Your First Block

This tutorial registers two blocks: a simple decorative block and a fully configured ore, so you can see how RegistryLib handles blocks, block items, loot tables, and tags in a single chain.

What You Will Learn

• How to register a basic block with block()
• How to attach a BlockItem with .simpleItem() or .item(...)
• How to define loot tables and block tags inline
• The relationship between block registration and BlockItem generation

Minimal Example - Decorative Stone

The shortest path to a working block with a matching item:

public static final BlockEntry<Block> DECORATIVE_STONE = RegistryLibTest.REGISTRYLIB
        .block(RegistryLibTest.REGISTRYLIB, "decorative_stone", Block::new)
        .langCn("Decorative Stone (zh_cn)")
        .initialProperties(() -> Blocks.STONE)
        .lang("Decorative Stone")
        .simpleItem()
        .register();

That chain:

1. block(..., "decorative_stone", Block::new) starts a BlockBuilder with the registry name and a vanilla Block factory.
2. .langCn(...) adds a Simplified Chinese localization through the test project's custom builder.
3. .initialProperties(() -> Blocks.STONE) copies properties from an existing block, such as hardness and sound.
4. .lang("Decorative Stone") sets the English display name for datagen.
5. .simpleItem() generates a default BlockItem so the block can appear in inventories and creative tabs.
6. .register() submits the registration and returns a BlockEntry<Block>.

Full Example - Magic Ore

When you need custom loot, mining tags, and a tooltip on the block item:

public static final BlockEntry<Block> MAGIC_ORE = RegistryLibTest.REGISTRYLIB
        .block("magic_ore", Block::new)
        .initialProperties(() -> Blocks.IRON_ORE)
        .properties(p -> p.strength(4.0F, 5.0F).requiresCorrectToolForDrops())
        .lang("Magic Ore")
        .lang(ModRegistryCore.LANG_ZH_CN, "Magic Ore (zh_cn)")
        .loot((tables, b) -> tables.add(b, tables.createOreDrop(b, SimpleItemExample.COPPER_COIN.get())))
        .addTag(BlockTags.MINEABLE_WITH_PICKAXE, BlockTags.NEEDS_IRON_TOOL)
        .item(item -> item.addTooltip((collector, stack) -> {
            collector.node(new SubNode.Basic(Component.literal("Drops coins when mined")), true, false);
        }))
        .register();

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. block("magic_ore", Block::new) starts a BlockBuilder with a vanilla block factory.
2. .initialProperties(() -> Blocks.IRON_ORE) copies the base properties from iron ore.
3. .properties(p -> p.strength(4.0F, 5.0F).requiresCorrectToolForDrops()) overrides specific properties on top of the base. This is the same two-layer pattern used by items.
4. .lang(...) and .lang(ModRegistryCore.LANG_ZH_CN, ...) set English and another locale.
5. .loot((tables, b) -> ...) defines a custom loot table inline. Here it creates an ore drop that yields COPPER_COIN.
6. .addTag(BlockTags.MINEABLE_WITH_PICKAXE, BlockTags.NEEDS_IRON_TOOL) marks the block as pickaxe-mineable and requiring at least an iron tool. You can pass multiple tags in a single call.
7. .item(item -> ...) creates a BlockItem with a customization callback. Inside the callback you have access to the full item builder API, including .addTooltip(...).
8. .register() submits the registration and returns a BlockEntry<Block>.

Block vs. BlockItem

warning

Registering a Block does not automatically create a BlockItem. Whether a BlockItem is generated depends on an explicit .simpleItem() or .item(...) call in the chain.

• .simpleItem() creates a default BlockItem with no customization.
• .item(item -> ...) creates a BlockItem and lets you configure it with tooltips, tabs, tags, and other item builder options.
• No item call means the block exists in the world but has no inventory representation.

Common Patterns

Pattern	Method	Use Case
Copy properties from vanilla	.initialProperties(() -> Blocks.STONE)	Match an existing block's behavior
Custom hardness or blast resistance	.properties(p -> p.strength(3.0F, 6.0F))	Fine-tune mining time
Self-drop loot	Default if no .loot(...) override	Block drops itself
Ore-style drop	.loot((t, b) -> t.add(b, t.createOreDrop(b, item)))	Drop a different item
Multiple tags	.addTag(tag1, tag2, tag3)	Assign tool type and tier in one call

Verify in Game

1. Run ./gradlew runClient.
2. Open a creative-mode world.
3. Search for "Decorative Stone" or "Magic Ore" in the creative inventory.
4. Place the block and try mining it with the correct tool tier for Magic Ore.
5. Confirm the loot drops match your configuration.

Related

• Register Blocks (How-To) gives the full reference for all block builder options
• Understanding the Registration Chain explains how the fluent API works under the hood