⛰️ Map cache

⛰️ Map cache#

mapcache merges .mdat region fragments into .mca files.
Usually located in stalcraft/map_cache/5.0.
Export groups fragments by coordinates x and z in filenames.
Map cache region files named reg.<x>.<z>.mdat.
Minecraft Anvil region files named r.<x>.<z>.mca.

What is exported#

Format: Minecraft Java 1.12.2+ (Anvil 1343).
Exported: Terrain block arrays and biomes.
Not exported: Models, block states, lighting, entities.

Note

Block IDs differ from Minecraft. By default, the Block Mapping replaces selected IDs with approximate Minecraft blocks.

Prepare a world#

Create new local world for export. For map preview, use a superflat world without structures or blocks. Leave the world after creating it.

Location of the region directory:

.minecraft/saves/<world>/region
.minecraft/saves/<world>/dimensions/minecraft/overworld/region (on 26.1+)

You can clear existing .mca files from this directory.

By default, existing region file is backed up as .mca.bck before replacement (existing backups are kept). Use --no-backup to replace without backups.

Convert the cache#

Warning

Always leave the world before replacing its regions.
Minecraft can overwrite changed files with its cached chunks.

Graphical interface#

In graphical interface, select map cache directory and target world. Paths resolver changes selected world directory to its region directory automatically (if enabled).

Command line#

scfile mapcache "stalcraft/map_cache/5.0" --output ".minecraft/saves/MapPreview/region"

Other options →

Find the exported regions#

One r.<x>.<z>.mca file covers 32 × 32 chunks, or 512 × 512 blocks.

For example coordinates for r.-3.5.mca#
x = -3 × 512 = -1536
z =  5 × 512 =  2560
/tp @s -1536 100 2560

Use the Coordinate Calculator if necessary.

Viewing setup#

Resourcepack#

Download the Map Cache Resource Packs. Original pack targets Minecraft 1.6.4. Updated variants are available for newer formats.

Mods#

The following Fabric setup is useful for viewing an exported world:

  • Fabric and Fabric API for the mods loader.

  • Voxy for distant terrain rendering.

  • C2ME for chunk loading optimisation.

  • Axiom for map editing.

  • Optionally other optimisation mods (like Sodium, Lithium, etc).