XaeroMapStages
Minecraft modpacks thrive on progression. You start with nothing, gather resources, defeat bosses, and unlock new dimensions. But what if your map tools could follow that same curve? That is exactly what XaeroMapStages brings to the table. This clever add-on bridges the gap between Xaero's Minimap and World Map and the popular GameStages progression system, letting pack developers lock map features behind in-game achievements.
Instead of every player seeing every waypoint from the moment they spawn, XaeroMapStages for Minecraft lets you decide when those features become available. Whether you want to hide the minimap until a player completes a quest, or restrict waypoint creation until they reach a specific dimension, this add-on gives you the control. It is a subtle but powerful tool for creating a more immersive and rewarding survival experience.
What Does XaeroMapStages Actually Gate?
The add-on does not replace your map mod. It works alongside it, adding a layer of stage checks. Here is a breakdown of the core features you can lock behind progression stages:
- Minimap visibility: Hide the entire minimap until a player earns a specific stage.
- World Map access: Prevent players from opening the full-screen map until they have progressed.
- Waypoint management: Control who can create, edit, or delete waypoints on the map.
- Death point markers: Disable the automatic death point marker for players who lack the required stage.
This means you can create a pack where exploring is done blind until you craft a "Cartographer's Kit" or defeat a specific boss. The integration is clean and relies on the standard GameStages API, so it works seamlessly with other stage-gated mods like ItemStages or DimensionStages.
Supported Versions and Loaders
If you are wondering about compatibility, XaeroMapStages is built for the Forge mod loader. It supports a range of Minecraft versions, with recent builds targeting modern releases like 1.20.1 and 1.19.2. Always check the specific file page for your exact Minecraft version, as the add-on is version-sensitive like most Forge mods. The mod requires both Xaero's Minimap and Xaero's World Map to be installed, as well as the GameStages mod itself.
How to Install XaeroMapStages
Getting it running is straightforward. First, ensure you have the correct versions of Forge, GameStages, Xaero's Minimap, and Xaero's World Map for your Minecraft version. Then, simply drop the XaeroMapStages jar file into your mods folder. If you are using a launcher that supports modpacks, you can often add it to your profile directly. The installation process is no different from any other Forge mod, so you will be up and running in minutes.
For players who prefer a more streamlined setup, the foxygame.net launcher offers a curated add-on catalog that includes XaeroMapStages, allowing you to install it with a single click while ensuring version compatibility with your existing modpack. This is especially handy when you are juggling multiple mods and want to avoid version conflicts.
Setting Up Stages with ZenScript
The actual configuration is done through CraftTweaker and ZenScript. The add-on reads stage names that you define, and you can assign them to any of the features listed above. For example, you might want to lock the world map behind a stage called "explorer". The syntax is simple and documented in the GitHub README for the project.
Here is a basic idea of how it works: you declare which stage is required for which feature. Once a player earns that stage, the map features unlock automatically. If they lose the stage (through a reset or a custom script), the features lock again. This dynamic gating is perfect for quest-based packs or servers with rotating challenges.
Why Use Stage-Gated Maps?
Some players might wonder why you would ever want to hide the minimap. The answer is immersion and challenge. When players cannot see waypoints, they must rely on landmarks, written notes, and memory. This encourages exploration and makes the world feel larger. It also adds value to items that reveal map features, turning a simple map upgrade into a meaningful progression reward.
For pack developers, XaeroMapStages is a fantastic way to add depth without adding bloat. It is lightweight, does not interfere with performance, and integrates with the most popular map mods in the community. Whether you are making a hardcore survival pack, an RPG adventure map, or a multiplayer server with factions, this add-on gives you the tools to pace your content effectively.
Final Thoughts
In a world where modded Minecraft can feel cluttered with information, XaeroMapStages offers a refreshing way to strip back the UI and reward player knowledge. It is a niche tool, but for those who want it, it is indispensable. The ability to gate waypoints and map features behind progression turns a convenience tool into a core part of your game design. If you are looking to add a layer of mystery and exploration to your next pack, this is the add-on to try. Check the project page for the latest downloads and join the community of pack makers who are already using it to craft more engaging worlds.