# Welcome to the Zandercraft Better Vanilla SMP! An enhanced vanilla SMP server with various mechanics that help to improve your overall gameplay experience. ## Why? This server was originally created as an SMP concept for a new survival series on [Zander's livestreams](https://twitch.tv/ZandercraftGames), later developing into a full public SMP server, running 24/7. The goal is to produce a server that stays true to vanilla Minecraft's survival concepts but adding features that just make sense in order to enhance gameplay. The changes we've implemented do not break Minecraft's vanilla feel, but instead, enhance it through additions of concepts from real life as well as some more interesting additions that add extra difficulty to the game. ## How do I connect? {% hint style="danger" %} Before playing, make sure to read our [Server Rules](/server-rules) to ensure that you do not get banned. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} The server requires that you accept a resource pack in order to join. This resource pack allows for some of the enhanced features of the server to properly function. If you do not accept it, you will not be able to join the server. {% endhint %} The server runs on the latest version of Minecraft: Java Edition (currently 1.17.1). Joining is as easy as going to the Multiplayer menu, clicking "Add Server", and filling out the fields as follows, then check out our [Getting Started](/getting-started#spawning-in) guide for some information on how best to get started on the server. ![](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7TTroomlCeeu1gjBa%2F-Mh7UaZ8BXuvanzFHzDR%2Fbettervanilla.png?alt=media\&token=cd52cafd-2daf-42f1-adf4-21b2b020a129) # Main Features Take a look at some of the main features that our server offers, as well as how they work. ## Custom World Generation {% tabs %} {% tab title="Overworld Generation" %} ![Custom jungle generation by Terralith.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7W9HQhv1eCLkfdFMk%2F-Mh7XNgNYvkYvbP2Hp2A%2F2021-08-15_02.36.37.png?alt=media\&token=8e6e6e3c-3f30-44a8-b0f3-65e7f48df9de) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Cave Generation" %} ![A lush cave biome that had generated underground.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7YN_zNrJdQ9WGgrFo%2F-Mh7ZqdjXFxRhFGN253N%2F2021-08-15_02.50.16.png?alt=media\&token=e227db9c-7d10-4a82-91e3-2e4b74aa085a) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Nether Generation" %} ![Custom Nether generation by Incendium.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-MhBn-R9N55SGyJkLt3n%2F-MhBnEl1iMmUfXAT72OC%2F2021-08-15_15.58.59.png?alt=media\&token=7a16106f-64b6-41c1-8b5f-872cd680e2c4) {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} The server uses a special overworld generator called [Terralith](https://www.planetminecraft.com/data-pack/terralith-overworld-evolved-100-biomes-caves-and-more/) and Nether generator called [Incendium](https://www.planetminecraft.com/data-pack/incendium-nether-expansion/), which in addition to adding 1.18-like cave and mountain generation (as well as increased world height and depth), adds hundreds of new biomes and custom world and nether generation to Minecraft. Exploration has never been better with hundreds of custom biomes to explore! {% hint style="warning" %} Due to the world generation being handled by a custom generator, as well as updates to that generator, you may encounter world generation issues. These most often are blatantly obvious changes in world terrain. Please report these, including the coordinates of the glitched chunks to the server admins so that we can fix them. DO NOT build on or near glitched chunks as they may be removed without notice. {% endhint %} ## Fear ![A demonstration of a critical fear level in the fear system.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7YN_zNrJdQ9WGgrFo%2F-Mh7YzdHGjRsJ9rYtBqG%2F2021-08-15_02.45.49.png?alt=media\&token=8cfb9a1a-adda-4443-92d6-d341f818057f) The fear system adds an extra level of difficulty to gameplay on the server. Darkness, as well as nearby mobs cause your fear bar to fill up. Once you hit a critical fear level (80%+), you begin to experience negative effects, eventually ending in death at 100% fear. To mitigate this, you must get to a lit space (any default light source will do), or hold a torch if you have Optifine installed. Both of these factors will cause your fear bar to go down as the light makes you less afraid. ## Temperature {% tabs %} {% tab title="Overheating" %} ![An image showcasing what is looks like when someone is too hot.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7bkuZ2P5ooaq83LeW%2F-Mh7bshujn4Qjl4Q0gG1%2F2021-08-11_18.41.47.png?alt=media\&token=f692919c-b45e-40e3-92c5-586c1bec763d) {% endtab %} {% tab title="Hypothermia" %} ![An image showcasing what happens when someone gets too cold.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7bkuZ2P5ooaq83LeW%2F-Mh7c4wFAobgML9mpn-N%2F2021-08-11_18.41.57.png?alt=media\&token=93ab64f0-9fbf-456f-9baf-a5df404c4439) {% endtab %} {% endtabs %} The temperature system is really good at ruining your day if you do not have a heat or cooling source around. You will notice that you get cold at night and during rain, while swimming, as well as while travelling in certain biomes. Likewise, you will also get too hot in certain biomes and conditions in which you are too close to sources of extreme heat (i.e. lava). In order to cool yourself down, you either need blocks of packed ice or to take a quick swim in a river or pond. To warm yourself up, have a campfire handy; it might just save your life.