Simple Structure Scanner
Minecraft worlds are vast, and finding that one elusive dungeon, village, or modded structure can feel like searching for a needle in a procedurally generated haystack. The Simple Structure Scanner add-on transforms this tedious hunt into a precise, data-driven operation. This isn't just a minimap hack; it's a full-fledged metadata browser that gives you an X-ray view of the world's generation logic, letting you locate, preview, and teleport to any structure with a few clicks.
What is the Simple Structure Scanner?
At its core, this tool is a powerful GUI that scans the world for registered structures. It doesn't just tell you that a structure exists; it provides a filterable list on the left panel and a detailed information panel on the right. You can see the structure's exact X/Y/Z coordinates, preview its schematic layout, and even view the blocks, entities, and loot tables associated with it. This makes it an invaluable resource for builders, explorers, and modpack creators who need to understand world generation on a deeper level.
Key Features for the Modern Explorer
- Instant Search: Press the default keybinding (P) to open the GUI. Use the live search bar to filter structures by their localized or unlocalized names. Type a mod ID or a specific structure name to narrow down the list instantly.
- In-World Navigation: Double-click a structure in the list to toggle a search mode. The mod will point you to the nearest instance of that structure, showing coordinates and a direction indicator.
- Detailed Previews: Click on the preview area to open a larger window. This is perfect for scouting a location before you commit to a long journey.
- Teleportation: If you have operator permissions, use the TP button to teleport directly to the found structure's coordinates. This is a game-changer for server admins and builders.
- Waypoint Integration: Use the [M]ap button to create a waypoint at the structure's location. It supports popular map mods like JourneyMap, Voxel Map, and Xaero's Minimap.
- Blacklist Control: The "x" button allows you to blacklist a specific found location. This is useful if you want to search for the *next* instance of a structure without the scanner getting stuck on the first one.
Supported Structures and Mods
The Simple Structure Scanner for Minecraft is not limited to vanilla content. It supports a wide range of popular mods out of the box, including structures from The Aether, AbyssalCraft, and Ice & Fire. It also handles custom structures from the Pillar mod and Recurrent Complex. While some mods use non-deterministic generation logic that prevents searching (like Ice & Fire), the scanner still provides metadata and previews for them.
For modpack developers, the ability to define external providers is a standout feature. You can create JSON files that point to NBT structure data, allowing the scanner to parse blocks, layers, entities, and loot from your custom creations. This makes it a fantastic quality-of-life tool for testing and debugging your own world-gen additions.
JEI Integration and Advanced Usage
The add-on integrates seamlessly with Just Enough Items (JEI). It adds three dedicated categories for each structure: Preview, Blocks, and Loot. This means you can look up a structure in JEI to see what blocks it contains or what loot you can expect to find inside. The integration respects visibility blacklists, so hidden structures won't clutter your JEI interface. This deep integration makes the Simple Structure Scanner more than a locator; it's a comprehensive wiki for your world's content.
Understanding Search and Visibility Blacklists
Beyond the simple config options, the mod offers a fine-grained blacklist system. You can create text files in the config/simplestructurescanner/ folder to control which structures are visible or searchable. These lists can be gated by GameStages, meaning you can hide specific structures until a player achieves a certain progression. This is perfect for creating scavenger-hunt-style gameplay or gating powerful loot behind exploration milestones. The /sssblacklist command allows server admins to manage these entries dynamically.
Configuration and Compatibility
The mod is highly configurable. You can globally disable the search function, toggle the display of blocks, entities, and loot tables, and manage JEI integration settings. The whitelist and blacklist config options support partial matches, allowing you to block all structures from a specific mod namespace with a simple entry like minecraft:.
This tool is designed for modern Minecraft versions and is available on the Forge loader, ensuring broad compatibility with your existing modpack. When you are ready to try it, you can download Simple Structure Scanner from the official CurseForge page. The installation process is straightforward; simply place the downloaded JAR file into your mods folder. If you need a step-by-step guide on how to install, many community tutorials are available, but the process is identical to any other Forge mod.
For those who prefer a more streamlined modpack management experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature. This launcher simplifies the process of adding the Simple Structure Scanner to your game, automatically handling version compatibility and dependency checks so you can jump straight into exploring without manual file management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need this on a server? If you want to search for structure locations, the mod must be installed on the server. However, if you only want to view structure metadata and previews, you can run it client-side, provided the mods that generate those structures are also installed client-side.
Why is the structure not found? Sometimes, structures from different mods can overlap or prevent each other from generating. Try searching for another structure of the same type or use the arrow buttons to cycle through multiple results.
Why do some previews look broken? Procedurally generated structures (like those from Recurrent Complex) may not have a single static layout. The mod attempts to generate a dynamic preview, but it may fall back to stitching together static templates, which can look odd. Underground structures may also appear fragmented because corridors are carved out of the terrain.
Conclusion
The Simple Structure Scanner is an essential tool for anyone serious about exploring or developing Minecraft content. Its blend of precise location data, rich metadata, and deep mod integration sets it apart from simpler utility mods. Whether you are a server admin looking to guide players, a builder searching for the perfect ruin, or a modpack creator testing world-gen, this add-on delivers the information you need in a clean, intuitive interface. It turns the chaotic mystery of Minecraft's world generation into a searchable database, putting the power of creation and discovery directly into your hands.