Master Minecraft Mods With CraftTweaker

CraftTweaker is a powerful Minecraft mod that gives players full control over their gameplay experience. With simple and flexible scripting, you can customize crafting recipes, add or remove items, tweak game mechanics, and create entirely new features. Whether you want to balance gameplay, design custom worlds, or build unique modpacks, CraftTweaker provides the tools to shape Minecraft exactly the way you want it.

What is CraftTweaker?

CraftTweaker is a powerful Minecraft modding tool that allows players and modpack creators to customize game mechanics without needing to code a full mod. Using a simple scripting language called ZenScript, you can modify recipes, change item properties, add new game mechanics, and much more.

Originally created as MineTweaker, the project has evolved into CraftTweaker and expanded to support multiple Minecraft versions and mod loaders including Forge and Fabric.

With CraftTweaker, the possibilities are nearly endless. Whether you want to balance a modpack, create custom progression, or simply tweak the game to your preferences, CraftTweaker provides the tools you need.

Core Features of CraftTweaker

Recipe Management

Add, remove, or modify crafting recipes, furnace recipes, and more with simple scripts.

Item & Block Modification

Change item properties, add tooltips, modify block behavior, and create custom items.

Game Mechanics

Adjust game mechanics like entity spawning, world generation, and player attributes.

ZenScript Language

Use a simple, intuitive scripting language designed specifically for Minecraft modding.

Active Community

Join a vibrant community of modders and modpack creators sharing scripts and knowledge.

Mod Integration

Works with hundreds of popular mods to extend their functionality and customize their behavior.

Getting Started

Step 1: Installation

Download and install CraftTweaker for your Minecraft version and mod loader (Forge or Fabric).

Step 2: Create Scripts

Create a "scripts" folder in your Minecraft directory and add your ZenScript files.

Step 3: Run & Test

Launch Minecraft and test your scripts. Use /ct syntax to check for errors.

Code Examples

Basic Recipe Removal

				
					// Remove wooden pickaxe recipe
recipes.remove("minecraft:wooden_pickaxe");

Custom Recipe

				
					// Add custom sword recipe
recipes.addShaped("custom_sword",
  itemStack("minecraft:diamond_sword"),
  [["minecraft:diamond", "minecraft:diamond", "minecraft:diamond"],
   [null, "minecraft:stick", null],
   [null, "minecraft:stick", null]]);

Furnace Recipe

				
					// Add custom furnace recipe
furnace.addRecipe("minecraft:emerald",
  "minecraft:diamond", 1.5);

Item Modification

				
					// Change item max stack size
itemStack("minecraft:ender_pearl").maxStackSize = 64;

// Add tooltip to item
itemStack("minecraft:diamond").addTooltip("Shiny!");

Versions & Platforms

Vanilla Datapack

Lightweight option using Minecraft commands, adds simple tree-felling without mods or plugins.

Key Differences

Mods offer deep customization, plugins fit servers best, datapacks are light but limited in features and flexibility.

Java Mod

Runs on Forge or Fabric for Minecraft Java. Lets players chop whole trees by breaking one block. Widely used in modpacks and singleplayer.

Server Plugin

For Bukkit/Spigot/Paper servers, adds tree-felling to multiplayer with permissions and survival balance.

Why use CraftTweaker?

Fine-grained control over recipes, easier balancing, community-tested scripts, and many examples available.

Enable/disable recipes
Change outputs and inputs
Hook into mod APIs

Get a snippet

Copy this small snippet to add a simple recipe.

				
					recipes.addShaped("minecraft:diamond_sword", ["I","I","S"], {I: <"minecraft:diamond">, S: <"minecraft:stick">});

Troubleshoot

Having issues with your CraftTweaker scripts or setup? Here are some common problems and how to fix them.

Recipes Not Appearing in JEI

Cause: JEI integration disabled or incorrect script logic.
Fix: Verify your script format. Check that JEI integration is enabled in the mod settings and that recipes were properly registered.

Scripts Not Loading

Cause: Syntax errors or wrong file placement.
Fix: Make sure all scripts are saved in the scripts folder inside your Minecraft directory. Check the crafttweaker.log file for error messages and correct the script syntax.

