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