Difference between revisions of "FAQ"

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This is a collection of some '''frequently asked questions''' about Minetest. For technical problems, refer to [[Troubleshooting]].
 
This is a collection of some '''frequently asked questions''' about Minetest. For technical problems, refer to [[Troubleshooting]].
  
== General ==
+
== What is Minetest? ==
 +
Minetest is a free software game engine desgined to create [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voxel voxel]-based games. A detailed description can be found at [[Minetest]].
  
=== Where can I ask questions? ===
+
== About the Engine ==
 +
=== How much does Minetest cost? ===
 +
Nothing. It's free.
 +
 
 +
=== Is Minetest a clone of Minecraft? ===
 +
The very first version of Minetest was intended to replicate what Minecraft Alpha had been shown to do at the time (2010)<ref>https://fr.wikinews.org/wiki/Interview_de_Perttu_Ahola,_cr%C3%A9ateur_du_jeu_Minetest</ref>. It's goals soon diverged from Minecraft and eventually became a game engine instead.
  
You can ask in [http://minetest.net/irc IRC] and the [https://forum.minetest.net/ Forum]. It is recommended to search the archives, most questions were probably answered before.<br/>
+
=== Who created Minetest? ===
Note that questions about modding should be put into the [https://forum.minetest.net/viewforum.php?f=47 Modding Discussion section] and not into Problems.
+
[[Celeron55|Perttu Ahola]] (also known as '''celeron55'''). It is currently developed by [https://github.com/orgs/minetest/people this random bunch of lunatics] as well as [https://github.com/minetest/minetest/graphs/contributors the community].
  
=== How to install games, mods, maps, and texture packs? ===
+
=== What is Minetest written in? ===
 +
Minetest is written in C++ using a [https://github.com/minetest/irrlicht forked version of the Irrlicht rendering engine]. The game and mod API uses the [https://www.lua.org/ Lua language].
  
See [[Games#Installing games|Installing Games]], [[Installing Mods|Installing Mods]], [[Maps#Installation|Installing Maps]],  and [[Texture Packs#Installation|Installing Texture Packs]].
+
=== Can I change the code myself? ===
 +
[https://github.com/minetest/minetest/ Yes.] Minetest is freely licensed ([https://github.com/minetest/minetest/blob/master/LICENSE.txt LGPL 2.1 and others]).
  
=== When will the next version of Minetest / Minetest Game be released? ===
+
=== When will the next version of Minetest be released? ===
We don't know.
+
Check the [https://github.com/minetest/minetest/milestones GitHub milestones] for a good idea of how far along the next version is.
  
 
=== How do I update Minetest? ===
 
=== How do I update Minetest? ===
 +
This depends on your operating system and installation method. You will usually either download the newest version or run an update command. Some systems may require you to move your worlds and mods. If you are using the Git version, simply pull and compile every time you want to update.
  
The easiest way is just to download the newest version and move your worlds and mods to the new version. Depending on your operating system, there may exist other ways to update the game. If you are using the Git version, you can clone the repository and pull and compile every time you want to update.
+
=== Where and how do I find games to install? ===
 +
Check out the [https://content.minetest.net/packages/?type=game Minetest ContentDB] for a list of games. You can easily install games (and other content) through the client in the '''Content''' tab ('Browse online content'). You may also manually install games you find on the forum or GitHub to the "games" folder in your Minetest data directory. For more information about games, see [[Games]].
  
=== What are the different games and how do I install them? ===
+
=== The main menu sucks! ===
 +
[https://github.com/minetest/minetest/issues/6733 We're working on it.]
  
On a new installation you should have [[Games/Minetest Game|Minetest Game]] (this is the default game), if you don't have it, download it from [https://github.com/minetest/minetest_game GitHub]. “Minimal development test” is just for developers and is not intended to be playable. You can find several other games (games) in the forums and in the [[List of Games]]. To install, them extract the pack and rename the folder to the name of the game (e.g. “minetest_game-master” becomes “minetest_game”), then copy the folder to the “games” folder. For more information about games, read [[Games]].
+
=== I have a technical problem, how to fix this? ===
 +
''See [[Troubleshooting]].''
  
