How To Adjust Which Items Foxes Carry Minecraft

Caroline Mae

2 min read

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01-12-2024

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Foxes, those adorable yet mischievous creatures in Minecraft, have a charming habit of picking up items and carrying them around. But what if you want to control exactly what they're carrying? This guide will walk you through the process, explaining how to use commands and datapacks to fine-tune a fox's loot.

Understanding Fox Loot

By default, foxes in Minecraft have a small chance of picking up certain items. This is determined by the game's code, and it's not something you can directly change without using commands or modifying the game's files. However, with a few simple methods, you can easily manage what your furry friends carry.

Method 1: Using Commands (Creative Mode)

This method is straightforward and perfect for quick experimentation within Creative Mode. You can directly manipulate a fox's inventory using the /replaceitem command.

1. Locate a Fox: Find a fox in your world.
2. Find the Fox's Entity ID: Use the /locate command followed by fox. This will give you the coordinates of the nearest fox. You may need to use the F3 debug screen to get precise coordinates.
3. Use the /replaceitem command: This is the key. The command's structure is as follows: /replaceitem entity <target> <slot> <item>
   • <target>: This is the fox's entity ID, obtained from step 2. You'll likely need to specify the coordinates. The correct format usually looks like this @e[type=fox,r=5] (This targets a fox within 5 blocks).
   • <slot>: This specifies the slot in the fox's inventory. Foxes only have one inventory slot for carrying items, so use inventory.
   • <item>: This is the item you want the fox to carry. Use the correct format, for example, minecraft:emerald.

Example: /replaceitem entity @e[type=fox,r=5] inventory minecraft:emerald This command will make the nearest fox carry an emerald.

Important Note: This method only works in Creative Mode. You cannot directly manipulate entity inventories in Survival Mode without the use of external modifications (datapacks).

Method 2: Using Datapacks (For a More Persistent Change)

Datapacks provide a more advanced and permanent way to modify game mechanics, including fox loot. This method requires a little more technical knowledge but offers significantly more control.

1. Create a Datapack: You will need to create a new datapack. This involves creating a folder with the name of your datapack (e.g., "foxloot") and placing it inside your saves/<your world>/datapacks folder.
2. Create a data folder inside your datapack folder.
3. Create a minecraft folder within the data folder.
4. Create a loot_tables folder within the minecraft folder.
5. Create a loot table file: Within the loot_tables folder, create a JSON file named entities/fox/main.json.
6. Populate the JSON file: This file will contain the loot table for foxes. You'll need to define the items you want foxes to carry and their probabilities. There are many tutorials online that show how to correctly format these files.

This is a more advanced method that requires understanding JSON file structure and Minecraft loot table mechanics. It offers lasting changes across multiple game sessions, unlike the in-game command method.

Conclusion

Modifying what a fox carries in Minecraft is achievable, whether through simple commands or more involved datapack manipulation. Choose the method that best fits your technical skills and desired level of control. Remember to always back up your game saves before making significant modifications.