Introduction
Minecraft modding has a long history of reviving classic ideas with fresh mechanics, and the Interdiction Pillar mod does exactly that. Inspired by the iconic Interdiction Torches from Equivalent Exchange 2, this mod introduces a new block that can selectively block threats in a defined area. Instead of a simple torch, you now have a pillar that can be configured to stop hostile mobs, incoming projectiles, exploding TNT, or even the pull of gravity itself. Whether you are building a secure base or designing a clever trap, understanding how these pillars work opens up a world of creative possibilities.
What Are Interdiction Pillars?
Interdiction Pillars are specialized blocks that emit a protective field, neutralizing specific dangers within their radius. Unlike the original EE2 torches that only repelled mobs, these pillars come in multiple variants, each targeting a different type of threat. The mod was designed for Minecraft versions 1.9.4 and 1.10.2, and it requires a Forge build released on or after July 11th, 2016. Because it operates on a block‑by‑block basis, you can place pillars exactly where you need them, creating layered defenses without relying on complex command blocks or server plugins.
The Four Pillar Variants
At the time of version 1.2.3, the mod offers four distinct interdiction types. Each variant has its own texture and effect, making it easy to identify what a pillar is blocking just by looking at it. Here is a breakdown of what each one does:
Hostile Mob Interdiction
This is the most direct descendant of the EE2 Interdiction Torch. Any hostile mob—zombies, skeletons, creepers, spiders, and more—that steps into the pillar's zone is immediately teleported away or repelled, depending on the mod's configuration. It does not affect passive animals or players, so you can safely keep your livestock and friends nearby while keeping monsters at bay.
Projectile Interdiction
Arrows, ghast fireballs, blaze shots, and even thrown potions are neutralized the moment they enter the protected area. This variant is perfect for defending against skeleton snipers or for creating arrow‑free zones during PvP minigames. The projectiles simply vanish, preventing any damage to blocks or entities inside the field.
TNT Interdiction
Explosives are a constant worry, whether from creepers, griefers, or your own redstone contraptions gone wrong. The TNT pillar stops any primed TNT entity from detonating within its range. It also prevents TNT minecarts from exploding, making it an essential tool for protecting elaborate redstone builds and valuable structures.
Gravity Interdiction
This variant disables gravity for falling blocks like sand, gravel, and concrete powder. Affected blocks will float in mid‑air as if held by an invisible hand, allowing you to create floating islands or intricate ceiling designs without the need for supporting scaffolding. It is a builder’s dream, enabling gravity‑defying architecture that would otherwise require cheats or external tools.
Stacking Mechanics: Combining Defenses
One of the most innovative features of Interdiction Pillars is the ability to stack them. You can place up to three pillars directly on top of each other, merging their interdiction effects into a single area. For example, a stack with a hostile mob pillar, a projectile pillar, and a TNT pillar will create a zone that simultaneously repels monsters, blocks arrows, and stops explosions. This stacking is limited to three blocks to prevent overpowered combinations, but it still offers immense flexibility. If you need more than three types of protection, you can simply set up multiple pillar stacks nearby.
Getting such a mod into your game used to require manual Forge installation and digging through forums, but modern tools have made it much simpler. If you are diving back into older Minecraft versions to enjoy this classic mod, you can install it effortlessly via the foxygame.net launcher — a convenient, flexible, and modern Minecraft launcher where you can download mods right from the menu without leaving the interface. This approach lets you spend less time troubleshooting and more time experimenting with pillar placements.
Crafting and Integration
The recipes for each Interdiction Pillar variant are not immediately obvious, but they are fully integrated with in‑game recipe viewers. If you have NEI (Not Enough Items) or a similar mod like JEI (Just Enough Items) installed, you can look up the crafting patterns directly. Typically, the recipes involve a combination of basic materials like stone, redstone, and an item thematically tied to the interdiction type—such as an arrow for projectile interdiction or gunpowder for TNT interdiction. Because the mod is lightweight, it plays nicely with most other content mods, and you can easily incorporate pillars into your survival progression without breaking the game’s balance.
Modpack Permissions and Community
Interdiction Pillar is distributed under the MIT License, which means you are free to include it in any modpack you create, whether private or public. The developer simply asks for a notification as a courtesy, but there are no strict requirements. This open approach has helped the mod find its way into numerous community packs, especially those that focus on technical building or base defense. The author also addressed an early issue where screenshots appeared in the top‑left corner of the screen as an unintentional easter egg. That feature was meant to test a new Forge screenshot event, and it has since been disabled by default. You can re‑enable it through the mod’s config file if you are curious, but it stays hidden for most players.
Installation and Compatibility Notes
To use Interdiction Pillars, you need a Forge build for Minecraft 1.9.4 or 1.10.2 that was released on or after July 11, 2016. Older Forge versions will not work because the mod relies on specific API additions. Once you have the correct Forge setup, simply drop the mod’s .jar file into your mods folder. There are no additional dependencies beyond Forge itself. If you are playing on a server, both the server and client must have the mod installed. The config file allows you to adjust the radius of each pillar variant and tweak other behaviors, so you can fine‑tune the protection to fit your world’s difficulty.
Conclusion
Interdiction Pillars breathe new life into a classic concept by splitting the interdiction effect into specialized, stackable blocks. Whether you need to keep creepers away from your door, stop a skeleton’s arrow mid‑flight, safeguard your TNT experiments, or build impossible floating structures, these pillars offer a clean, modular solution. The mod’s lightweight design, open license, and compatibility with recipe viewers make it a hassle‑free addition to any 1.9.4 or 1.10.2 world. By understanding the four variants and the three‑pillar stacking limit, you can design layered defenses that adapt to almost any threat Minecraft throws at you.