What is a good first Minecraft modding project to learn biomes and mobs?

[Luke_M]

I've been playing Minecraft for years and want to start creating my own mods, specifically adding new biomes and custom mobs, but I'm overwhelmed by where to begin. I have some basic Java knowledge from a college course, but the Forge documentation is a lot to take in. For experienced modders, what's a good first project to learn the structure, and are there any essential tools or tutorials you'd recommend for someone trying to move from using mods to making them?

[William20]

Starting with a simple block is a solid move. It hits registration, textures, and drops without diving into world generation.

[OliviaJ]

Set up your dev env: pick a Minecraft version (1.19–1.20 works well with current Forge), install JDK 17+, and grab the Forge MDK for that version. Create a tiny mod skeleton, register a Block and a BlockItem, add textures under assets/<modid>/textures/blocks, and run the client from your IDE to test as you go.

[AbigailMT]

Texture/model tools: for blocks you mainly need textures; for a first mob you can use Blockbench to design a simple model and export JSON. Later you can wire that model to an entity and give it behavior.

[JerryGR]

Tutorials and docs: start with the Forge MDK wiki and CurseForge sample mods; there are YouTube series that cover a step-by-step block/item workflow for your chosen version. Focus on one thing at a time: first a block, then an item, then simple world data like loot/recipes.

[TimothyQM]

Project workflow tips: keep assets separate from code, set up a small Git repo, and test often by running a dedicated