The Banished
Minecraft has always thrived on the balance between creation and destruction, but what happens when the gods themselves fall from grace? The Banished is a dark fantasy add-on that plunges you into a world where ancient deities, corrupted by their own greed, are clawing their way back from the Void. This is not just another mob pack; it is a full-blown narrative experience with new ores, bosses, weapons, and a haunting atmosphere that will keep you on edge. If you have been craving a challenge that feels both epic and personal, this is the adventure you have been waiting for.
The lore is rich and immediately gripping. Long ago, a pantheon of gods ruled the Minecraft lands, worshipped by all. But their insatiable thirst for power led them to dabble in dark forces they could not control. Consumed and corrupted, they were banished to the Void, a dimension of nightmares where they have been plotting their revenge. Now, their time has come. They are invading your world, and you are the only one standing between them and total domination. The stakes have never been higher.
Getting Started with The Banished for Minecraft
Before you can face these titans, you need to prepare. The add-on integrates seamlessly with the base game, but it introduces a few key mechanics that you will need to understand. The first step on your journey is to locate a Cleric villager. You will need to max out their trades to unlock a very special, and very expensive, offer. For 32 emeralds and 1 Wither Skull, you can purchase the Thanatos' Heart, the key to summoning your first major threat.
While you are gathering those resources, you should also start mining. A brand new ore, Gloomy Metal, can be found between Y-levels 0 and 35. It is surrounded by a unique stone block called Voidstone, which you can also use to craft a range of decorative blocks with a distinctly sinister design. Gloomy Metal is essential for crafting high-tier equipment. You can make a Gloomy Metal Block, which is extremely resistant and immune to explosions, or a Gloomy Metal Shield, a superior upgrade to the standard Minecraft shield that will be vital for surviving boss fights.
As you explore, you will encounter Banished Slaves, the foot soldiers of this fallen pantheon. They are tough, but they drop valuable items. Their most common drop is Disgusting Meat. While you can eat it in a pinch, its true purpose is in brewing. Combine Honey Bottles with Disgusting Meat in a brewing stand to craft a Void Bottle. These are perfect for a quick escape, granting you flight and beneficial effects when you are in a hurry. There is also an extremely rare drop: the Banished Slave Skull. Combine this with Gloomy Metal to craft the Forgotten Music Disc, a haunting track that perfectly captures the mood of the mod. You will also find a new, mysterious painting to decorate your base with.
Version Compatibility and Loaders
This add-on is designed for the modern era of Minecraft. It is available for recent versions of the game, specifically supporting the Fabric and Forge loaders. This ensures that you can use The Banished for Minecraft alongside your other favorite performance and quality-of-life mods. Always check the specific file requirements before you download to ensure a smooth experience. The add-on is built using Mcreator, but it performs well and integrates cleanly with the vanilla game's mechanics.
Boss One: Thanatos, the God of Death
Your first major trial is Thanatos, the God of Death and the first of the gods to fall to corruption. Legend says he murdered so many in his quest for power that Hell itself could not contain them all, leaving their soulless skeletons to roam the earth. He is a formidable fighter, wrapped in a cloak of shadows, and he wields a legendary scythe that can reap your soul in just a few hits.
To summon him, simply right-click the Thanatos' Heart on the surface. The fight is intense and requires precise timing. Upon his defeat, he drops several key items. The primary drop is the Broken Thanatos' Scythe. Repair it with a Gloomy Metal ingot to forge the Thanatos' Scythe, a powerful weapon with a fast cooldown that will serve you well. He also drops the Thanatos' Hand, which grants you a speed boost when held. Finally, he drops the Banished Devastator's Heart, your ticket to the next boss.
Boss Two: The Banished Devastator
The next challenge is The Banished Devastator, a restless suit of armor inhabited by a vengeful soul. This entity was once the armor of a great king, forged by a mythical blacksmith, but it is now driven only by a desire for revenge. It is a relentless fighter, and you will need to use everything you have learned to survive.
Use the Banished Devastator's Heart to summon this boss. Defeating it rewards you with the Devastator's Fist, a gauntlet that allows you to inflict the same levitation and constant damage effect on your enemies that the boss uses against you. You will also receive the Devastator's Soul, which is used to craft the Devastator. This weapon is incredibly powerful but has a long cooldown, reflecting its ancient origins. The final drop is the Apollyon's Heart, which sets the stage for your ultimate confrontation.
The Final Boss: Apollyon, Goddess of Everything
Finally, you must face Apollyon, the Goddess of everything that is, and mainly that isn't. She is the most powerful of the entire pantheon, and it is said that the Nether itself was born from the fear she instilled in the world. She created Thanatos as a sentient weapon, and her story is one of tragedy and power. According to rumors, her heart was kept safe by the descendants of her first priests, hidden somewhere in your world. You will need to find it to begin the final battle.
Summoning Apollyon is the ultimate test. Her drops are legendary. The Extinct Banished Charm is an ancient artifact holding her power. Revive it with gold and amethyst shards to get the Banished Charm. This allows you to summon a Big Banished Slave that will fight for you. Be careful, though; if you summon more than one, they will turn on each other. You should never hit them, and they will despawn after a short time. More importantly, defeating Apollyon grants you Apollyon's Blood, which is used to craft the Abyss Sword. This sword is not only powerful but also regenerates half a heart with every hit you land, making it an invaluable tool for any future exploration.
How to Install The Banished
Getting started is straightforward. To begin, you need to download The Banished mod file from a trusted source. Once you have the file, ensure you have the correct loader (Fabric or Forge) installed for your Minecraft version. Then, simply place the downloaded file into your mods folder. If you are using the foxygame.net launcher, the process is even smoother; you can find The Banished in the add-on catalog and install it with a single click, with the launcher handling version compatibility and auto-updates for you, so you can jump straight into the action without any technical headaches. After installation, launch the game, and you are ready to start your quest.
The Banished offers a complete package: a compelling story, challenging bosses, and rewarding loot. It transforms Minecraft into a dark fantasy epic. Whether you are a veteran looking for a new challenge or a builder wanting to add some lore to your world, this add-on delivers. The journey from fighting Banished Slaves to toppling a goddess is a memorable one. So gear up, prepare your potions, and get ready to face the gods. Your world depends on it.