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Minecraft: Java Edition
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Nomad's Shell
Nomad's Shell isn't just a backpack; it's a mobile fortress. Think of yourself as a traveler who never settles—a turtle in the wilderness. This mod provides that crucial shell, giving you defensive capabilities and all the utility of a mobile base.
⚠️ ALPHA VERSION - This mod is currently in alpha development. Features may be incomplete, unstable, or subject to change. Use at your own risk. Be sure to maintain regular backups of your save files before upgrading to latest version.
▶️How to Start With the Mod?
- Configure Your Settings: Before starting, check the mod's configuration options in the F8 menu to customize settings to your liking. (May need admin access)
- Unlock the Backpack: The crafting chain begins automatically when you acquire Leather and a Chest.
- Unlocking one recipe will automatically grant the recipe for the next tier shell.

🎒 What is Nomad's Shell?
Nomad's Shell is more than just a backpack - it's a comprehensive inventory solution that grows with your adventure. Starting as a simple leather shell, you can upgrade through multiple tiers to unlock increasingly powerful features.
✨ Key Features
📦 Tiered Storage System
- 8 Shell Tiers: From Leather to Netherite, each tier offers more storage space
- Configurable Dimensions: Customize width and height for each tier via config
- Smart Inventory Management: Automatic item pickup, sorting, and organization
🔧 Widget System
Unlock powerful widgets through an extensive upgrade tree:
- Portable Crafting Table: Craft anywhere with 2x2 or 3x3 grids
- Portable Furnace: Smelt items on the go with fuel efficiency upgrades
- Fluid Tanks: Store and transfer any fluid with multiple tank tiers
- Dripstone Farm: Simulate pointed dripstone for automated fluid collection
- Auto Crafter: Automatically craft items from saved recipes
- Collector & Magnet: Automatically collect items from nearby containers and distant locations
- Auto Feeder: Keep yourself fed automatically
- Trash Bin: Safely dispose of unwanted items
- And a lot more widgets that doesn't require you to be bound to a place.
🌱 Mod Integration
- Traveler's Garden: Grow crops inside your shell (requires Traveler's Garden mod)
- Curios API: Enhanced functionality when Curios is installed
🔮 Future Upgrades
The upgrade tree continues to expand with exciting new features in development:
- Bed Integration: Sleep anywhere with portable bed functionality
- Ender Chest Access: Connect to your ender storage network
- Villager Trading: Trade with villagers directly from your shell
- Enchanting Table: Enchant items using bookshelves and lapis lazuli
- And much more: The upgrade tree is constantly growing with new possibilities
🎮 User Experience
- Intuitive UI: Clean, modern interface with customizable themes
- Memorized Slots: Smart item placement remembers your preferences
- Visual Feedback: Clear tooltips and status indicators
🚀 Getting Started
- Craft Your First Shell: Start with a leather shell using basic materials
- Equip It: Wear it in your chestplate slot or use Curios back slot
- Open Your Shell: Use B to open your shell
- Unlock Widgets: Use the Upgrade Tree to unlock new capabilities
- Upgrade Your Shell: Progress through tiers for more storage
🔧 Installation
Minecraft: 1.21.1 — NeoForge: 21.1.114 or later — Java: 21+⚙️ Configuration
The mod offers extensive configuration options:
- General Settings: Can be accessed by pressing F8
- Shell Dimensions: Customize storage size for each tier
- Widget Settings: Enable/disable specific features
- Performance Options: Optimize for your system
- Visual Settings: Customize themes and display options
Access configuration through the in-game settings menu or config files.
🔍 Advanced Features
Upgrade Tree System
The mod features a comprehensive upgrade tree where widgets can be upgraded through multiple tiers. Requirements vary from basic materials to complex combinations, encouraging exploration and resource gathering.
Pocket Dimensions
High-tier shells unlock access to personal pocket dimensions - your own private space for storage and organization.
🎨 Customization
- Themes: Choose from Dark, Light, or Minecraft themes
- Display Modes: Scroll bar, tabs, or both
- Widget Positioning: Customize where widgets appear
🤝 Compatibility
Nomad's Shell is designed to work well with other mods:
- Curios API: Enhanced slot support
- Traveler's Garden: Crop growing integration
- Most Inventory Mods: Compatible with standard inventory systems
📝 License
Current: All Rights Reserved - Created by Etka
Future: This mod will transition to GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 in the near future. The current All Rights Reserved license will remain in effect until the transition occurs.
🐛 Issues & Support
Found a bug or have a suggestion? Report it on our GitHub Issues page.
🔮 What's Next?
This project is currently in active development and will continue to be a primary focus until a release version is complete and the code is made open source. New features and improvements are added regularly. Keep an eye on the upgrade board for hints about what's coming next!
Check: Github Project Board
❓FAQ
Will this only support 1.21.1?
Due to the significant changes introduced to the API in the recent platform update, I have decided to hold the current version at 1.21.1. We will delay the full update migration until the project becomes open source. This will allow the community to contribute to the necessary API adjustments. This approach is better for long-term maintenance: I cannot allocate time to update two or more parallel versions simultaneously. Because of this, it is strategically more efficient to concentrate all future upgrades and new features solely on the newest supported codebase.
Will upcoming updates break my Shell progress?
There’s a small chance. Each update focuses on different systems, and changes to core functionality can sometimes affect saved progress. If that happens, you can re-unlock your lost upgrades in Creative mode. I always try to minimize compatibility issues with every release.
Why do some upgrades require so many resources?
It’s a matter of balance. Some upgrades are designed to be powerful, and their higher cost helps maintain long-term progression and challenge. It also gives players meaningful goals rather than unlocking everything too quickly.
How long will it stay in Alpha?
Roughly 2 months, or until it proves stable across most systems without major bugs, crashes, or exploits. Alpha is focused on testing, collecting feedback, and ensuring a solid foundation before moving into Beta.
What should we expect in Beta?
Beta will focus on expanding and polishing the experience — adding the remaining planned widgets, refining visuals, improving performance, and adjusting balance based on community feedback.
Does that mean no new widgets in Alpha?
Mostly, yes. Until there’s a strong player base capable of testing new widgets thoroughly, I’ll focus on smaller or safer additions that can’t easily break the game. The goal is to keep the build stable while avoiding messy or unbalanced updates.
Ready to become a true nomad? Your shell awaits! 🎒✨



