As we’re sure you are all aware by now, LibraryCraft has been on version 1.21 for a bit over 12 months now, with no update. Since Mojang changed their update schedule to be released a few times a year instead of one large update once a year, the timings for updates for us have been longer, but we do have one coming soon! This is a bit of a longer post, but it’s good that you get the chance to understand how these things work.

LibraryCraft runs on things called plugins – it’s what makes us capable of doing the extra things that the vanilla game can’t do. Note that these are different again to mods, which tend to be much bigger changes that add brand new things to the game, not just altering existing behaviours. Mods and plugins run on two different environments. The environments we currently use are one called Paper (based on one called Spigot, which is based on one called Bukkit); and Waterfall – the multi-server system that allows us to connect multiple servers together. You may only see one server in the game, but Survival, Creative and Minigames are all separate servers, linked together by another one that you all connect to.

While each new version (or sub version) is released to the public, it takes us a while to get it. We have to wait for our server versions to be updated, plus a bunch of other things, and it has to be in a particular order. These can generally take a few months, especially if either there are bigger changes in the game (new blocks, biomes, world generation, behaviours etc), or if the plugin developers are taking their time.

Here’s the process this time around – we’re currently at around step 7. We’re hoping we can get to 1.21.8 (with the new happy ghasts), but there’s a few plugins still to come. At the very latest we’d go to 1.21.5. That version includes new particles, leaf litter, wildflowers, new bushes, firefly bushes, cactus flowers, dry grass, mob variants and some minor world generation changes. At this stage, we anticipate the update to happen within the month. Woo!

1. Mojang releases the latest version to the public. At the moment it’s 1.21.10.
2. Bukkit developers update Bukkit with the latest version. Bukkit is the program that lets us use the extra plugins.
3. Once it’s stable (a few weeks at least) it goes to Spigot, a better version of Bukkit. Spigot developers update Spigot with the latest version.
4. Once Spigot is stable (more time again), it goes to Paper, an even better version of Spigot. Same thing…
5. At the same time, all the Spigot plugin developers get their plugins updated and compatible with the latest version. Some do this, some don’t need to.
6. We have to wait until the vast majority of our plugins work before doing anything.
7. While all that is happening, the Builder team and the mod team are busy preparing the new Survival spawn area and map for players.
8. In addition to this, this time John has to change the multi-server system over to a brand new one, and change some major plugins as well.
9. Once the required plugins are sorted, then John can update the server. During this time, the server goes into maintenance mode, so nobody but John can log in. While this is happening, the servers get rebooted over and over while testing and plugin updates happen. We’ll tend to update a few at a time, reboot, test them, and then shut it down and do it all again.
10. So the server is updated! Hooray! John loads in the new Survival world (all while the server is in maintenance mode) and preloads the new overworld and nether, set up the required permissions and the worldborders. The preloads are very important as it means a much better performance for everyone. The hardest thing for a server to do is generate land as we explore. The preload basically does that all at once.
11. Once John has done the first tests, the mod team logs in and we do a little more testing.
12. If all seems to be ok then John fix the gates on the Ship and after some final tests, maintenance mode gets turned off and we’re good to go!

Generally this process takes a few days, but we estimate a week just to be sure. We know that everyone is excited – we are too! Just be mindful that if you’re all asking us if it’s ready, we’re spending that time replying to you saying it’s not and to just be patient, instead of actually getting it updated. It takes a lot of time and a lot of work to get there, but it’s worth it! At this stage we don’t have a date for when we’ll be updating, but as soon as we know, we’ll give you guys about a week’s notice. Also, during maintenance mode, please don’t try to log into the server. It won’t let you anyway, but please just leave it be until maintenance mode is off.

More information will come when we know it, but for now, finish your bases and get excited for the next map!

That’s right! Inspired by something we did about 5 years ago called The Broken Sky, we’re now offering a once in a lifetime deal! We’re offering the choice of one of four floating islands to be purchased and placed anywhere in the 121Survival world! The prices aren’t cheap, but we know how easy it is to get diamonds these days, so it’s very affordable.

