Minecraft data pack vs resource pack: What's the difference?

Minecraft provides a great platform for the modding community to experiment with its structure. Most mods reflect the creativity and ingenuity of the playerbase. These additions typically modify the existing entries and are mostly aimed at enhancing the game experience. The two most common aspects of modding Minecraft are data and resource packs.

While they may seem similar in their aim to modify the game, it is important to distinguish them. Let's understand the differences between data packs and resource packs.

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Difference between data pack and resource pack in Minecraft

What is a data pack?

Data packs help players customize their in-game experience to a great extent without requiring any code changes. They can be used to add or replace existing advancements, dimensions, functions, loot tables, recipes, structures, biomes, and much more.

Data packs are dependent on the server, which means the change will affect all players if the file is included in your server's "datapack" directory.

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When were data packs introduced?

Data pack was introduced in the 1.13 update (Image via Minecraft.fandom)

Data packs were added to Minecraft in its 1.13 Java Edition release in 2018. When these packs first came out, most players were unaware of their impact. They were eclipsed by other aspects introduced in the update Aquatic.

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When do you need a data pack?

Data packs can change the behavior of mobs (Image via minecrafthub.com)

Data packs are an easy way to customize the game settings without going through complicated files and codes. It also saves on additional downloads and resources, making it extremely simple to use.

Additionally, data packs are totally secure since they do not require third-party software like launchers and installers.

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Installation of data pack

Data packs can be downloaded as a .zip extension and installed by being transferred to the “.minecraft/saves/(world)/datapacks” directory. All data packs imported into this directory will be activated for the specific world when reloaded.

One can also enable a particular data pack during the world creation. To do this, simply drag and drop the pack folder/zip file in the world creation settings. Similar steps are used to implement resource packs.

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What is a resource pack?

Resource packs enable players to modify textures, models, music, sound, and fonts without any coding modifications. Unlike data packs, they can be used to customize entities in the game. Furthermore, resource packs are not server-dependent and can be used at an individual level.

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When were resource packs introduced?

Resource pack was introduced in the 1.6.1 version (Image via Minecraft.fandom)

Resource packs were introduced in the 1.6.1 version of Java edition in 2013. They were aimed to replace the texture packs. This implied that players could alter various in-game features alongside the vanilla version's default textures.

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When do you need a resource pack?

The difference in the game with and without Resource pack mods (Image via Mojang)

Resource packs can be used to modify textures, sounds, geometry, animations, and particles in the game. These packs can overhaul the vanilla version, unlike data packs, which actually retain the original look.

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Installation of resource pack

Resource packs can be downloaded as a .zip file. Each pack can be placed in the .minecraft/resourcepacks directory and installed from the options. All you need to do is to move the resource pack from the “Available resource packs” to “Selected resource packs."

You can place multiple resource packs with this method. The order will determine which packs will load the assets first, with the bottom one leading the way.

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Difference between data pack and resource pack

Difference between data packs and resource packs (Image via Reddit)

The main difference is that data packs generally change the gameplay, while resource packs aim to modify the aesthetics. One can experiment with both packs to suit their gameplay.