Linear Tools
Linear Tools changes how tool tiers are crafted in Minecraft so that wood, stone, copper, iron, gold, diamond and netherite must be reached in order.
What it does
In vanilla, a player can jump from wooden tools straight to iron, or rush to diamond without touching gold. Linear Tools is a datapack that changes the crafting recipes so each tier needs the full set of the previous tier as ingredients. Copper is added as its own step, and gold tools require copper tools to have been made first. The diamond tier is still there and still the strongest, but it has to be reached gradually.
The datapack is aimed at multiplayer worlds, where it sets a shared pace so that no single player can reach the end while others are still on wooden tools. Netherite is still upgraded at a smithing table from a diamond tool. Because it only alters recipes, it works without changing the rest of the game, and the author notes that it is compatible with most other datapacks. Linear Tools is a server-side mod: the server needs it, and players may add it without any extra effect. It is released under the MIT License, is not open source, and is published for 26.2 across Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt, with 7 release versions covering 1.21.9 – 26.2.
Key features
Ordered tool tiers
Each tool tier is crafted from the full set of the previous tier, so players work up one step at a time.
Copper tier
Copper tools form a step between stone and iron and must be made before gold tools can be crafted.
Diamond still gated
Diamond tools remain the strongest tier, but they cannot be crafted until the earlier tiers have been built.
Netherite upgrade path
Netherite is still made by upgrading a diamond tool at a smithing table, so the final tier keeps its place.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
This mod also publishes snapshot builds. Snapshots are not shown in the matrix.
Use cases
Who it’s for: The datapack suits server owners who want a shared pace for tool progression, and players who prefer tool tiers to be earned in order. It is not needed on the client.
How it compares
Linear Progression is also a tool progression mod, released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only and not open source, with files for 1.21 – 1.21.11. Iron To Diamond Gear Using Block is server-side only, for 1.21.4 – 26.1 on Fabric and Quilt, and is not open source. Iron to Diamond Tools Upgrades [PurpurPack] is open source under the MIT License, covers 1.20 – 26.2 on all four loaders, and is server required with client optional, the same as Linear Tools.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear Tools | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.21.9 – 26.2 | Server required, client optional | 2026-06-13 |
| Linear Progression | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.21 – 1.21.11 | Server required, client optional | 2026-08-11 |
| Iron To Diamond Gear Using Block | Fabric and Quilt | 1.21.4 – 26.1 | Server-side only | 2026-07-27 |
| Iron to Diamond Tools Upgrades [PurpurPack] | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.20 – 26.2 | Server required, client optional | 2026-06-24 |
Questions
Does Linear Tools need a loader?
Does a player need Linear Tools installed?
Is Linear Tools compatible with other datapacks?
In the catalog
Linear Tools is one of 17,631 Equipment mods on ModsFinder, and one of 8,894 Equipment mods for Fabric. 13,894 mods support Minecraft 26.2.
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What the author says
# Linear Tools Progression Datapack Do you ever feel like tools in Minecraft are easily skipped? In vanilla, you can jump straight from wood to iron, or even rush diamonds without ever touching gold. Whole tiers of tools are often ignored. This datapack fixes that by making tool upgrades linear and dependent on each…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/linear-tools
- Owner
- Abyssal Vanguard
- Published
- 2025-10-04
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-06-13
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15