Must-Have Datapack Recommendations

Datapacks are a fantastic way to transform your Minecraft experience without the technical overhead of installing mods. Because they are world-specific, they allow for a highly tailored experience that your players can enjoy without needing to install any additional software.

If you’re looking for a place to start, here are the three most popular and community-loved datapacks for 2024 and 2025.

1. Terralith (World Generation)

Terralith is often called the "King of World Gen" for good reason. It completely overhauls the Overworld, adding over 100 new biomes—all while using default Minecraft blocks.

Why it's awesome: It makes your world feel brand new and massive. You'll find lush valleys, massive canyons, and fantastical biomes like the Mirage Isles or the Volcanic Peaks.
Performance: Since it doesn't add new blocks, players don't need mods to join. It runs incredibly smoothly on Fern's high-performance hardware.
Best For: Exploration-focused servers and groups that want a "Modded" look with a "Vanilla" join process.

2. Vanilla Tweaks (Quality of Life)

Rather than one single pack, Vanilla Tweaks is a curated collection of small, modular features that you can pick and choose from. It is the gold standard for "Vanilla+" servers.

Key Highlights:
- Multiplayer Sleep: Allows the night to pass even if only one person is in a bed.
- Player Graves: Drops a grave at your death point to keep your items safe for a short time.
- Armor Statues: Allows you to pose armor stands and create incredible decorations.
Why it's awesome: You only install exactly what you need. It solves the little frustrations of Minecraft without changing the core game.
Best For: Any server, from small friend groups to large SMPs.

3. BlazeandCave's Advancements Pack

If you’ve ever felt like you "beat" Minecraft too quickly, this is the pack for you. It adds over 1,000 new advancements to the game, providing a massive sense of progression.

Features: New advancement tabs for everything from building and farming to combat and exploration. It even includes "Super Challenges" for the ultimate endgame players.
Why it's awesome: It gives players a reason to keep playing. Every small task feels rewarding, and the challenges range from "Easy" to "Insanely Hard."
Best For: Long-term survival worlds and achievement hunters.

Where to Find Them

Most creators host their official downloads on Modrinth or CurseForge, both of which are natively supported by Fern’s integrated Addon Browser.

Next Steps

Ready to get these installed? Check out our Installing Datapacks Guide to learn how to use the Addon Browser to add these to your worlds in seconds!

Looking for more advanced customization? Our Managing Plugins and Mods guide covers how to take your server even further with Fabric, Forge, and Paper.