Project: Expensive

If you have ever tinkered with ProjectE, you know the drill: one minute you are smelting a bit of iron, and the next you have a transmutation table that turns cobblestone into diamonds. It is gloriously overpowered, and that is exactly why many players seek a challenge. Project: Expensive steps in to fix that. This add-on is designed specifically to make ProjectE much more expensive to get started with, so if you are looking to nerf it, this is the mod for you.

Why Balance ProjectE?

ProjectE revolves around the Energy Condenser and the Transmutation Tablet, tools that let you duplicate and convert items at a whim. While fun for creative builds, it can completely trivialize survival progression. Project: Expensive reworks the early-game recipes so that obtaining that first condenser or tablet requires a serious investment of time, resources, and infrastructure. Instead of rushing to endgame gear within an hour, you will need to plan, mine, and craft like never before.

What Exactly Gets More Expensive?

The mod targets the core components that kickstart your ProjectE journey. Here is a quick breakdown:

Transmutation Tablet: The recipe now demands rare materials and multiple crafting steps, pushing it deep into mid-game territory.
Energy Condenser: No longer a cheap early-game shortcut. Expect to gather diamonds, nether stars, and other high-tier resources.
Alchemical Coal and Fuels: These now require complex intermediary items, making them a reward rather than a starting convenience.
Relay and Collector: The supporting infrastructure is also pricier, ensuring that the entire ProjectE network is a late-game achievement.

This approach does not remove ProjectE’s power; it simply delays it. You still get the god-like abilities, but you earn them through genuine progression.

Compatibility and Requirements

Project: Expensive was built using MCreator and is designed to work alongside the original ProjectE mod. It supports Minecraft versions 1.12.2 and 1.16.5, and it runs on the Forge loader. Because it is a companion add-on, you must have ProjectE installed for the changes to take effect. The mod also plays nicely with JEI or NEI, and the author highly recommends using one of these recipe viewers. Without them, you will be guessing at the new, intricate crafting paths, which can be frustrating given how much more complex the recipes become.

Using Recipe Viewers

Given the added complexity, JEI (Just Enough Items) is almost essential. When you hover over an item, you will see the new, expensive recipe laid out clearly. NEI works as well, but JEI tends to be more up-to-date for these versions. The mod does not add new items to the game; it only modifies existing ProjectE recipes. This means you do not need to learn any new blocks or tools, just new crafting sequences.

How to Install Project: Expensive

Installing this add-on is straightforward, but you must pay attention to versions. Follow these steps to get it running:

Install Minecraft Forge for either 1.12.2 or 1.16.5.
Download and install the base ProjectE mod for your chosen version.
Download Project: Expensive and place the JAR file into your mods folder.
Launch the game and verify that both mods appear in the mod list.

If you are unsure about version compatibility, a quick check of the mod’s file names will usually clarify which loader and Minecraft version they support. The process is identical for single-player and dedicated servers, though you must ensure the mod is present on both the client and the server.

A Note on Launchers

For players who prefer a more streamlined setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Project: Expensive, automatically handling the correct Forge version and mod dependencies so you can jump straight into a balanced playthrough. Its add-on catalog also keeps the mod updated and flags any version mismatches before you even launch the game, saving you from common installation headaches.

Is It Worth It?

The short answer is yes, if you enjoy progression. Project: Expensive transforms ProjectE from a cheat code into a legitimate endgame goal. The early game remains challenging, the mid-game becomes a series of ambitious crafting projects, and the late game finally rewards you with the power you have been working toward. It is a fantastic choice for modpacks that want to keep ProjectE but prevent it from overshadowing every other mod. That said, there are a few caveats. The author has stated that there will be no more updates to this mod, as the workspace files were lost. This means you should not expect fixes for newer Minecraft versions or additional balance tweaks. The mod is stable for the versions it supports, but it is effectively a finished product. If you want to use it in a public modpack, the author asks that you leave a comment for permission, though the mod itself is freely available.

Final Thoughts

If you are tired of ProjectE making your survival world trivial, then downloading Project: Expensive is a smart move. It respects the spirit of the original mod while adding a much-needed challenge. Pair it with JEI, plan your resource gathering, and enjoy a Minecraft experience where even the most powerful tools feel earned. Whether you are a modpack creator or a solo player looking for a tougher curve, this add-on delivers exactly what its name promises: a truly expensive path to power.

Project: Expensive – The Ultimate ProjectE Nerf Mod