Unstable Depths Data Pack FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I start using this mod?
The mod activates automatically once installed—no setup needed. Start mining underground normally, and you'll notice ceiling blocks can collapse if you dig them out with air blocks below. Use /function cave_in:config to adjust collapse frequency to your preferred difficulty.
What triggers a cave-in?
Mining a ceiling block when there are two or more air blocks directly beneath it can cause a collapse. Collapses become more frequent and severe below Y=30. Using Silk Touch tools or placing structural pillars nearby prevents collapses entirely.
How do I know if a ceiling block is safe to mine?
Hold a Soul Lantern in your off-hand and a Pickaxe in your main hand—cyan particles mean the block is safe (supported by a pillar), while red particles warn of danger. This lets you plan your mining route before breaking any stone.
How do I build a structural pillar?
Craft a pillar by placing a stripped log between two polished deepslate blocks on a crafting table. Place the pillar vertically underground between 2 and 10 blocks tall, and it will protect all ceiling blocks within a 12-block range from its top.
Can I use TNT underground without causing a collapse?
Yes—place any trapdoor directly on top of the TNT block before igniting it. This prevents the explosion from triggering a massive cave-in, though you can still use TNT to expose ore veins if you want the collapse to happen.
Do I need Silk Touch to avoid cave-ins?
Silk Touch tools let you mine trigger blocks without any collapse, but they're not required—structural pillars and trapdoors are equally effective alternatives. Use whichever method fits your playstyle.
Will this mod work on a multiplayer server?
Yes, the data pack runs cleanly on multiplayer servers without requiring players to download client mods. Everyone on the server experiences the same collapse mechanics.
Can I turn off cave-ins or make them less frequent?
Use /function cave_in:config in chat to open the settings menu and adjust collapse chances. You can also uninstall the pack entirely from this menu if you want to disable the feature.
What happens when a big cave-in occurs?
Massive collapses expose fresh stone walls that often contain hidden ore veins, rewarding careful mining with better loot. The falling rocks themselves drop as stone blocks you can collect.
Can I use this mod with other data packs?
The mod is designed as a standalone data pack and should work alongside most other packs, though compatibility depends on whether they modify the same game mechanics. Test in a backup world if you're unsure.