Just Enough Beacons
Minecraft's beacon and conduit systems are powerful but notoriously opaque. Without external guides, figuring out which blocks form a valid pyramid or what items fuel a beacon's effects can feel like guesswork. The Just Enough Beacons mod eliminates that frustration by integrating these mechanics directly into Just Enough Items (JEI), the game's most popular recipe viewer. This lightweight add-on transforms how you interact with beacons and conduits, making every step visible and intuitive.
What Is Just Enough Beacons?
Just Enough Beacons is a JEI add-on that introduces three new item categories to your Minecraft interface. Instead of memorizing block lists or alt-tabbing to a wiki, you can now view all valid beacon base blocks, accepted payment items, and conduit frame materials right inside your inventory screen. The mod is designed for players who want to build efficient beacon setups or underwater conduit networks without breaking immersion. It works seamlessly with both Forge and Fabric loaders, supporting modern Minecraft versions like 1.20.1, 1.19.4, and 1.18.2.
Key Features of the Mod
This add-on doesn't clutter your game with unnecessary fluff. It focuses on three specific JEI categories that directly answer the most common beacon and conduit questions. Each category is accessible through the standard JEI interface, so you can look up recipes and valid blocks just like you would for any crafting recipe.
Beacon Blocks Category
Ever wondered which mineral blocks actually power a beacon? The Beacon Blocks category lists every block that can be used to construct a valid beacon pyramid. From iron and emerald to netherite, you'll see exactly what qualifies. This is especially helpful in modded environments where custom ores might also be compatible. No more trial and error or wasted resources.
Beacon Payments Category
Activating a beacon requires a payment item, but the game never tells you what's accepted. The Beacon Payments category solves this by showing all valid items—iron ingots, gold ingots, diamonds, emeralds, and netherite ingots—along with any modded additions. Simply open the category, pick your payment, and drop it into the beacon's slot.
Conduit Bases Category
Conduits demand a specific frame of prismarine-related blocks, and the Conduit Bases category reveals every block that works. Whether you're using prismarine, dark prismarine, prismarine bricks, or sea lanterns, you'll see the full list. This takes the guesswork out of underwater builds and ensures your conduit activates on the first try.
How to Install Just Enough Beacons
Installing Just Enough Beacons for Minecraft is straightforward, but it does require a few prerequisites. First, make sure you have Just Enough Items (JEI) installed—this mod is an add-on and won't function without it. You'll also need a compatible mod loader. The mod supports Forge and Fabric, so pick the version that matches your setup. For Minecraft 1.20.1, for example, download the corresponding Forge or Fabric build of JEI, then place the Just Enough Beacons jar file into your mods folder. Launch the game, and the new categories will appear automatically in JEI.
If you're using the foxygame.net launcher, the process is even simpler. The launcher's built-in add-on catalog includes Just Enough Beacons, allowing you to install it with a single click while it handles all dependency and version compatibility checks for you. This means you can skip manual file management and jump straight into building your beacon pyramid.
To download Just Enough Beacons manually, visit the official mod page on CurseForge or Modrinth. Always choose the file that matches your Minecraft version and loader. After downloading, drop the .jar file into your mods folder alongside JEI. Restart the game, and you're ready to explore the new categories.
Why You Need This Add-on
Beacons and conduits are late-game structures that offer significant advantages, but their complexity often deters players. Just Enough Beacons bridges the gap between in-game mechanics and external knowledge. By integrating directly with JEI, it keeps you immersed while providing instant answers. This is especially valuable in modpacks where dozens of new blocks might be beacon-compatible, or where custom payment items exist. Instead of hunting through config files or wikis, you can see everything at a glance.
The mod is also incredibly lightweight. It adds no new blocks, items, or world generation—just three JEI categories. This means it won't impact performance or conflict with other mods. It's a pure quality-of-life improvement that respects your game's stability.
Compatibility and Supported Versions
Just Enough Beacons is actively maintained for recent Minecraft releases. You can find builds for 1.20.1, 1.19.4, 1.19.2, 1.18.2, and 1.16.5 on both Forge and Fabric. The mod requires JEI version 11 or higher for 1.20.1, and equivalent versions for older game releases. Always check the mod's description for the exact JEI dependency version to avoid crashes. The developer also provides a Discord server for support and custom mod requests, making it easy to get help if you run into issues.
Final Thoughts
Just Enough Beacons is a must-have for any player who regularly uses beacons or conduits. It demystifies two of Minecraft's most powerful features and integrates them seamlessly into the JEI workflow. Whether you're a builder, a redstone engineer, or a modpack creator, this add-on saves time and eliminates frustration. Download Just Enough Beacons today and take the guesswork out of your next beacon or conduit project.