The four islands are able to be explored just north east of the 121Spawn area. For those players without elytra, a handy gate has been created at 121Spawn to get you there too.

On to the prices! They’re also on signs at each island too.

Island 1: 5 Diamond Blocks (also comes with a premade cave and underground farm area)
Island 2: 5 Diamond Blocks
Island 3: 15 Diamond Blocks (double island!)
Island 4: 25 Diamond Blocks

Obviously the centre island is not for sale.

Why this sounds great! How do I purchase one?

We’re glad you asked. It’s very simple! Purchase a token for the island of your choosing from the Shopkeeper on the centre island.

To redeem your token, simply leave it in your inventory! Once that’s done, send a /mail to JohnsanGeezo saying you’ve purchased an island, and the coordinates of where you’d like it to be placed.

Islands will be placed no lower than Y=160, and will be placed at the coordinates of your choosing from the centre point of the island. Obviously you aren’t allowed to place an island where it will interfere with other claims or builds, or above spawn.

Islands will come with a waterfall, to allow players without elytra to get there, and will be pre-claimed for the player that purchased it. Once islands are placed, they are not able to be moved, so choose carefully! Once your island is placed, it’s yours to modify as you see fit (as long as it’s within our LC rules).

Have fun shopping!

A huge discovery has been found in 121Survival! Long thought as being lost, the Forgotten Desert Labyrinth of the Great Nemo has been discovered in a distant desert and it contains many hints to incredible treasures. Luckily for you, intrepid explorer, a map of the intricate tunnels in the labyrinth has been laid out. The question is, are you able to find the three clues needed to locate the treasure? To get there, take the gate next to the wheat fields at 121Spawn. A MASSIVE thanks to Backward_Nemo for creating this masterpiece, from the Legend of Zelda!

It’s important that before wandering in to the labyrinth you have a pen and paper with you, or something to take notes with, as the labyrinth is vast and it will be easy to get lost!

Hidden through the labyrinth are three clues. These clues will ask you to locate certain items or scenes throughout the LibraryCraft server. Nearby to these items or scenes will be a code word. The clues need to be written down first, so you can go to them once you have completed the Desert Labyrinth. Don’t leave part way through – the Labyrinth is a mysterious place full of magic! It’s best to complete it first, writing down the clues as you go, to find them later.

Once you have found the items or scenes, locate the code word near to it and write them down carefully – these will be the keys to the treasure! Beware though – there are three clues, but six locations and code words to find.

The three clues are hidden all through the maze, but in order to escape the first level of the maze, you’ll need to get to the centre, where the Great Nemo himself is stood. The second level of the maze is clearly a challenge, but you’ll be able to see through it soon enough, so chin up! Once you are out of the second level, you will find a final code word on a scrap of paper, obtained with a simple button press.

In order to successfully complete the Labyrinth challenge and claim your prize, you will need to submit the SEVEN code words (six locations around the server plus the word on the paper) via a /mail to JohnsanGeezo, the keeper of the Labyrinth.

But what is this treasure I hear you ask? It is treasure fit for the gods!

For members of the main LibraryCraft realm, a treasure box of valuable riches and power – sources of light and noise, natural wonders, ores and riches, armour for your trusted steed, a valued template for the smiths among you, and the mightiest treasure of all – a hammer forged from the trial chambers of the depths.

For members of the newly founded LC Modded realm, a separate box of wonders critical to survival in the harsh sky landscape. Wings, the valued inferium essence, some humble eggs, ores and riches, a cake (simple, yet wondrous), beehives with bees, and a hammer forged from platinum.

