Getting Started with Simple Covers for Minecraft 1.8.9
If you have ever wished for more control over the shapes and sizes of blocks in your Minecraft worlds, the Simple Covers mod is a game-changer. Designed as a lightweight add-on for MCMultipart, it introduces basic microblocks that let you slice standard full blocks into smaller, more precise pieces. Whether you are building intricate furniture, hiding redstone wiring, or just adding subtle trim to your structures, this mod opens up a world of creative possibilities without overwhelming your game with complexity.
What Exactly Are Microblocks?
In vanilla Minecraft, every block occupies a full cubic meter of space. Microblocks break that rule by allowing you to place covers, panels, strips, and other fractional blocks that occupy only part of a block’s volume. Simple Covers takes this concept and makes it accessible. You can craft a variety of microblock shapes from almost any solid material, then place them in the same block space alongside other microblocks or even full blocks. This means you can run a thin strip of stone along a wall, hide a glowstone cover inside a floor, or create layered decorative patterns that were previously impossible without complex command block trickery.
Core Features of Simple Covers
The mod may be in its alpha stage, but it already packs a surprising amount of functionality. Here is what you can expect right now:
- Multiple microblock shapes – Covers, strips, corners, and more, each taking up a different portion of a block’s space.
- Material variety – Use wood, stone, metal, glass, and other common blocks to craft microblocks that match your build palette.
- Seamless MCMultipart integration – Place multiple microblocks in the same block space, and combine them with other multipart-compatible blocks like torches or levers.
- Simple crafting recipes – Convert full blocks into microblocks using a standard crafting grid, no special machines required.
- Open-source and modpack-friendly – Licensed under LGPLv3, so you can freely include it in private or public packs once the mod stabilizes.
Installation and Requirements
Before you dive into microblock construction, make sure your setup is ready. Simple Covers runs on Minecraft version 1.8.9 and requires a reasonably recent build of Forge for that version. You will also need two dependency mods: MCMultipart, which provides the framework for placing multiple things in one block space, and BDLib, a common library that handles shared code. Without these, the mod will not load.
Installing mods manually can be tedious, especially when you are juggling multiple dependencies. Many players find that using a dedicated launcher streamlines the entire process. For instance, the foxygame.net launcher offers a convenient, modern interface where you can browse available mods and install them directly from the menu, automatically resolving dependencies like MCMultipart and BDLib. This approach saves time and reduces the risk of version mismatches.
Updating from Earlier Alpha Builds
Version 0.2 introduced significant internal changes and a new storage format, which means if you have been testing older alpha releases, you need to take a few careful steps before updating. The developers have made the conversion as painless as possible, but ignoring the process could leave you with unusable items.
Here is exactly what you need to do:
- Backup your world – This is non-negotiable. Copy your save folder before loading the world with the new version.
- Load your world – All microblocks already placed in the world should automatically convert to the new format when the chunks load. Walk through every area where you placed microblocks to trigger the update.
- Convert items manually – Any microblock items sitting in chests or your inventory will not convert automatically. Place each old microblock item into a crafting grid by itself; it will transform into the new version instantly.
- Watch for outdated items – Old microblock items that have not been converted will display a special icon and a warning text, and they cannot be placed until you convert them.
The upgrade system is temporary and will be removed in a future update, so make sure to visit all affected chunks and convert every item now. Once that is done, you can enjoy the improved performance and stability of version 0.2 without any lingering issues.
How Microblocks Change Your Building Game
Once you start using covers and strips, your approach to detailing will never be the same. Imagine a medieval tavern with thin oak covers acting as wall paneling, or a modern laboratory where redstone dust runs through a half-block channel hidden beneath a glass strip. Because microblocks can coexist in the same block space, you can layer materials to create depth. A stone brick wall with a recessed iron cover looks like an inset panel, while a glowstone strip tucked behind a wooden cover gives off ambient light without an obvious source.
Redstone engineers will appreciate the ability to isolate circuits. You can run multiple redstone lines through a single block space by separating them with insulating microblock strips, reducing the footprint of complex contraptions. Builders who love furniture will find that a combination of covers and corners can mimic table legs, chair armrests, or even the slats of a bed frame. The only limit is your imagination—and the block palette you have on hand.
Compatibility and Future Plans
Simple Covers is designed to play nicely with other mods that support MCMultipart. As long as a mod registers its blocks as multipart-compatible, you can likely turn those blocks into microblocks. The developer has also mentioned an upcoming IMC API that will allow other mods to register additional materials automatically, expanding the range of available textures without needing a separate patch.
While the mod is currently in alpha, it is nearly feature-complete and is expected to move to beta status soon. That said, you should still treat it as experimental. Avoid adding it to a long-term survival world unless you are comfortable with occasional quirks. Once it stabilizes, it will become a staple for builders who crave precision. The open-source nature means the community can contribute fixes and enhancements, so its future looks bright.
Final Thoughts
Simple Covers fills a niche that many Minecraft builders have wanted for years: a straightforward, lightweight way to use microblocks without overwhelming complexity. It respects the vanilla aesthetic while giving you the tools to break free from the one-block-per-space limitation. Just remember to follow the update instructions carefully if you are coming from an older alpha, and always keep backups. With a little patience, you will be crafting intricate, space-efficient designs that make your worlds stand out.