=== How do I get the multiplayer account? ===
+
=== Why is it called "Minetest"? ===
 +
Minetest started as an experiment (a '''test''', if you will) to replicate '''Mine'''craft Alpha. The name stuck, and [https://github.com/minetest/minetest_game/issues/2077 no one can agree] [https://forum.minetest.net/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=17133 on a new one].
  
There is no globally valid multiplayer account in Minetest. For each server, you can use a different name and password. The “account” is created at first login. This way, only you can access your player and inventory on that particular server. You can always play singleplayer with no need for any username and password.
+
== Terminology ==
 +
; Mod : A "module" or "modification" to a game. ''See [[Mods]].''
 +
; Game : A collection of modules configured to run on the Minetest engine. ''See [[Games]].''
 +
; Subgame : A legacy term for [[Games|game]].
 +
; Texture pack : A set of client-side textures that overwrite included game or mod textures. ''See [[Texture Packs]].''
 +
; Node : Technical name for a single cube or block.
 +
; Mob : A moving creature. ''See [[Mobs]].''
  
=== How do I get an account for the Minetest Wiki? ===
+
== About Minetest Game ==
By requesting one at https://forum.minetest.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10473.
+
=== What is Minetest Game? ===
 +
Minetest Game is the game currently included with Minetest, mostly intended to show features and act as a base for mods. See [[Games/Minetest Game|Minetest Game]] for more details.
  
== Terminology ==
+
=== Where is [insert Minecraft feature here]? ===
=== What is Minetest? ===
+
Minetest Game is not intended to replicate Minecraft in any way. Features from Minecraft may be found in mods or other games (try out [https://content.minetest.net/packages/Wuzzy/mineclone2/ Mineclone2] for a close analog of Minecraft 1.12.1). If you would like to play a game with Minecraft features, we recommend playing Minecraft.
Minetest is a free software game engine for [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voxel voxel]-based games. A detailed description can be found at [[Minetest]].
 
  
Minetest usually comes distributed along with one rather simple sandbox-style game by default: [[Games/Minetest Game|Minetest Game]].
+
''See also [[Differences from Minecraft]].''
  
=== What is a mod? ===
+
=== Where is all the content? No mobs? No story? ===
''See [[Mods]]''.
+
Minetest Game is not designed with a story or goal in mind. It is simply a sandbox to play in. Mods or other games provide actual gameplay content. Try looking for some on the [https://content.minetest.net/ ContentDB].
  
=== What is a game? ===
+
=== You should add [insert feature here] to Minetest Game! ===
''See [[Games]].''
+
Minetest Game is [https://github.com/minetest/minetest_game/issues/2710 currently in a low-development state], mostly just maintenance and bug fixes. New game features are not being considered as Minetest Game is intended to be retired from "default" status.
  
=== What is a subgame? ===
+
=== How does [insert item or block here] work? How do I craft it? ===
“Subgame” is an outdated term for “[[Games|game]]. Using this term is now discouraged. See [[Games]] to learn more.
+
Refer to [[Blocks]] and [[Items]] for information on usage and crafting. You can also install a [[crafting guide]] mod to view available crafting recipes.
  
=== What is a texture pack? ===
+
=== I was told there were dungeons. Where are they? ===
''See [[Texture Packs]].
+
Make sure you enable dungeons when you create your world. They tend to spawn generally anywhere under or on the surface, you'll run into one eventually.
  
=== What is a mob? ===
+
== Community ==
''See [[Mobs]]''.
+
=== Where can I ask questions? ===
 +
You can ask in [http://minetest.net/irc IRC (#minetest)], the [https://forum.minetest.net/ Forum], [https://discord.gg/minetest Discord], or [https://www.reddit.com/r/Minetest/ Reddit]. It is recommended to search history and archives first, many questions have already been answered.<br/>
 +
Be mindful of which category (thread, channel, etc.) your question may fall under when asking on certain platforms.
  
