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Better than Datapacks

by Garkatron

Better than Datapacks is a data-driven content system for BTA Babric, in which custom blocks, items and biomes are defined by TOML files packed into a .zip.

BTA BabricClient and serverCreative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 4.0b1.7.3

What it does

Content is described in .atom files written in TOML, and the Atoms live inside a .zip that the game loads directly, in a structure similar to a vanilla datapack. Recipes follow vanilla patterns and are written in TOML too, so custom crafting needs no Java. Biome generation is part of the same system, so custom content can reach the world as well as the inventory.

The mod requires a data-driven dependency that creates the custom content, and Better Adventure, which is needed for coding. Servers that run it need every player to install it too. Files are published for BTA Babric on b1.7.3 only, and snapshot builds are also published. The code is not open source; it is released under the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial 4.0 license.

Key features

  1. Block and item data

    Blocks and items are defined in .atom files, using vanilla-style block models for normal blocks and items.

  2. Packaged atoms

    Atoms are packed in a .zip and load straight into the game, with the same layout as a datapack.

  3. Custom recipes

    Recipes are written in TOML and follow the same patterns as vanilla crafting.

  4. Texture overrides

    Texturepacks can replace Atom textures without hacks, since they use the same system as vanilla-compatible BTA texturepacks.

No per-version build data
Modrinth lists game versions for this project (b1.7.3), but the source data has no build per game version and loader, so the compatibility grid is not shown.

Use cases

Map makers and artists

Mapmakers and artists can add custom content without writing code, by editing TOML files and packing them into a .zip.

Custom biomes

Biome generation lets a world include content defined in Atoms, not only the default terrain.

Who it’s for: Map makers, artists and pack authors who want custom blocks, items, recipes and biomes for b1.7.3 without writing Java. Players who run the required data-driven dependency and Better Adventure can load Atom packs on the client and server.

Questions

Does the mod need its data-driven dependency?

Yes. That dependency is listed as a requirement, and Better Adventure is needed for coding Atoms.

Does the server need the mod?

Yes. Installation covers the server and each player's game.

Can texturepacks change Atom textures?

Yes. Texturepacks can override Atom textures without hacks, using the same system as BTA texturepacks.

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What the author says

Better Than Datapacks is a data-driven system for creating custom content in Better Than Adventure, no coding required. Everything is defined with.atom (TOML) files, packaged in a.zip, and loads straight into the game.
Garkatron, on the Modrinth page

Official listing

Owner
Garkatron
Published
2026-01-06
Updated on Modrinth
2026-01-23
Facts verified
2026-10-15
Open on ModrinthCompare