Ore Dict Re-Order
If you have ever built a large modpack for Minecraft, you know the silent frustration of watching your carefully planned recipes output the wrong ingot or dust. This happens because many mods blindly grab the first entry they find in the ore dictionary, which is often not the one you want. The Ore Dict Re-Order add-on solves this headache by giving you direct control over the order of those dictionary entries, ensuring your preferred mod's items always take the lead.
Why Ore Dictionary Order Matters
In modded Minecraft, the ore dictionary (often called "OreDict") is a system that allows different mods to recognize items as equivalent. For example, copper from mod A and copper from mod B are both tagged as ingotCopper. This is great for compatibility, but it creates a problem: when a machine or recipe needs an ingot, it usually takes the first one it finds in the list. If you want Thermal Expansion's copper to be used instead of Mekanism's, you need to re-order the dictionary.
The Ore Dict Re-Order mod performs this re-ordering at the very end of item registration. This timing is crucial because it ensures that all mods have already added their items, and the mod can then safely rearrange the entries without conflicts. The result is a stable, predictable crafting environment where your chosen materials are always prioritized.
Understanding the Configuration
This add-on is built for modpack makers, and its config file is refreshingly straightforward. There are two primary lists you can edit: the mod preferences list and the ores list. Both come with sensible defaults, but you are encouraged to tweak them to match your pack's specific needs.
The Mod Preferences List
This list contains mod-ids, and the order of the list is everything. The first mod-id in the list gets the highest priority. When the mod re-orders the ore dictionary, items from that first mod will be placed at the very front. The second mod in the list gets the next spot, and so on. If a mod is not included in this list at all, its items will be pushed to the very end of the ore dictionary. This is perfect for demoting items you rarely use or for ensuring a specific mod's textures and recipes are the default choice.
The Ores List
The second list is where you specify which ore dictionary tags should be affected. For instance, if you add oreCopper to this list, then only the entries under oreCopper will be re-ordered according to your mod preferences. Any dictionary tag not listed here will remain untouched. This gives you surgical precision. You can re-order just the ingots, just the dusts, or just the ores, leaving everything else in its natural state.
Practical Use Cases for Modpack Makers
The primary audience for Ore Dict Re-Order for Minecraft is modpack developers. Many machines and crafting tables pull the first item from the dictionary to create recipes. Without this mod, you might end up with a recipe that outputs a visually inconsistent ingot or one that does not smelt into the correct block. By setting your preferred mod at the top of the list, you ensure that all recipes using that dictionary tag will consistently use your chosen item.
This mod also pairs beautifully with CraftTweaker. You can use CraftTweaker scripts to remove and add recipes based on the first item found in the ore dictionary. Since Ore Dict Re-Order guarantees that the first item is from your most preferred mod, your scripts will behave predictably every single time. This combination is a powerful tool for creating a polished, professional modpack.
Installation and Compatibility
Installing this mod is a breeze. Simply download the jar file and place it into your mods folder. The mod is lightweight and does not require any dependencies, making it a low-friction addition to any pack. For those looking to download Ore Dict Re-Order, you will find it compatible with several popular Minecraft versions, including 1.12.2 and 1.16.5, and it runs on the Forge loader. Always check the specific version requirements on the download page to ensure a perfect match with your setup.
If you are looking for a streamlined way to manage your mods, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Ore Dict Re-Order, pulling the correct version for your Minecraft instance automatically. This saves you from manually tracking down files and ensures you always have the latest compatible build.
Step-by-Step: How to Install
For those who prefer manual installation, here is a quick guide on how to install the mod:
- Ensure you have the correct version of Forge installed for your Minecraft version.
- Download the Ore Dict Re-Order jar file from a trusted source.
- Navigate to your Minecraft directory and open the
modsfolder. - Drag and drop the downloaded jar file into the folder.
- Launch Minecraft and check the mod list to confirm it loaded successfully.
After the first launch, a config file will be generated. You can edit this file with any text editor to set your preferred mod order and the list of ores to re-order. Remember to restart the game after making changes to the config.
Final Thoughts
Ore Dict Re-Order is an essential utility for anyone serious about modpack development. It eliminates the guesswork from crafting compatibility and gives you the control you need to create a seamless player experience. While it may not add flashy content, its quiet reliability makes it a staple in many advanced packs. The foxygame.net launcher also integrates this add-on into its catalog, making it easy to add to any new pack you create with automatic updates and version checks.
Whether you are fixing a single recipe conflict or standardizing materials across a hundred mods, this tool is a must-have. Take the time to configure it properly, and you will wonder how you ever managed without it.