Dark Caverns
by Freeranger
Dark Caverns is a Forge world generation mod that adds a dimension of huge caverns hidden below the bedrock barrier, reached through a multi-step portal process.
What it does
The dimension sits deep below bedrock and is filled with large cave systems. It holds three unique biomes, with their own mobs, blocks, gear and items, and it contains the ores found in the overworld in greater quantity, along with platinum and hellstone. Mining there is rewarding, but some of the inhabitants are hostile, so players should be prepared for combat.
Getting into the dimension is a longer process. A player first trades with a cartographer at master level to buy a map, usually around 36 emeralds, with the price varying by villager. The map leads to a forgotten tower, where enemies must be defeated to claim a key. A cracked piece of bedrock is then mined, the key opens a gateway, and the portal is lit by smashing a rectangle of frame and igniting it. Jumping through the other side returns the player home.
Dark Caverns is published for Forge only, for the 1.16 – 1.16.5 range, and it runs on client and server, so the server and every player need it. The code is under All rights reserved, so it is not open source. The author notes say more content is planned for the future.
Key features
Hidden cavern dimension
A dimension of huge caverns and cave systems sits below the bedrock barrier, reached only through a special gateway.
Three unique biomes
The dimension contains three biomes, each with its own mobs, blocks, gear and items.
Expanded ore supply
Standard overworld ores appear in greater quantity, with platinum and hellstone added to the mix.
Multi-step portal access
Reaching the dimension requires a cartographer map, a forgotten tower with a key, a cracked bedrock piece and a lit portal frame.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Players who want more mining and exploration in survival worlds, and server owners who want an extra dimension below the bedrock layer.
How it compares
Into The Void is a Forge mod for 1.16.5 – 1.18.2 with the same client and server environment, released under the MIT License. Immersive Cavegen is a Forge mod for 1.7.10 with a custom license and the same environment. Both differ from Dark Caverns in version range and license, and neither is open source except where noted.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Caverns | Forge | 1.16 – 1.16.5 | Client and server | 2021-08-26 |
| Into The Void | Forge | 1.16.5 – 1.18.2 | Client and server | 2023-01-22 |
| Immersive Cavegen | Forge | 1.7.10 | Client and server | 2023-08-26 |
Questions
Does Dark Caverns need Forge?
Does the server need Dark Caverns?
How does a player reach the dark dimension?
In the catalog
Dark Caverns is one of 8,515 World generation mods on ModsFinder, and one of 5,058 World generation mods for Forge. 5,992 mods support Minecraft 1.16.5.
Similar mods
What the author says
This is dark caverns: A brand new dimension mod for minecraft that adds a dimension filled with huge caverns, caves, treasure and danger, located below the bedrock barrier. Dark Caverns is a minecraft mod that aims to expand on mining, adventure and the exploration part of minecraft by adding a brand new dimension…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/dark-caverns
- Owner
- Freeranger
- Published
- 2021-08-26
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2021-08-26
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15