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Tier Equivalences

Tier equivalences let you group tiers together so that a tool belonging to one tier can mine blocks requiring any other tier in the same group — regardless of level.

When to Use Equivalences​

Equivalences solve a common modpack problem: two mods add tools at the same progression tier but with different tier names. Without equivalences, a bronze pickaxe can't mine blocks that require iron, even if they're meant to be the same progression step.

Example scenario:

  • Create mod adds brass tools (custom "bronze" tier, level 2)
  • Thermal adds invar tools (custom "invar" tier, level 2)
  • You want both to work on iron-required blocks

Defining an Equivalence Group​

Add a group to equivalences.json:

{
  "configVersion": 1,
  "groups": [
    {
      "name": "mid_tier_metals",
      "tiers": ["bronze", "invar", "iron"]
    }
  ]
}

Now any tool with tier bronze, invar, or iron can mine blocks that require any of those three tiers.

How It Works​

When BHL checks if a tool can mine a block:

  1. Level check — Can the tool's tier level meet the block's required level? If yes, the tool can mine.
  2. Equivalence check — If the level check fails, BHL checks whether the tool's tier and the block's required tier are in the same equivalence group. If yes, the tool can mine.
note

Equivalence groups bypass level comparison entirely. A level 0 tier grouped with a level 4 tier will be able to mine blocks requiring the level 4 tier. Use this intentionally.

Multiple Groups​

You can define multiple equivalence groups. A tier can appear in more than one group:

{
  "configVersion": 1,
  "groups": [
    {
      "name": "early_metals",
      "tiers": ["copper", "bronze"]
    },
    {
      "name": "mid_metals",
      "tiers": ["bronze", "iron", "invar"]
    }
  ]
}

In this example, bronze appears in both groups. A bronze tool can mine blocks requiring copper (via early_metals) and blocks requiring iron or invar (via mid_metals).

Common Patterns​

Mod material unification​

{
  "name": "silver_equivalence",
  "tiers": ["silver_thermal", "silver_mekanism", "silver_immersive"]
}

Progression alternatives​

{
  "name": "tier_2_alternatives",
  "tiers": ["iron", "bronze", "copper", "invar"]
}

Same-mod tool variants​

{
  "name": "tinkers_iron",
  "tiers": ["tinkers_iron", "iron"]
}