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Tips & Tricks

Early Game (Surface to Y:32)

Starting Out

  • Surface Base First: Establish a starter base on the surface before going deep
  • Gather Surface Resources: Stock up on wood, food, and basic materials
  • Early Mining: Get basic ores and tools before serious underground exploration
  • Quest Book: Follow quests - they guide you through depth progression

First Descent

  • Lighting: Bring plenty of torches - underground is dangerous when dark
  • Ladders & Ropes: Establish a reliable way back up
  • Mark Your Path: Use torches or markers to track your route
  • Emergency Kit: Always carry food, water, and basic supplies

Setting Up Shop

  • Staging Base: Create a base at Y:40-50 as your main hub
  • Storage Room: Dedicate space for organized storage early
  • Processing Area: Set up basic ore processing as soon as possible
  • Power Generation: Get a reliable power source running

Mid Game (Y:32 to Y:-16)

Deeper Mining

  • Branch Mining: Efficient at these levels for multiple ore types
  • Water Bucket: Essential for lava lakes and emergencies
  • Better Gear: Invest in upgraded armor and tools
  • Mapping: Use Xaero's Minimap to track explored areas

Base Expansion

  • Multi-Level Base: Build bases at different depth levels
  • Vertical Logistics: Set up item/fluid transport between levels
  • Specialized Rooms: Dedicate areas for specific tasks
  • Safe Zones: Light up large areas to prevent mob spawns

Automation Begins

  • Quarry Setup: Automated mining becomes viable
  • Ore Processing: Set up advanced processing chains
  • Item Sorting: Automated sorting saves massive time
  • Power Grid: Expand your power network

Late Game (Y:-16 to Y:-64)

Deep Dark Exploration

  • Silent Gear: Wool boots prevent sculk sensor activation
  • Stealth Approach: The Warden is dangerous - avoid when possible
  • Ancient Cities: Incredible loot but high risk
  • Echo Shards: Valuable for advanced crafting

Advanced Automation

  • Full Processing Lines: Automate from mining to final products
  • Digital Storage: Implement AE2 or Refined Storage
  • Wireless Networks: Use wireless item/energy transfer
  • Remote Monitoring: Set up systems to monitor from anywhere

Mega Projects

  • Massive Excavations: Clear huge underground spaces for mega bases
  • Industrial Complexes: Build large-scale production facilities
  • Underground Cities: Create impressive base designs
  • Decoration: Make your underground empire look amazing

Mining Strategies

Efficient Mining

  • Right Level for Right Ore: Different ores spawn at different heights
  • Fortune Enchantment: Multiply your ore yields
  • Mekanism x5: Work towards 5x ore processing
  • Chunk Mining: Systematically mine entire chunks

Safety First

  • Avoid Deep Dark Early: It's deadly without proper gear
  • Watch for Lava: Common in lower levels
  • Bring Blocks: Fill lava pools or make bridges
  • Bed Respawn: Set spawn points at key levels

Base Building Tips

Layout Planning

  • Central Hub: Main base at mid-depth for easy access all levels
  • Vertical Shafts: Fast travel between levels
  • Room Purpose: Each room has a specific function
  • Expandability: Plan for future expansion

Infrastructure

  • Power Backbone: Central power generation with distribution
  • Item Transport: Efficient routing between production areas
  • Fluid Systems: Dedicated fluid handling networks
  • Lighting: Good lighting prevents mobs and looks good

Aesthetics

  • Mix Materials: Use chipped blocks for variety
  • Natural Integration: Work with cave formations
  • Lighting Design: Creative use of different light sources
  • Deepen and Darker Blocks: Utilize deep dark themed blocks

Performance Tips

Client Performance

  • Render Distance: 10-12 chunks underground is plenty
  • Particle Effects: Reduce for better performance
  • Smooth Lighting: Toggle if you experience lag
  • Clear Old Bases: Remove unused structures

Server Performance

  • Chunk Loading: Use chunk loaders wisely
  • Entity Limits: Don't go crazy with automation
  • Regular Restarts: Keep the server fresh
  • Backup Schedule: Automate regular backups

Resource Management

Ore Processing

  • Start Simple: Basic doubling is fine early on
  • Upgrade Gradually: Work up to 3x, 4x, then 5x processing
  • By-Products: Don't ignore secondary outputs
  • Bulk Processing: Process large batches efficiently

Storage Solutions

  • Early Storage: Simple chests with signs
  • Mid Storage: Iron chests and storage drawers
  • Late Storage: AE2 or Refined Storage for everything
  • Backup Storage: Keep backup chests for emergencies

Common Mistakes

  1. Rushing Deep: Going too deep too fast without proper gear
  2. Poor Lighting: Underestimating how many torches you need
  3. No Waypoints: Getting lost in massive cave systems
  4. Ignoring Quests: Missing important unlocks and rewards
  5. Overextending: Building too many bases without finishing any
  6. No Backup Routes: Getting trapped by cave-ins or lava
  7. Waking the Warden: Entering deep dark unprepared
  8. Power Shortages: Not building enough power generation