Tool Progression Mod FAQ
20 questions players actually ask, answered.
Does this mod change anything if I don't edit the config files?
No. Without custom configuration, Tool Progression Mod runs passively and only adds the Waila/Hwyla plugin tooltips and mining level names to pickaxes—your game plays normally.
How do I check what tool a block needs?
Hover over any block with Waila/Hwyla enabled, and the tooltip will show whether it requires a tool, which tool class is needed, and what harvest level that tool must have.
What's the difference between tool class and harvest level?
Tool class is the *type* of tool (pickaxe, axe, shovel, etc.), while harvest level is the *tier* or *rank* of that tool—for example, an iron pickaxe is the pickaxe class at harvest level 2.
Can I make a tool that works as multiple tools at once?
Yes, that's what a paxel does—it combines pickaxe, axe, and shovel classes in one tool. You can configure any tool to have multiple classes through the mod's config files.
How do I change what harvest level a tool has?
Edit the Tool Progression Mod configuration files to overwrite the harvest level for that specific tool, then reload or restart your game.
Can I make a block require a higher harvest level to break?
Yes, you can modify the required tool class and harvest level for any block in the configuration files, allowing you to lock blocks behind tool progression.
Does this mod work with modded tools and blocks?
Yes, the mod applies to any tool or block in the game—both vanilla and from other mods—as long as you configure them.
What happens if I try to break a block with the wrong tool?
The block won't drop as an item; it will break but you'll get nothing, just like vanilla Minecraft behavior for incompatible tools.
Can I see mining level names without being a modpack maker?
Yes, the mining level names appear in pickaxe tooltips automatically, so any player with the mod installed will see them.
Does this mod affect performance or cause lag?
No, Tool Progression Mod is lightweight and only reads configuration data at startup—it has negligible performance impact.
What does the Tool Progression Mod do?
It lets you modify the tool class and harvest level of every tool, and the required tool class and harvest level of every block. This lets modpack makers define a tool progression. Without overwrites in the config files, it does not alter gameplay.
What Minecraft version and mod loader does Tool Progression support?
It runs on Fabric for Minecraft 1.20.1.
Does Tool Progression add new items or blocks?
It registers one item, the magic™ mushroom .
Does Tool Progression work in a normal survival world without configuration?
Yes. Without any overwrites defined in the configuration files, the mod does not alter the gameplay.
Who is Tool Progression made for?
It is intended for modpack makers, who can add overwrites as they see fit.
Does Tool Progression add a Waila or Hwyla plugin?
Yes. It adds a Waila/Hwyla plugin that tells the player when a block is not harvestable and gives a hint about what tool is required.
Does Tool Progression show the mining level on pickaxes?
Yes. It adds the name of the mining level to the tooltip of all pickaxes.
How does Tool Progression change Tool Progression?
It is a light overhaul to the early game that removes the ability to obtain wood and stone tools in survival and the ability to mine logs with your hands. You start with Flint tools instead, and the progression flows Flint > Copper > Iron > Diamond > Netherite.
How do I get flint and sticks in Tool Progression?
You get Sticks from leaves and Flint from gravel.
What can the Flint and Copper pickaxes mine in Tool Progression?
The Flint Pickaxe does everything wood tools can but is also required to mine Copper. The Copper Pickaxe acts as the bridge to the next tier, allowing you to mine Iron.