\ This system serves to implement some added realism into the server, while also making survival harder (frankly, the way it should be). You may notice similarities to the mod called Tough As Nails. This is because this feature was inspired by it. ### Temperature Colours > Cold - Blue\ > Gray - Neutral\ > Hot - Yellow/Black #### Blue Temperature Indicator (Cold) If your temperature indicator turns blue, you are too cold. This usually means you have spent too much time in the water and need to warm up. You should place down a campfire to warm yourself. #### Grey Temperature Indicator (Neutral) If your temperature indicator is grey, you are at just the right temperature. This is the temperature that you should aim to stay at. #### Yellow Temperature Indicator (Hot) If your temperature indicator is yellow, you are too hot. This usually means you are in a hot biome or are near lava or other hot areas (often sand). You should take a swim in some water to cool yourself. ## Roads/Highways ![A cross-section of a highway.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7dlWv9ISCfSwMkoq_%2F-Mh7e4haH9lKeanZsJtm%2F2020-05-13_21.02.55.png?alt=media\&token=2a67d3ec-f2e3-47fc-a80c-f11d0aa002a5) Looking for a faster method of travel? Look no further than roads and highways! Roads and highways speed up both players and entities travelling on them (including horses) in order to provide a faster, more convenient way to travel places. ### **Roads** Making a road is simple! Roads are simply paths made from dirt-path blocks. Just right-click a grass block with a shovel to start building your first road!\ These will provide a small speed increase. ### **Highways** Building a highway is a little more resource and time-consuming, but in the end, is generally worth it. In order to build a highway, you must place down two layers of cobblestone and one layer of gravel on top (see the picture above).\ These will provide a significant speed increase to both you as well as your steed, as well as some clear space to travel. ## Property Protection ![An image of the protection GUI.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7hh0-AWMcRVu7Vtb2%2F-Mh7iCUgF_-Dk__CXW2r%2F336baeb7bb3ea7d4620963287f3eaf119f9653ae.png?alt=media\&token=b671ef40-862f-4f46-8c3f-484e403c90e0) {% hint style="success" %} If you ever have your items stolen or your build(s) griefed, make sure to report it to the server admins! We have the tools to investigate what happened and we may be able to restore your property! {% endhint %} We know that your items are important to you! That's why we have implemented a door and container locking system! This system allows you to place locks on your doors, chests, furnaces and other containers, as well as the ability to add friends who can access your locked items. Perfect for if you are building a base with someone else!\ In order to lock a door or container, just shift and right-click on the block you wish to lock. This will open up the Block Lock GUI which you can navigate to lock the block, add friend access and more! ## Fishing ![The multitude of fish available to catch.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7jC-BRSSOJlHGpvkd%2F-Mh7jfo4tdVUZatAa-1a%2F14055538-fishicons_l.webp?alt=media\&token=eb9a22b5-b191-4505-afeb-a9bb78909309) The server also has an enhanced fishing system! While you will not find more than the usual fish in ponds and rivers, you can reel in some pretty big catches with a fishing rod! From Bluegills to Halibut, the variety of fish you can catch redefines the fishing scene! ### Fish Market If you look around at the server's spawn, you can find a small booth. Here you can sell off your fish for their listed value! You can make a tidy profit by cashing in a day's haul of fish by right-clicking the "Fish Market" sign with them. You can also set up private deals with other players by using the `/pay ` command. ### Weekly Fishing Tournament Most weeks there is a fishing tournament hosted on the server. Who can catch the most fish? Prove your skills on the seas by ranking your way up to #1 on the leaderboard and win the tournament prize! All players are automatically entered into the tournament. Winners will be picked automatically based on the size and amount of fish caught. Can't wait to see you on the seas, sailor! ## Blood Moon ![The start of a blood moon.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-MhBeNhLWU9wbctTKKSy%2F-MhBeV6TPS_-oOw5TGEf%2Fbloodmoon.png?alt=media\&token=74061d3d-bc4a-4e71-ae77-dc92c42e45f8) {% hint style="danger" %} A blood moon is probably the most terrifying event that can occur on the server. While it happens on a regular basis and is predictable, you DO NOT want to get caught unawares. {% endhint %} A blood moon will occur every 15 Minecraft days. Blood moons come with buffs and benefits as well as extremely excessive amounts of death. During a blood moon, you will be unable to sleep, giving you the urge to go outside. It is only recommended that you do this if you can handle it. ### Benefits * Increased mob item drops. * Better mob loot (many valuable ores and other items drop). * Experience from mobs is quintupled (x5 experience). ### Increased Danger * Your items will immediately despawn when you die. * Damage dealt by mobs is doubled (x2 damage). * Mobs have