=== What is Minetest Game? ===
+
Find out where you can get involved [https://www.minetest.net/get-involved/ here].
[[Games/Minetest Game|Minetest Game]] is a game for Minetest. It is usually distributed by default along with Minetest.
 
  
=== What is minetest_game? ===
+
=== How do I install third-party content? ===
“minetest_game” is the old (internal) name of Minetest Game. This name is sometimes still used in forum posts and chat, but this name is no longer official.
+
You can find all kinds of community-made content on [https://content.minetest.net/ the Minetest ContentDB]. You can find and install content from this database using "Browse online content" found in the '''Content''' tab in the main menu.
  
== Servers ==
+
For manually installing content, see [[Games#Installing games|Installing Games]], [[Installing Mods|Installing Mods]], [[Maps#Installation|Installing Maps]], and [[Texture Packs#Installation|Installing Texture Packs]].
  
=== How do I set up a server? ===
+
=== How do I connect to servers? Do I need a multiplayer account? ===
''See [[Setting up a server]] and [[Server]].''
+
There is no globally valid multiplayer account in Minetest. For each server, you can use a different name and password. The "account" is created at first login. This way, only you can access your player and inventory on that particular server. You can always play singleplayer with no need for any username and password.
  
=== How do I use command XYZ? ===
+
=== How do I make my own server? ===
 +
Read [[Setting up a server]] and [[Server]]. See [[Server commands]] for a list of usual included chat commands.
  
''See [[Server commands]].''
+
=== How do I get an account for the Minetest Wiki? ===
 +
By requesting one at https://forum.minetest.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10473.
  
 
== Gameplay ==
 
== Gameplay ==
 
+
=== What are the controls? ===
=== General ===
 
 
 
==== What are the game controls? ====
 
 
 
 
''See [[Controls]].''
 
''See [[Controls]].''
  
==== How big is the [[Maps|map]]? ====
+
=== How big is the [[Maps|map]]? ===
 
+
The map is a cube with a side length of 61840 [[Nodes|node]] (blocks) lengths. The map has thus a volume equal to the volume of 61840<sup>3</sup> nodes = 236,487,637,504,000 nodes.
It is ''not'' infinite. As of 0.4.10, the map is a cube with a side length of 61840 [[Nodes|node]] lengths. The map has thus a volume equal to the volume of 61840<sup>3</sup> nodes = 236,487,637,504,000 nodes.
 
 
The coordinates range from −30912 to 30927 in all dimensions.
 
The coordinates range from −30912 to 30927 in all dimensions.
  
 
''See also [[Coordinates]] and [[World boundaries]].''
 
''See also [[Coordinates]] and [[World boundaries]].''
  
==== How do I find my house again? ====
+
=== How do I find my house again? ===
 
+
You can keep track of your coordinates (depending on the game) using debug info (<kbd>F5<kbd>). If you want, you can teleport to coordinates using
Minetest automatically generates a file called “debug.txt” in minetest/bin (Windows) or ~/.minetest (GNU/Linux) where you can see lots of text. Scroll down to its end and look for something like
+
  /teleport x y z
singleplayer digs node * […]
+
''See [[Server commands#Teleportation]]. Requires "teleport" [[Privileges|privilege]]''.
Try to teleport to the positions you see in these lines until you find your home:
 
  /teleport x,y,z
 
''See [[Server commands#Teleportation]].''
 
  
 
In Minetest Game, you can avoid getting lost again if use <code>/sethome</code> at home to save your home position and <code>/home</code> to teleport back to it.
 
In Minetest Game, you can avoid getting lost again if use <code>/sethome</code> at home to save your home position and <code>/home</code> to teleport back to it.
  
