How to Download and Install Minecraft Data Packs

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In this post, we are going to talk about Minecraft Data Packs and how to install them.

What are Minecraft Data Packs?

Minecraft Data Packs are used to override or add new advancements, dimensions, functions, loot tables, predicates, recipes, structures, tags, world generation settings, and biomes without any code modification. They are easier to install than mods and are a great way to enhance Minecraft gaming experience.

Where Can You Get Minecraft Data Packs?

You can find Minecraft data packs from various sources such as Planet Minecraft and 9minecraft.net.

How To Download and Install Minecraft Data Packs?

Installing Minecraft data packs is fairly easy. First you need to download the data pack you want from the websites mentioned above and then follow the steps below. But always make sure that the version of data pack matches the version of Minecraft.

Some data packs require resource packs installed-for new textures, models and sound effects beforehand. Be sure to check the requirements of the data pack before installing.

Install Minecraft Data Pack In an existing world

Here is how to install a data pack in an existing singleplayer world:

  1. Open Minecraft.
  2. Select the world you want to install the data pack for, click on “Edit”, then “Open world folder”.
  3. Open the folder named datapacks, and put the data pack into it. It should be a .zip file or directory.
  4. Click save to go back into the game.

Install Data Pack in a New World Single Player

  1. Open Minecraft. Click on Single Player and then choose “Create New World”.
  2. Select the “Data Packs” option on the next window.
  3. You should see a window with a list of all available and activated data packs.
  4. Click on the “open pack” button to open the ‘New World’ folder. Drag and drop the data pack you have just downloaded into this folder.
  5. Go back to the game and then click on the data pack you want to activate it.
  6. Click on “Done” and then Create New World.  A new world will be generated with data packs installed.

Most data packs will work immediately upon being activated but some of them will require the game to be reloaded in order to work properly. Use the command “/reload” in your game, just type “/reload” and hit “enter” to use the command.

Certain worlds do not allow cheat or using commands, so you will need an extra step to enable it in order to use “/reload” command. Just hit “Esc”, choose “Open to LAN” -> “Allow Cheats: ON” -> “Start LAN World” to allow cheats or use commands.

How to Install Minecraft Data Pack in Multiplayer

Here is how to install a data pack when in multiplayer:

  1. Download the data pack. It should be a .zip file or directory.
  2. Open your server folder, then open the folder of the world you wish to install the data pack in (default: world).
  3. Put the data pack into a folder named datapacks.
  4. Type /reload from the console or as a level 3 operator if the server was running during the installation.
  5. If the data pack has a correct format, it would be enabled on the server. You can verify by typing /datapack list enabled from the console or as a level 3 operator and find an entry named [file/your data pack file/directory name].

Minecraft Data Packs that Are Worth a Try

Here are some Minecraft data packs that you might want to try.

Josh More Food

Do you want to be able to cook more types of food in Minecraft? Then Josh More Food is the data pack for you. With this data pack, you’ll be able to make pies, sandwiches, salads and more!

GGunz

If you are tired of the bow and arrow, you can get a weapons upgrade with GGunz data pack. This will add four guns that actually work in the game.

Seasons

Experience all four seasons with this data pack.

Auto Replant

This data pack enables you to automatically replant seeds when you’re harvesting. This will work for Wheat, Potato, Carrot, Beetroot, Nether Wart and Cocoa Bean.

TreeCapitator

TreeCapitator makes chopping up trees a lot easier. Instantly chop a tree by cutting one block.

Better Biomes

Better Biomes data pack enhances your biomes.

Better Pillage and Village

This data pack adds new villager types such as Iceologer, Enchanter,  hunter, and villager guard. You can also build new blocks and battle with your enemies.

Better Treasure

With this data pack, treasure has a chance to spawn when you’re mining a stone-related block. These treasures are divided into several different tiers: Common, Rare, Epic and Legendary. 

Tables and Chairs

Add functional tables and chairs to your Minecraft world with this data pack.

Creeper’s Code

This data pack will you get brand new weapons and items, blocks, mobs, structures, and so much more.

Terralith

Terralith adds over 85 brand-new biomes and updates almost every vanilla biome with new and improved features. It also includes tons of completely new terrain types – canyons, shattered biomes, floating islands, deep ocean trenches and more. You’ll find plenty of realistic biomes like Yellowstone, Shield and Highlands.

More Bosses

If you are up for extra challenges, More Bosses data pack will give you just that. You’ll be able to fight against four new bosses with this data pack. These include the Slime King, Queen Bee, Restless Soul, and the legendary Herobrine.

Anti-Creeper Grief

Get rid of creeper damage with the Anti-Creeper Grief data pack. This also helps prevent creepers from wandering around your builds.

Veinminer

This data pack will enable you to mine a lot of iron and coal and accomplish your mining tasks for a shorter amount of time.

Doggy Care

The Doggy Care data pack adds leveling system to tamed wolves and allows you to add special properties and perks to specific tamed wolves. It also adds new items to the game including Station Crafters, Dog Beds, and Dog Toys.

Summary

Minecraft datapacks enhances your Minecraft gaming experience. They can override or add new advancements, dimensions, functions, loot tables, predicates, recipes, structures, tags, world generation settings, biomes and more.

There are many resources for Minecraft datapacks and they are generally safe to download and install.