ModsJava
Ore Compass
A Minecraft Forge mod that adds three tiers of specialized compass items to detect and locate ores within configurable ranges. Compasses can be tuned to…
⬇ Download on CurseForgeThe author built this one for Minecraft 1.20.1 on Forge. On other versions it may install and then do nothing.
# Ore Compass Mod
## Overview
The Ore Compass is a Minecraft Forge mod that adds specialized compass items capable of detecting and locating ores within a configurable range. This mod provides players with a valuable tool for mining and ore exploration, making resource gathering more efficient and strategic.
## Features
### Three Tier System
The mod implements three tiers of ore compasses, each with increasing capabilities:
1. **Basic Ore Compass (Tier 1)**
- Detection range: 16 blocks
- Detects basic ores: Coal, Iron, and Copper
- Entry-level tool for early-game mining
2. **Advanced Ore Compass (Tier 2)**
- Detection range: 32 blocks
- Detects all Tier 1 ores plus: Gold, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Redstone, and Emerald
- Mid-game upgrade for enhanced ore detection
3. **Master Ore Compass (Tier 3)**
- Detection range: 64 blocks
- Detects all previous ores plus: Ancient Debris and Nether Quartz
- Ultimate ore detection tool for late-game mining
### Ore Detection System
The mod can detect the following ore types across both Overworld and Nether dimensions:
**Tier 1 Ores:**
- Coal (including Deepslate Coal Ore)
- Iron (including Deepslate Iron Ore)
- Copper (including Deepslate Copper Ore)
**Tier 2 Ores:**
- Gold (including Deepslate and Nether Gold Ore)
- Diamond (including Deepslate Diamond Ore)
- Lapis Lazuli (including Deepslate Lapis Ore)
- Redstone (including Deepslate Redstone Ore)
- Emerald (including Deepslate Emerald Ore)
**Tier 3 Ores:**
- Ancient Debris (Nether exclusive)
- Nether Quartz
### Compass Tuning System
Players can "tune" their ore compasses to detect specific ore types:
- Use crafting recipes to tune a compass to a specific ore
- Tuned compasses will only detect the specified ore type
- Tuned compasses display an enchanted glowing effect
- This allows for focused mining operations when searching for specific resources
### Functionality
**Real-time Detection:**
- Compasses automatically scan for ores every second (20 ticks)
- Detection occurs in a cubic area around the player
- The compass tracks the nearest ore within range
**User Interaction:**
- Right-click/use the compass to force an immediate scan
- Displays the detected ore type and distance in chat
- Shows "No ores detected in range" if nothing is found
- Action bar messages provide quick feedback
**Smart Tracking:**
- Compasses remember the last detected ore position
- Automatically validates if the tracked ore still exists
- Updates to new targets when previous ores are mined
- Efficient performance with periodic updates
**Visual Indicators:**
- Tooltip displays tier, range, and detection capabilities
- Shows which ore type the compass is tuned to (if applicable)
- Tuned compasses have an enchanted glowing effect
## Technical Implementation
### Core Components
- **OreCompass.java**: Main mod class handling registration and initialization
- **OreCompassItem.java**: Implements compass behavior, NBT storage, and user interaction
- **OreDetector.java**: Contains ore detection algorithms and scanning logic
- **OreType.java**: Enum defining all detectable ore types and their properties
- **TuneCompassRecipe.java**: Custom recipe system for tuning compasses
- **Config.java**: Configuration options for the mod
### Recipe System
The mod includes:
- Crafting recipes for each tier of compass
- Tuning recipes for each ore type (10 different ores)
- Custom recipe serializer for the tuning mechanic
### NBT Data Storage
Compasses store data using NBT tags:
- Tuned ore type
- Target ore position (X, Y, Z coordinates)
- Persistent across game sessions
## Use Cases
- **Early Mining**: Use Basic compass to find essential ores like coal and iron
- **Resource Farming**: Tune compass to specific ores for efficient gathering
- **Nether Exploration**: Master compass helps locate Ancient Debris and Quartz
- **Cave Exploration**: Quickly identify nearby ore deposits in large cave systems
- **Strip Mining Optimization**: Detect ores beyond visible range to maximize efficiency
## Mod Information
- **Mod ID**: ore_compass
- **Platform**: Minecraft Forge
- **Creative Tab**: Dedicated "Ore Compass" tab for all compass items
- **Item Properties**: Compasses are non-stackable (maximum stack size: 1)
## Benefits
- Reduces time spent searching for specific ores
- Makes mining more strategic and less random
- Provides clear progression through three tiers
- Compatible with both Overworld and Nether mining
- Supports all vanilla ore variants (regular and deepslate)
Quick facts
- Edition: Minecraft Java
- File type: .jar
- Minecraft version listed: 1.20.1
- How to install: Install the matching mod loader (Forge, Fabric or NeoForge) for your Minecraft version. → Download the .jar. → Put it in the .minecraft/mods folder and launch that loader profile.
- Where to get it: Opens on CurseForge — not every file is mirrored on our own servers.
Install steps are the general flow for this file type — How to install Minecraft Java mods & modpacks walks through it step by step.
Verified by MCModsHub
- Ships as ore_compass-1.0.0.jar — drop this file into the mods folder
- Download size: 32 KB
- Download link checked 12 Sept 2026 — working
These come from our own check of the pack file, not from the source page.