''Note: Teleportations require the “teleport” [[Privileges|privilege]].''
+
=== How do I set my spawn point? ===
 
 
==== How do I set my spawn point? ====
 
 
If you play Minetest Game, you can build a [[bed]] and sleep at night. On your next life, you will spawn on the bed.
 
If you play Minetest Game, you can build a [[bed]] and sleep at night. On your next life, you will spawn on the bed.
  
For other games, two solutions are known:
+
Otherwise, you can find a mod (such as [https://forum.minetest.net/viewtopic.php?t=16923 this one]) or set your spawn point for ''all'' worlds using <code>static_spawnpoint = (x,y,z)</code> in your [[minetest.conf]] file.
 
 
The first one involves adding a special mod for your world as decribed here: https://forum.minetest.net/viewtopic.php?p=70904#p70904
 
 
 
The second solution: Edit your [[minetest.conf]] file and set <code>static_spawnpoint</code> to the [[coordinates]] on which you wish to spawn (Example: <code>static_spawnpoint = (4,5,6)</code>). However, this setting will apply to ''all'' worlds!
 
 
 
==== How do I increase the brightness? ====
 
 
 
See [[Troubleshooting#The_screen_is_too_dark]].
 
 
 
==== How do I fly? ====
 
  
To fly, you first need the “fly” [[Privileges|privilege]]. If you have it, press <kbd>K</kbd> to start/stop flying. You ascend with the jump key (default: <kbd>space bar</kbd>) and descent with the sneak key (default: <kbd>shift</kbd>).
+
=== How do I increase the brightness? ===
 +
''See [[Troubleshooting#The_screen_is_too_dark]].''
  
If you do not have the “fly” privilege, you need to get it. In singleplayer or in multiplayer servers (if you have the privilege to grant privileges), you can give it to yourself using the command:
+
=== How do I fly? ===
 
+
To fly, you first need the "fly" [[Privileges|privilege]]. Use the <kbd>K</kbd> key to toggle flying. Ascend with the jump key (default: <kbd>space bar</kbd>) and descend with the sneak key (default: <kbd>shift</kbd>).
/grantme fly
 
 
 
If you can't obtain the “fly” privilege like that, one of the server operators may or may not grant it to you. Try asking them. Your request may or may not be granted. If not, you're out of luck: You can't fly on this server.
 
  
 
See also: [[Controls/Movement modes#Fly mode]]
 
See also: [[Controls/Movement modes#Fly mode]]
  
==== How do I move really fast? ====
+
=== How do I sprint? ===
This works similar to flying. The quick version is this: You need the “fast” privilege to toggle fast mode. If you have this privilege, press <kbd>J</kbd> to toggle fast mode. If fast mode is enabled, hold down <kbd>E</kbd> to go faster.
+
With default Minetest behavior you can "go fast" using the "fast" [[Privileges|privilege]] (toggled with the <kbd>J</kbd> key) and your auxilary key (default: <kbd>E</kbd>). This is a lot faster than natural sprinting. There are [https://content.minetest.net/packages/?type=mod&q=sprint some mods] and games that implement conventional sprinting.
  
 
See [[Controls/Movement modes#Fast mode]].
 
See [[Controls/Movement modes#Fast mode]].
  
==== Why can’t I find the mods <code>default</code> or <code>wool</code> or <code>fire</code>? ====
+
=== Why can't I find the mod <code>default</code> or [insert mod here]? ===
 +
Some mods are part of games. Mods like <code>default</code> and <code>wool</code> are usually part of Minetest Game and are not meant to be installed as seperate mods. For a mod depending on e.g. <code>default</code> to work, you will need to use Minetest Game. Good game design practice is to prefix game-specific mods with the game name. Minetest Game is a particularly confusing case, unfortunately.
  
