Proxies
Building complex automated systems in modded Minecraft often leads to a tangled mess of pipes, cables, and hoppers. As your factory grows, managing input and output directions becomes a logistical nightmare. This is where the Proxies add-on shines, offering an elegant solution for players who want cleaner bases without sacrificing functionality. By introducing passive blocks that redirect interactions, this mod allows you to decouple your transport lines from your machines, creating modular and compact designs that are easy to maintain.
What Are Proxies and How Do They Work?
At their core, proxies are completely passive blocks that do nothing on their own until they are configured. Their sole purpose is to target another block and act as a transparent intermediary. When a hopper, pipe, or cable attempts to interact with a proxy's inventory, tank, or energy storage, that interaction is instantly redirected to the targeted block. This means you can run all your main transport lines into a single row of proxies, which then feed specific machines hidden behind walls or floors.
One of the most powerful features is the ability to chain proxies together. A proxy can target another proxy, forming long chains that allow you to route resources across significant distances or through complex structures without laying new pipes. Since they rely on standard capabilities, they work seamlessly with almost any mod that uses common interfaces for items, fluids, or energy.
The Three Flavors of Proxies
To handle different types of resources, the mod provides three distinct categories of blocks, each designed for a specific capability type:
- Item Proxies: These redirect item handlers, making them perfect for sorting systems and inventory management.
- Fluid Proxies: Designed to redirect fluid handlers, these are essential for managing liquids in chemical processing or fuel systems.
- Energy Proxies: These redirect energy storage, allowing you to create clean power distribution networks without messy cable junctions.
Variants for Every Situation
Beyond the basic types, Proxies for Minecraft come in several variants to handle specific mechanical needs. Regular proxies always access the specific side of the target block they are pointing at. However, for machines that require strict side interactions, such as furnaces needing fuel from the bottom, Side-Preserving proxies are invaluable. They ensure that if you access the proxy from the bottom, it accesses the bottom of the target block, maintaining sidedness automatically.
For even more flexibility, Null-Sided proxies access the internal, side-less view of a block, while Junction proxies allow multiple chains to cross through a single block space by accepting connections from any side. Additionally, Filtered proxies include a small GUI with whitelist and blacklist settings, giving you granular control over exactly which items or fluids pass through your network. There are also Merger blocks that combine the inventories or tanks of two adjacent blocks into one large virtual storage unit.
Installation and Compatibility
If you are ready to streamline your base, you will need to know how to install this add-on correctly. The mod is compatible with modern versions of the game, specifically supporting Minecraft 1.12, 1.16, 1.18, and newer releases depending on the file you choose. It requires a mod loader like Forge or NeoForge to function. To get started, simply download Proxies from a trusted source and place the jar file into your mods folder alongside your other technical mods.
For players who prefer a streamlined setup process, the foxygame.net launcher offers a unique advantage by featuring a curated add-on catalog where you can locate Proxies and install them with a single click, automatically handling version compatibility so you can jump straight into building. This eliminates the common headache of mismatched dependencies and ensures your instance launches smoothly every time.
Configuration and Optimization
The mod includes a lightweight server configuration file that allows administrators to fine-tune performance. You can adjust the chain_length_limit to prevent excessive lag from extremely long proxy chains or define banned_proxy_targets to stop players from linking proxies to incompatible block entities. These settings can be edited directly in-game via the built-in config screen if you are an operator, or by modifying the config folder files on the server.
In conclusion, this add-on transforms how you approach automation. By separating your transport infrastructure from your machine logic, you gain the freedom to redesign factories without ripping up miles of piping. Whether you are running a massive industrial complex or a small starter base, integrating these passive routing blocks will make your system more compact, efficient, and visually appealing. Start experimenting with item, fluid, and energy redirection today to see just how simple automation can be.