Changes Not Showing in Game

Cause: Cached data or server desync.
Fix: Restart Minecraft after saving your scripts. On servers, ensure all players are using the same script files.

“Method Not Found” Errors

Cause: Missing mod integrations or outdated mod versions.
Fix: Update CraftTweaker and any dependent mods (like JEI or Thermal Series) to the latest versions.

Game Crashes After Script Edit

Cause: Invalid recipe or removed mod references.
Fix: Review the crash report. Check if your script references items or blocks from mods that are not loaded.

Command `/ct reload` Not Working

Cause: Wrong permissions or corrupted cache.
Fix: Ensure you’re running the command with OP privileges (on servers). If issues persist, delete the crafttweaker.log and reload scripts again.

FAQ's

What is CraftTweaker and what does it do in Minecraft?

CraftTweaker is a Minecraft mod that lets players customize the game using simple scripts. You can edit recipes, add or remove items, and modify game rules to create your own unique experience.

Is CraftTweaker safe to use with other mods?

Yes. CraftTweaker is widely used in modpacks and works safely with most mods, as long as script commands and versions are compatible.

Can CraftTweaker be used in both single-player and multiplayer worlds?

Absolutely. It functions in both modes, but for multiplayer, the same scripts must be installed on both the client and the server.

How is CraftTweaker different from other recipe or scripting mods?

Unlike simpler mods, CraftTweaker offers deep control over recipes, loot tables, and game logic. It’s lightweight yet highly customizable for advanced users and modpack creators.

How do I install CraftTweaker in Minecraft Java Edition?

Download the correct CraftTweaker version for your Minecraft build, then place the .jar file in your mods folder. Launch Minecraft with Forge or Fabric to activate it.

Which mod loaders are supported by CraftTweaker Forge or Fabric?

CraftTweaker supports both Forge and Fabric, but you must use the correct mod file for your chosen loader.

Where should I place my CraftTweaker script files?

Put your .zs script files in the /scripts/ folder within your Minecraft directory. CraftTweaker automatically loads these when the game starts.

How can I check if my CraftTweaker scripts are loading correctly?

After launching Minecraft, open the game log or check the /crafttweaker.log file. It lists all scripts that loaded successfully and highlights any errors.

What scripting language does CraftTweaker use?

CraftTweaker uses ZenScript, a simple, Java-like language designed for Minecraft mod scripting and customization.

How can I modify or remove a crafting recipe using CraftTweaker?

Use ZenScript commands like recipes.remove() or recipes.addShaped() to delete or create new recipes in your script files.

Is it possible to create entirely new items or blocks with CraftTweaker?

CraftTweaker can modify existing items but doesn’t add new ones directly. However, it can integrate with other mods that introduce new items and edit how they behave.

Can CraftTweaker be used to adjust mob drops, smelting, or loot tables?

Yes! You can use CraftTweaker to modify furnace outputs, mob loot drops, and even world generation rules, depending on supported integrations.

Why are my CraftTweaker scripts not working or loading in the game?

Common reasons include syntax errors, wrong file names, or missing .zs extensions. Check your /crafttweaker.log for detailed error messages.

What should I do if Minecraft crashes after adding new CraftTweaker scripts?

Review your latest script edits. A missing semicolon or invalid command can cause crashes. Fix errors and relaunch Minecraft.

How do I find and fix syntax errors in my .zs script files?

CraftTweaker highlights errors in the log file, showing the line and reason for failure. Correct those and reload your scripts.

Why do recipe changes not appear on my multiplayer server?

Ensure that both client and server have CraftTweaker installed with identical scripts. Any differences will prevent recipes from syncing properly.

Does CraftTweaker work with modpacks like SkyFactory or RLCraft?

Yes. Many popular modpacks include CraftTweaker to fine-tune recipes and balance gameplay for custom experiences.

Can I use CraftTweaker alongside KubeJS or other scripting mods?

Yes, but it’s best to avoid overlapping functions. Use only one scripting mod for recipes to prevent conflicts.

How do I share my custom CraftTweaker scripts with other players?

You can share your .zs files directly or include them in modpack folders. Other players can place them in their /scripts/ directory.

Where can I find official documentation or examples for CraftTweaker scripts?

Visit the official CraftTweaker documentation site at https://crafttweaker.com/ for examples, tutorials, and command references.