Ex Novum
Skyblock survival has always been one of Minecraft’s most demanding and rewarding challenges. The original Ex Nihilo mod defined an entire generation of void-world gameplay, giving players the tools to create resources from seemingly nothing. When development on that beloved mod ceased, a dedicated creator stepped up to fill the void. Ex Novum is a faithful recreation built with MCreator, designed to bring back the iconic skyblock experience for a new wave of players. Whether you are a veteran of the floating island or a curious newcomer, this add-on delivers the core mechanics you remember, along with fresh ideas to keep the adventure alive.
What Is Ex Novum?
Ex Novum is a Minecraft add-on that revives the spirit of the classic Ex Nihilo mod. It introduces a suite of tools and processes that let you generate essential resources from basic materials, making true skyblock progression possible. You start with nothing but a single tree and a piece of dirt, and through a series of clever crafting steps, you can produce everything from cobblestone to ores, from saplings to ancient spores. The add-on is built for players who love the grind of turning nothing into something, and it stays as close as possible to the original mod’s design while adding subtle improvements.
Core Mechanics and Tools
Ex Novum revolves around a handful of key items that transform the way you gather resources. Each tool has a specific role, and mastering them is essential to your survival.
- Hammer: Use it to break down cobblestone into gravel, gravel into sand, and sand into dust. This chain of crushing is the backbone of resource generation, yielding ores and other materials along the way.
- Sieve: Once you have dust or crushed materials, place them in the sieve to sift out rare items. From iron nuggets to diamonds, the sieve is your primary source of valuable resources.
- Barrels: Wooden barrels let you compost organic matter into dirt, or mix water and lava to create clay, netherrack, and soul sand. They are the key to expanding your island’s block palette.
- Crucible: Melt down cobblestone into lava, which then powers your cobblestone generator and fuels further production. The crucible is the engine that keeps your skyblock factory running.
How Ex Novum Differs from the Original
While Ex Novum aims to replicate the Ex Nihilo experience, it is not a direct port. Built with MCreator, it adapts the original concepts to a more accessible framework. Some mechanics have been streamlined, and a few advanced features are still in development. The creator has noted that not everything works 100% yet, but the core loop of hammering, sieving, and barrel crafting is fully functional. This add-on also opens the door for community feedback, with planned additions like more sieve types and a slingshot for throwable stones. The goal is to keep the skyblock spirit alive while gradually expanding the add-on’s capabilities.
Supported Minecraft Versions and Loaders
Ex Novum is currently available for Minecraft version 1.7.10, the same version that made the original Ex Nihilo mod so popular. It is designed to work with Forge, the most common mod loader for that era of Minecraft. While many players have moved on to newer versions, the 1.7.10 modding scene remains active, and this add-on slots perfectly into classic skyblock modpacks. If you are running a modern instance, you may need to set up a separate profile, but the nostalgic gameplay is well worth the effort.
How to Install Ex Novum
Getting Ex Novum up and running is straightforward, even if you are new to modding. Follow these steps to start your skyblock journey:
- Make sure you have Minecraft 1.7.10 installed with Forge. You can download Forge from its official site and run the installer to create a Forge profile.
- Download Ex Novum from a trusted add-on repository. Look for the latest version of the .jar file.
- Place the downloaded .jar file into your Minecraft mods folder. On Windows, this is usually located at
%appdata%\.minecraft\mods. - Launch Minecraft using the Forge profile. If the add-on loads correctly, you will see it listed in the mods menu.
- Create a new skyblock world or add the add-on to an existing modpack. For a true skyblock experience, use a void world preset or a map like SkyFactory.
If you prefer a hassle-free setup, the foxygame.net launcher includes Ex Novum in its curated add-on catalog, allowing you to install it with a single click and automatically matching the correct Forge version. This launcher also keeps your add-ons updated, so you never miss a new sieve type or bug fix.
Progression and Survival Tips
Starting with Ex Novum can feel overwhelming, but a clear progression path will keep you on track. Begin by growing trees and composting saplings in a barrel to create more dirt. Expand your platform, then craft a hammer to break cobblestone into gravel. Sieve the gravel to get your first iron nuggets and other ores. Once you have a bucket, build a cobblestone generator and use a crucible to produce lava. From there, you can automate cobblestone production and sieve for rare resources like diamonds and redstone. Remember to save your first few iron ingots for a bucket and shears, as they unlock critical steps like gathering water and leaves.
Future Improvements and Community Input
The developer behind Ex Novum is actively seeking feedback to shape future updates. Planned features include additional sieve meshes for different materials, a slingshot for ranged stone throwing, and netherrack dust for expanded recipes. The add-on’s MCreator foundation makes it relatively easy to iterate, and the creator has encouraged players to leave suggestions in the comments. This open dialogue ensures that Ex Novum will continue to evolve, potentially adding support for newer Minecraft versions if there is enough demand.
Why Ex Novum Matters for Skyblock Fans
Skyblock modpacks rely on a delicate balance of scarcity and creativity. Without a mod like Ex Nihilo, the early game becomes a tedious waiting game for random mob drops or lucky loot. Ex Novum restores that sense of agency, letting you actively work toward every resource. It is not just a nostalgia trip; it is a functional tool that makes skyblock playable and fun again. For server owners, it is a lightweight alternative to larger modpacks, and for solo players, it is a chance to relive the golden age of void-world survival.
Download Ex Novum and Start Your Skyblock Adventure
Ready to take on the void? Ex Novum for Minecraft is available now, and it is completely free. Whether you are building a custom modpack or just want to try a classic challenge, this add-on delivers the essential skyblock experience. Remember to check for updates regularly, as the creator is constantly refining the mechanics and adding new content. With Ex Novum, the only limit is your imagination—and maybe your patience when sieving for that first diamond.