tripled their health (x3 health). * Cannot sleep during a blood moon. * Twice the mobs spawn (x2 mob spawn rates). * Hoards of mobs will spawn. ### Hoards A hoard is something you do not wish to ever deal with, however, it will inevitably happen during a blood moon. In a hoard, zombies, skeletons and spiders will spawn in huge amounts and travel in groups towards you. Hoards are very good at dealing large amounts of damage and preventing escape. # Server Rules These rules must be followed in order to ensure a safe and functioning server community. {% hint style="danger" %} Failure to comply with any of the following rules may result in staff action, potentially resulting in a permanent ban from the server. We are very understanding, but if you go beyond a certain point, we will not hesitate to punish you for your actions. {% endhint %} 1. No swearing. 2. Keep all conversations, builds and activities PG/family-friendly. 3. No stealing. 4. No griefing. 5. Be respectful. 6. Obey what the staff tell you to do. 7. No politics. 8. Do not exploit bugs in the server, server software, plugins and/or Minecraft. 9. No hacking. 10. No cheating. 11. No chat spam and/or advertisements. # Getting Started A beginner's guide to getting started on the server. ## Connecting To The Server {% hint style="danger" %} Before playing, make sure to read our [Server Rules](/server-rules) to ensure that you do not get banned. {% endhint %} {% hint style="warning" %} The server requires that you accept a resource pack in order to join. This resource pack allows for some of the enhanced features of the server to properly function. If you do not accept it, you will not be able to join the server. {% endhint %} The server runs on the latest version of Minecraft: Java Edition (currently 1.17.1). Joining is as easy as going to the Multiplayer menu, clicking "Add Server", and filling out the fields as follows: ![](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7TTroomlCeeu1gjBa%2F-Mh7UaZ8BXuvanzFHzDR%2Fbettervanilla.png?alt=media\&token=cd52cafd-2daf-42f1-adf4-21b2b020a129) ## Spawning In ![The server's main spawn area.](https://3620854331-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-legacy-files/o/assets%2F-Mh7P7FkVR_pH6cMzziZ%2F-Mh7mY4F-hgwqVRkyGC5%2F-Mh7njrxOkZhQmtFskLT%2F2021-08-15_03.55.00.png?alt=media\&token=c6e563d5-a501-4375-bbb7-7f975e135551) {% hint style="warning" %} You should be familiar with the [temperature system](/main-features#temperature) before exiting the spawn region. This will prevent a lot of death. [Temperature indicator](/main-features#temperature) colours are as follows:\ Blue - Too cold (You should warm up by a campfire)\ Grey - Neutral\ Orange/Black - Too hot (You should cool down in some water) {% endhint %} When you first spawn into the world, you will appear at the server's main spawn area (as seen above).\ This area includes a few things including: * The server [fish market](/main-features#fish-market). * A board to help remind people of the rules as well as server features. * A desert well to help you [cool off](/main-features#temperature) if you start to overheat. This area is well-lit to keep [fear level](/main-features#fear) to a minimum, as well as being protected from various forms of mob explosions and griefing. You can think of this area as a safe haven, as it contains all that is needed to survive in the world. ## Starting Your Adventure {% hint style="info" %} This guide presumes that you have a basic understanding of Minecraft, crafting recipes and the key fundamentals of survival from this point forward. If you do not, look up some guides on "How to survive your first night in Minecraft" and practice in a single-player world before getting started on the server. {% endhint %} Since the server's spawn is located in a desert, one thing you will have to worry about is overheating. The first thing you want to do when you embark on your journey is to exit the desert and look for two things; water and wood. You should travel by the waterways, but be careful not to stay in the water long enough to freeze. Water is currently pretty problematic in terms of causing freezing.\ Once you have found a source of wood, craft yourself some tools and acquire stone by taking a quick mining trip. Once you have 8 cobblestone, craft a furnace and use your wood to make some charcoal. Once you have charcoal, immediately craft a campfire. You will need this to warm you up and regulate your [temperature](/main-features#temperature) if you start to get too cold as well as to light up your first settlement. Beyond this, you should explore around and find a good place to spend your first night, continuing with the general vanilla Minecraft survival process as usual. {% hint style="warning" %} **Remember:** At night and while mining, you will need a source of light to ensure that your [fear level](/main-features#fear) does not reach a critical fear level. {% endhint %} The second day is probably the best to go out, collect any extra resources you need and to explore for a place to settle down more permanently. Try to explore far enough away from spawn that you have had enough time to pick a good location, aren't interfering with other's land, aren't interfering with spawn and are close enough to be able to get back to spawn for events such as [fishing tournaments](/main-features#weekly-fishing-tournament), the [Fish Market](/main-features#fish-market), and any meetups and drop parties.