Universal Data Pack
by Dannydk
Universal Data Pack loads a global data pack config folder into every world automatically, so server owners can override recipes and add content without a separate data pack per world.
What it does
On first launch the mod creates a folder structure inside the config directory. Files placed there are applied to worlds on load, and changes take effect when a world loads or after the reload command runs. Recipes from another mod can be replaced by placing a file under that mod's namespace inside the data folder, such as an EnderIO smelting recipe.
New content is added by creating a namespace folder of one's own and filling it with recipes, advancements, loot tables, tags and other data pack content. The mod is designed for included modpacks, where it lets a pack maker change behavior without shipping a separate data pack for each world. It contains no gameplay content of its own.
The mod is server-side only, so only the server needs it and players join without installing anything. Files target NeoForge only, across six game versions: 1.21.1, 26.1, 26.1.1, 26.1.2, 26.2 and 26.3, with 2.1.0 as the latest file for 26.3. It is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later, and the source code and issue tracker are public.
Key features
Global data pack folder
A config folder is applied to every world on load, so one set of data files covers all worlds on the server.
Recipe overrides
Placing a file under another mod's namespace path replaces that mod's recipe, such as an EnderIO smelting recipe.
Custom namespace content
A new namespace folder can hold recipes, advancements, loot tables and tags that the server loads with the rest of the data.
Reload without restart
The reload command applies changes to a running world, so edits do not require a full server restart.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
How it compares
Universal Limits is server-side only and under All rights reserved, published for 1.21.1 – 26.1.2, so it covers a different job than this data loader. Paxi is open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only and runs on Fabric, Forge and NeoForge for 1.19.2 – 26.1.2, and either side can run it, and neither needs it. Custom Recipe is open source under the MIT License and spans Fabric, Forge and NeoForge for 1.20.1 – 26.3, with client and server both needed.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universal Data Pack | NeoForge | 1.21.1 – 26.3 | Server-side only | 2026-07-03 |
| Universal Limits | NeoForge | 1.21.1 – 26.1.2 | Server-side only | 2026-04-12 |
| Paxi | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.19.2 – 26.1.2 | Client or server, optional | 2026-06-24 |
| Custom Recipe | Fabric, Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 26.3 | Client and server | 2026-10-10 |
Questions
Does Universal Data Pack need to be installed on clients?
Which loader does Universal Data Pack support?
Do changes need a server restart?
In the catalog
Universal Data Pack is one of 8,016 Management mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,689 Management mods for NeoForge. 8,071 mods support Minecraft 26.3.
More from Dannydk
Similar mods
What the author says
Load a global data pack from your config folder, applied to all worlds automatically. Universal Data Pack is a lightweight utility mod for modpack developers. It creates a folder at config/universaldatapack/ that acts as a standard Minecraft data pack — any content placed inside is applied to every world in the…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/universal-data-pack
- Owner
- Dannydk
- Published
- 2026-03-22
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-07-03
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15