Some mods might depend on those mods. These mods are part of Minetest Game and are not meant to be installed as seperate mods. For a mod depending on e.g. <code>default</code> to work, you will need to use Minetest Game.
+
== Game and Mod Development ==
 
+
''See [http://dev.minetest.net/Modding_FAQ Modding FAQ] on the Minetest Development Wiki.''
=== [[Games/Minetest Game|Minetest Game]] ===
 
 
 
==== How does the block/plant XYZ work? ====
 
Refer to [[Blocks]].
 
 
 
==== How does the item/tool/weapon XYZ work? ====
 
Refer to [[Items]].
 
 
 
==== How to craft XYZ? ====
 
 
 
Refer to [[Blocks]] or [[Items]] and follow the link to the block or item you want to craft; the corresponding pages contain crafting instructions.
 
 
 
You can also install a [[crafting guide]] to view crafting recipes.
 
 
 
Note that not everything can be crafted.
 
 
 
==== Are there any mobs? ====
 
 
 
No and it is [https://forum.minetest.net/viewtopic.php?id=6161 unlikely] that they get added in the near future. But there are [[mods]] to add [[Mobs|mobs]].
 
 
 
==== Why don’t I find any dungeons? ====
 
 
 
This is probably because they have been disabled in your configuration. You can enable them by adding “<code>dungeons</code>” to <code>mg_flags</code> in your [[minetest.conf]] file. That will enable them for worlds created '''after''' the variable has been changed. Try digging down or looking for large holes in the ground.
 
 
 
==== How do I open or close [[door]]s? ====
 
 
 
You have to [[Using|use]] them with the <kbd>right mouse button</kbd>. See also: [[Using]].
 
 
 
=== For Minecraft players ===
 
 
 
==== Is there a crafting bench? ====
 
 
 
In Minetest Game: '''No.''' You don’t need one. You already have a 3 × 3 crafting grid in your [[inventory menu]] (→ [[Crafting#Crafting_grid_and_output_slot]]).
 
 
 
==== How does Minetest / Minetest Game differ from Minecraft? ====
 
→ [[Differences from Minecraft]]
 
 
 
==== How can I make Minetest be like Minecraft? ====
 
 
 
The easiest way to do this is to install a Minecraft-like [[Games|game]]. Examples include:
 
 
 
* [https://forum.minetest.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=16407 MineClone 2] (serious clone, very WIP)
 
* [https://github.com/mdoege/stampy_game Stampy game] (inspired)
 
  
See also [[List of Games]] and look in the table for games where the “Type” column says “MC-Clone”.
+
=== What language are games and mods written in? ===
 +
Minetest uses the [https://www.lua.org/ Lua language] for games and mods. It is simple, light, and fast. You can find plenty of tutorials online.
  
If you just want to enhance [[Games/Minetest Game|Minetest Game]] with a few mods which add ''some'' Minecraft features, see [[Differences from Minecraft#Mods which add Minecraft-like behaviour]].
+
* [https://www.tutorialspoint.com/lua/lua_overview.htm Lua guide by tutorialspoint]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUuqBZwwkQw Lua in 100 Seconds]
 +
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgiEF1frHQ8 Lua in 15 Minutes for Programmers]
  
== Modding ==
+
==== Can I write games or mods in [insert language here]? ====
''See [http://dev.minetest.net/Modding_FAQ Modding FAQ] on the Minetest Development Wiki.''
+
If it can transpile to Lua or you connect your own interpreter, yes. [https://content.minetest.net/packages/siegment/loria/ Loria] is written in [https://fennel-lang.org/ Fennel].
 +
Otherwise, support for other languages will not be made first-class. Lua is designed for embedding and we will stick to it.
  
== Technical problems ==
+
==== Why can't I use modern Lua features? ====
 +
Minetest uses [https://luajit.org/ LuaJIT] which is based on Lua 5.1. In the future if PUC Lua ever matches JIT performance, Minetest could change to a newer version of Lua.
  
=== I have a technical problem, how to fix this? ===
+
=== What is the Minetest API? ===
 +
The Minetest API gives you access to everything the engine currently has to offer. You can find the latest API reference [https://github.com/minetest/minetest/blob/master/doc/lua_api.txt here]. A ReadTheDocs version can be read [https://minetest.gitlab.io/minetest/ here].
  
