Sky Factory is one of the most beloved modpacks in the Minecraft community, offering a unique twist on the classic survival experience by starting players on a tiny island in the sky with limited resources. Sky Factory 3 and its successor SkyFactory 4 have captivated players with their deep mod integration, progression systems, and endless possibilities. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Sky Factory 3 server setup, joining SkyFactory 3 servers, and provide a comprehensive SkyFactory 4 walkthrough and SkyFactory guide to help you get started.

Setting Up a Sky Factory 3 Server

Playing Sky Factory with friends on a multiplayer server adds a new dimension to the gameplay. Setting up your own Sky Factory 3 server allows you to enjoy the modpack with others, customize the experience, and build massive projects collaboratively.

Step-by-Step SkyFactory 3 Server Setup

  1. Choose a Server Hosting Provider
    • For the best performance, consider using a dedicated Minecraft server hosting provider like Apex Hosting, BisectHosting, or Akliz. These services offer one-click installation for modpacks like SkyFactory 3, making setup much easier.
  2. Download the SkyFactory 3 Server Files
    • If you’re setting up the server on your own hardware, you’ll need to download the official SkyFactory 3 server files. These are typically available from the modpack’s page on the CurseForge or FTB (Feed the Beast) websites.
  3. Install the Server Files
    • Extract the downloaded files into a new directory on your server. This will include a variety of files, such as the server executable, mod files, and configuration files.
  4. Configure Server Settings
    • Open the server.properties file to configure your server settings. You can adjust the game mode, difficulty, whitelist options, and more to tailor the server to your preferences.
  5. Allocate Sufficient RAM
    • SkyFactory 3 is a mod-heavy pack and requires more RAM than a vanilla server. Ensure your server has at least 4GB of RAM allocated to handle the mods and multiple players.
  6. Start the Server
    • Run the server by executing the appropriate script or command (usually start.bat or start.sh depending on your operating system). The server will take a few minutes to load all the mods and initialize.
  7. Invite Players
    • Once the server is up and running, share the server’s IP address with your friends. Ensure everyone has the SkyFactory 3 modpack installed on their client to join the server without issues.

Finding and Joining SkyFactory 3 Servers

If setting up your own server isn’t your preference, there are plenty of SkyFactory 3 servers available that you can join.

  • Server Lists: Websites like Minecraft Server List, Planet Minecraft, and Minecraft MP host lists of active SkyFactory 3 servers. These lists provide information about server uptime, player counts, and any custom features the server might offer.
  • Community Forums: SkyFactory-related forums or Discord communities often have dedicated sections where server owners advertise their servers, looking for new players to join.
  • In-Game Server Browser: Some SkyFactory 3 servers may be available through in-game server browsers, where you can directly connect by entering the server’s IP address.

SkyFactory 4 Walkthrough: Getting Started

While SkyFactory 3 offers a rich gameplay experience, SkyFactory 4 takes it a step further with more mods, features, and an even more polished progression system. Here’s a quick walkthrough to help you get started in SkyFactory 4.

Step 1: Creating Your World

  • Choose a World Type: When creating a new world in SkyFactory 4, you can choose from several world types. The classic “SkyFactory” option starts you on a small island with a tree and a piece of dirt, but there are other options like “Sky Grid” or “Compact Sky” that offer different starting challenges.

Step 2: Basic Resources and Progression

  • Tree Punching: Start by breaking the leaves of your tree to collect saplings and a silkworm. Use the wood to create a crafting table, wooden tools, and Tinkers’ Construct parts.
  • Expand Your Island: Use the wood and dirt to expand your starting platform. Craft a crook to increase your chances of getting saplings and silkworms from leaves.

Step 3: Early Automation

  • Create a Sieve: Collect string by using silkworms on tree leaves, then craft a sieve to start processing dirt, gravel, sand, and dust into useful resources.
  • Cobblestone Generator: Once you have enough resources, create a cobblestone generator to provide an infinite supply of cobblestone, which is essential for progressing through the modpack.

Step 4: Advancing in the Tech Tree

  • Tinkers’ Construct: Build a Tinkers’ Construct smeltery to start creating more advanced tools and materials. This will be crucial for processing ores and creating powerful equipment.
  • Mob Farm: Set up a mob farm to collect drops from hostile mobs. This is an efficient way to gather resources like bones, string, and gunpowder early in the game.

Step 5: Mid to Late Game

  • Automation and Power Generation: As you progress, focus on automating resource collection and processing. Create power generation systems using mods like Thermal Expansion, Ender IO, or Mekanism.
  • Dimensions and Exploration: Eventually, you’ll have access to different dimensions, such as the Twilight Forest or The Beneath. These areas offer new resources and challenges.

SkyFactory Guide: Tips for Success

Whether you’re playing SkyFactory 3 or SkyFactory 4, here are some general tips to help you succeed:

  • Plan Your Base Layout: As your base grows, it can become chaotic. Plan your base layout early, dedicating specific areas to automation, storage, and farming.
  • Use JEI (Just Enough Items): JEI is an invaluable tool included in the modpack that shows crafting recipes and item uses. Use it frequently to find out how to craft items and blocks you’re unfamiliar with.
  • Progress Through the Advancements: Both SkyFactory 3 and 4 have built-in advancement systems that guide you through the modpack’s progression. Follow these advancements to ensure you’re not missing any critical steps.
  • Backup Your World: Modded Minecraft can sometimes be unstable, and crashes or corruption can happen. Regularly back up your world to avoid losing progress.

Conclusion

Whether you’re setting up a SkyFactory 3 server, joining existing SkyFactory 3 servers, or diving into SkyFactory 4 with a comprehensive walkthrough and SkyFactory guide, these modpacks offer a deeply rewarding Minecraft experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the sky and building incredible projects in your own floating world. Gather your resources, automate your processes, and enjoy the endless possibilities that SkyFactory has to offer!