So here’s the steps you need to take:

1. Get a pen and paper (or something to take notes with)
2. Head to the labyrinth and head inside
3. Explore the whole labyrinth, to find the 3 CLUES.
4. Write down these clues as you come across them!
5. Get to the middle of the labyrinth and drop down
6. Complete the second level of the labyrinth and press the button at the end
7. Take the piece of paper with the FINAL CODE (write this down too!)
8. Get back to spawn and start solving the 3 CLUES to get the 6 CODEWORDS.
9. Once you have the 6 CODEWORDS, mail them to JohnsanGeezo with the FINAL CODE
10. Wait for JohnsanGeezo to respond, to claim your prize!

Should you be members of both of these realms, both treasures will be yours!

Good luck intrepid adventurers! Your fortune awaits!

Over the last couple of days we’ve refreshed the LC Modded server with a brand new modpack, All The Mods 9: To The Sky! It’s already seen a massive amount of play, so it should be a popular one, especially as we’re launching in to the school holidays this weekend!

The big difference this time around is that the world is a skyblock world, so every player has their own island, 4,000 blocks away from each other! ATM9TTS is a modpack that has a massive amount of mods to explore – enough for every type of modded player. There’s technology, magic, farming, building, boss battles, grinding and a whole lot more.

Some of the bigger mods included are Create 6, Powah, ForceCraft, AE2, Botania, Thermal Series, Mekanism, Immersive Engineering, Croptopia, Ars Nouveau, Pipez, Sophisticated Backpacks & Storage, Dank Storage, Chipped, Waystones, Mystical Agriculture, Easy Villagers, Modular Routers and a lot more.

It sounds like a lot to figure out, but there’s a massive quest system that goes into every one of the mods, so it’s also good for the new players.

We’ve also got Simple Voice Chat installed, so you can add that to your modpack manually too, or just use the LibraryCraft Discord voice channels.

There’s some important entry requirements which can be found at the LCModded page, but it’s going to be a lot of fun!

We’ve got some more funds in the budget before the end of the financial year as we couldn’t make it to Pixel Expo, so we thought we’d pass it on to our players in the form of a big End of Financial Year Creative Competition!

It’s going to be a bit special – here’s what you need to know.

• There is no set theme! Build your best whatever!
• The plots are bigger – 100×100 in fact!
• The prizes are also bigger! JB Hifi Vouchers for the top three:
  • 1st Place: $125
  • 2nd Place: $75
  • 3rd Place: $50
• There’s more time to build! The competition opens Monday morning April 14th and will be open until 9pm Monday June 30th. That’s over 2 months to build!

A new gate will be opened up at the Creative Competitions area in the Creative Lobby.

There’s also some important extra information:

• Only completed builds will be judged – it’s worth finishing them and you have plenty of time! In order to be deemed completed, you’ll need to do THREE things:
  1. Finish your build!
  2. Submit your entry by sending a /mail to JohnsanGeezo in Survival. It won’t work on Creative – you MUST be in 121Survival! Use /mail send JohnsanGeezo [message]. If you have Discord, you can open a ticket. Remember – these should be submitted AFTER you have completed your build, not before!
  3. There must be a lectern on the corner of your build plot with a book containing the description of your build. The description doesn’t have to be massive, but it needs to describe what you intended to build.
• Each completed build will be awarded two points in the main Emerald Points Creative Competition. Those two points may be all the difference to get you onto the podium!

What about the Builder Role players?

We’ve not forgotten about you! Our four current Builders – Meowlicky, CopperJay, Smaug12345 and JtripleM are eligible to build in it as well, but with a few differences:

• Instead of building on a plot 100×100 plot, each builder will get a length of the border of the world, around 500 or 600×100 blocks in size. You can see them in the image above.
• Don’t panic yet! We’re not asking you to build five plots! We’d like you to build something but it needs to be tileable. It can be up to 100 blocks wide (or less if you really want), but it needs to be able to seamlessly tile along your stretch of border. When your build is complete (let us know in the Builder’s Discord channel), we will then copy your entire build and tile it edge to edge along your stretch of border!
• Completed Builder rank builds will be judged separately, with the winner getting a different prize.
  • 5x diamond blocks
  • 2x megacrate keys
  • The winning builder build gets to choose August’s Creative Competition theme!