See [[Troubleshooting]].
+
=== How can I learn to make games and mods? ===
 +
We recommend the [https://rubenwardy.com/minetest_modding_book/en/index.html Minetest Modding Book] to start.
  
 
=== I get an error or warning message, what does it mean? ===
 
=== I get an error or warning message, what does it mean? ===
 
+
''See [[Troubleshooting#Error messages without crashes]].''
See [[Troubleshooting#Error messages without crashes]].
 
  
 
[[Category:About Minetest]]
 
[[Category:About Minetest]]
 
[[Category:Languages pages]]
 
[[Category:Languages pages]]

Revision as of 00:21, 31 July 2022

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This is a collection of some frequently asked questions about Minetest. For technical problems, refer to Troubleshooting.

What is Minetest?

Minetest is a free software game engine desgined to create voxel-based games. A detailed description can be found at Minetest.

About the Engine

How much does Minetest cost?

Nothing. It's free.

Is Minetest a clone of Minecraft?

The very first version of Minetest was intended to replicate what Minecraft Alpha had been shown to do at the time (2010)[1]. It's goals soon diverged from Minecraft and eventually became a game engine instead.

Who created Minetest?

Perttu Ahola (also known as celeron55). It is currently developed by this random bunch of lunatics as well as the community.

What is Minetest written in?

Minetest is written in C++ using a forked version of the Irrlicht rendering engine. The game and mod API uses the Lua language.

Can I change the code myself?

Yes. Minetest is freely licensed (LGPL 2.1 and others).

When will the next version of Minetest be released?

Check the GitHub milestones for a good idea of how far along the next version is.

How do I update Minetest?

This depends on your operating system and installation method. You will usually either download the newest version or run an update command. Some systems may require you to move your worlds and mods. If you are using the Git version, simply pull and compile every time you want to update.

Where and how do I find games to install?

Check out the Minetest ContentDB for a list of games. You can easily install games (and other content) through the client in the Content tab ('Browse online content'). You may also manually install games you find on the forum or GitHub to the "games" folder in your Minetest data directory. For more information about games, see Games.

The main menu sucks!

We're working on it.

I have a technical problem, how to fix this?

See Troubleshooting.

Why is it called "Minetest"?

Minetest started as an experiment (a test, if you will) to replicate Minecraft Alpha. The name stuck, and no one can agree on a new one.

Terminology

Mod
A "module" or "modification" to a game. See Mods.
Game
A collection of modules configured to run on the Minetest engine. See Games.
Subgame
A legacy term for game.
Texture pack
A set of client-side textures that overwrite included game or mod textures. See Texture Packs.
Node
Technical name for a single cube or block.
Mob
A moving creature. See Mobs.

About Minetest Game

What is Minetest Game?

Minetest Game is the game currently included with Minetest, mostly intended to show features and act as a base for mods. See Minetest Game for more details.

Where is [insert Minecraft feature here]?

Minetest Game is not intended to replicate Minecraft in any way. Features from Minecraft may be found in mods or other games (try out Mineclone2 for a close analog of Minecraft 1.12.1). If you would like to play a game with Minecraft features, we recommend playing Minecraft.

See also Differences from Minecraft.

Where is all the content? No mobs? No story?

Minetest Game is not designed with a story or goal in mind. It is simply a sandbox to play in. Mods or other games provide actual gameplay content. Try looking for some on the ContentDB.

You should add [insert feature here] to Minetest Game!

Minetest Game is currently in a low-development state, mostly just maintenance and bug fixes. New game features are not being considered as Minetest Game is intended to be retired from "default" status.

How does [insert item or block here] work? How do I craft it?

Refer to Blocks and Items for information on usage and crafting. You can also install a crafting guide mod to view available crafting recipes.

