Scavenge-Skillable: Unlocking Skill-Based Scavenging in Minecraft
Minecraft modding constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible in the blocky universe. Two standout mods that reshape progression and exploration are Scavenge and Skillable. Scavenge introduces a powerful loot and block-interaction system, while Skillable layers RPG-style skill progression onto your character. The Scavenge-Skillable addon bridges these two worlds, allowing you to gate scavenging actions behind skill requirements and even grant skill experience as a reward. This tiny but mighty compatibility mod unlocks a new level of immersive, progression-driven gameplay.
What Are Scavenge and Skillable?
Before diving into the addon, it helps to understand the core mods. Scavenge lets pack makers define custom block properties — conditions that must be met for a block to be broken or interacted with, and effects that trigger upon interaction. This can range from requiring a specific tool to dropping unique loot tables. Skillable, on the other hand, introduces a skill system where players level up attributes like Mining, Combat, or Magic by performing related tasks. Skills can lock the use of items, blocks, and even dimensions behind level gates.
Scavenge is available on CurseForge, and Skillable can also be found there. Both are staples in expert modpacks that emphasize gradual progression.
How Scavenge-Skillable Connects the Two
Scavenge-Skillable acts as a lightweight bridge. It adds two new block properties that integrate directly with Skillable’s skill system. Pack developers can now use Scavenge’s flexible condition and effect framework to check a player’s skill level or reward them with skill experience. This means you can design intricate interactions where, for example, mining a diamond ore block requires a Mining skill of 15, or successfully scavenging a hidden chest grants a level in the Exploration skill.
The addon does not alter the base mechanics of either mod; it simply exposes Skillable’s data to Scavenge’s property engine. This makes it an essential tool for anyone building a skill-gated scavenger hunt or a progression-based survival pack.
Block Properties Added by the Mod
Scavenge-Skillable introduces two new block properties that you can attach to any block via Scavenge’s configuration. Both are straightforward yet powerful.
require_skill (Condition)
This property checks whether a player has a certain skill at the required level before they can interact with the block. If the player lacks the skill or the level, the action is blocked — much like Skillable’s own item or block restrictions, but now integrated into Scavenge’s dynamic conditions.
- name: The exact skill name to check (e.g., "mining", "combat", "magic").
- disableJEI: A boolean (default false) that controls whether this condition appears in JEI tooltips. Useful for hiding spoilers or reducing clutter.
- Incompatible With: None — it can be combined with other Scavenge conditions like tool requirements or dimension checks.
level_up_skill (Effect)
When the block is successfully scavenged or broken, this effect increases a specified skill by a set number of levels. It’s an excellent way to reward exploration or tie skill growth directly to world interaction.
- name: The skill to level up.
- levels: How many levels to add (default 1). Accepts integer values, so you can grant multiple levels at once.
- disableJEI: As above, hides the effect from JEI if desired.
- Incompatible With: None — can stack with loot drops, particle effects, or other Scavenge effects.
Both properties respect Scavenge’s existing framework, so you can nest them inside AND/OR groups, use them with block state conditions, and even tie them to specific tools or gamestages.
Installing and Using the Addon
Setting up Scavenge-Skillable is refreshingly simple. You need to have Scavenge and Skillable already installed in your modpack, along with their required dependencies. Once you drop the addon JAR into your mods folder, the new properties become available in Scavenge’s block property files. No additional configuration is needed — the addon automatically detects both mods and registers the compatibility.
For players who prefer a streamlined mod management experience, tools like the foxygame.net launcher make this process even smoother. This modern Minecraft launcher lets you browse, install, and update mods directly from its menu, so adding Scavenge-Skillable alongside your favorite progression mods is just a few clicks away. It’s a flexible solution that keeps your modpack organized without digging through file directories.
Practical Examples and Tips
Imagine a custom dungeon where a locked vault block requires a Thievery skill of 10 to open. Using Scavenge-Skillable, you’d attach a require_skill condition with name "thievery" and the appropriate level threshold. Once the player meets the requirement and interacts with the block, a level_up_skill effect could grant one level in "exploration" as a bonus — creating a satisfying feedback loop.
Because the disableJEI parameter exists, you can keep JEI tooltips clean. Hide intermediate conditions that might confuse players, or reveal only the final skill gate to maintain a sense of mystery. The addon works flawlessly with JEI’s recipe and condition display, so players can still plan their progression if you allow it.
Remember that Scavenge’s block properties are applied per block state, so you can create different skill requirements for the same block in different contexts — for example, a stone block might require Mining 5 in the overworld but Mining 20 in a harder dimension.
Why This Addon Matters for Modpack Creators
Scavenge-Skillable fills a niche that neither Scavenge nor Skillable could address alone. Skillable can lock blocks behind skill levels, but it lacks the rich conditional logic and effect chaining that Scavenge provides. Scavenge can create complex interactions, but without this addon it has no native way to read or modify Skillable skills. By merging them, you get a highly expressive system for skill-gated scavenging that feels organic and rewarding.
Whether you’re building a hardcore expert pack, a story-driven adventure, or a casual RPG-lite server, this addon empowers you to design interactions that respect the player’s journey. It encourages exploration, rewards dedication, and deepens the connection between the world and character progression.
Conclusion
Scavenge-Skillable may be a small compatibility addon, but its impact on gameplay design is enormous. By weaving Skillable’s skill checks and leveling into Scavenge’s block property system, it opens the door to countless creative possibilities. The addition of require_skill and level_up_skill properties — complete with JEI visibility control — gives modpack authors precise tools to craft engaging, skill-driven experiences. If you’re already using Scavenge and Skillable, this addon is the missing piece that makes them work together seamlessly. Drop it into your pack, experiment with the new properties, and watch your world come alive with meaningful progression.