literally. Whether you are a seasoned modder, a server admin, or just a curious player, the Information Stick gives you instant access to the data you need. With support for a wide range of versions and both major mod loaders, it is a versatile addition to any instance. So next time you need to download Entity Information, remember that a world of entity insights is just a command away. Grab your stick, start poking, and see what secrets your mobs have been hiding.
--- **Update Sep 23, 2026:** Added 1 file for version 26.3 (Fabric).