I was told there were dungeons. Where are they?

Make sure you enable dungeons when you create your world. They tend to spawn generally anywhere under or on the surface, you'll run into one eventually.

Community

Where can I ask questions?

You can ask in IRC (#minetest), the Forum, Discord, or Reddit. It is recommended to search history and archives first, many questions have already been answered.
Be mindful of which category (thread, channel, etc.) your question may fall under when asking on certain platforms.

Find out where you can get involved here.

How do I install third-party content?

You can find all kinds of community-made content on the Minetest ContentDB. You can find and install content from this database using "Browse online content" found in the Content tab in the main menu.

For manually installing content, see Installing Games, Installing Mods, Installing Maps, and Installing Texture Packs.

How do I connect to servers? Do I need a multiplayer account?

There is no globally valid multiplayer account in Minetest. For each server, you can use a different name and password. The "account" is created at first login. This way, only you can access your player and inventory on that particular server. You can always play singleplayer with no need for any username and password.

How do I make my own server?

Read Setting up a server and Server. See Server commands for a list of usual included chat commands.

How do I get an account for the Minetest Wiki?

By requesting one at https://forum.minetest.net/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=10473.

Gameplay

What are the controls?

See Controls.

How big is the map?

The map is a cube with a side length of 61840 node (blocks) lengths. The map has thus a volume equal to the volume of 618403 nodes = 236,487,637,504,000 nodes. The coordinates range from −30912 to 30927 in all dimensions.

See also Coordinates and World boundaries.

How do I find my house again?

You can keep track of your coordinates (depending on the game) using debug info (F5). If you want, you can teleport to coordinates using

/teleport x y z

See Server commands#Teleportation. Requires "teleport" privilege.

In Minetest Game, you can avoid getting lost again if use /sethome at home to save your home position and /home to teleport back to it.

How do I set my spawn point?

If you play Minetest Game, you can build a bed and sleep at night. On your next life, you will spawn on the bed.

Otherwise, you can find a mod (such as this one) or set your spawn point for all worlds using static_spawnpoint = (x,y,z) in your minetest.conf file.

How do I increase the brightness?

See Troubleshooting#The_screen_is_too_dark.

How do I fly?

To fly, you first need the "fly" privilege. Use the K key to toggle flying. Ascend with the jump key (default: space bar) and descend with the sneak key (default: shift).

See also: Controls/Movement modes#Fly mode

How do I sprint?

With default Minetest behavior you can "go fast" using the "fast" privilege (toggled with the J key) and your auxilary key (default: E). This is a lot faster than natural sprinting. There are some mods and games that implement conventional sprinting.

See Controls/Movement modes#Fast mode.

Why can't I find the mod default or [insert mod here]?

Some mods are part of games. Mods like default and wool are usually part of Minetest Game and are not meant to be installed as seperate mods. For a mod depending on e.g. default to work, you will need to use Minetest Game. Good game design practice is to prefix game-specific mods with the game name. Minetest Game is a particularly confusing case, unfortunately.

Game and Mod Development

See Modding FAQ on the Minetest Development Wiki.

What language are games and mods written in?

Minetest uses the Lua language for games and mods. It is simple, light, and fast. You can find plenty of tutorials online.

Can I write games or mods in [insert language here]?

If it can transpile to Lua or you connect your own interpreter, yes. Loria is written in Fennel. Otherwise, support for other languages will not be made first-class. Lua is designed for embedding and we will stick to it.

Why can't I use modern Lua features?

Minetest uses LuaJIT which is based on Lua 5.1. In the future if PUC Lua ever matches JIT performance, Minetest could change to a newer version of Lua.

What is the Minetest API?

The Minetest API gives you access to everything the engine currently has to offer. You can find the latest API reference here. A ReadTheDocs version can be read here.

How can I learn to make games and mods?

We recommend the Minetest Modding Book to start.

I get an error or warning message, what does it mean?

See Troubleshooting#Error messages without crashes.