Getting Started

The main source of information about progression are advancements. If you are at any point stumped, check them first!

## Creating a Workbench

The first step in exploring Tetra is to create your first Workbench. The Workbench will allow you to customize and upgrade tools and weapons using various in game materials, as well as create specific tool types unique to the mod.

In order to create a Workbench, you need to craft a Hammer at a regular crafting table using two sticks, and two wooden planks (or stone) in a diagonal formation. (JEI is recommended to view crafting recipes)

Once you acquire you first Hammer, just hold it in your hand and right click (`RMB`) on a regular crafting table to turn it into a Workbench. It will lose it's crafting grid and will give access to the Tetra menu for modular crafting. At any time you can turn a Workbench back into a crafting table simply by breaking it.

## Basics of Modular Crafting

Tetra's Modular Crafting allows the player to upgrade and customize tools and weapons using Modules. Tetra's tools are made by modifying base vanilla tools (like axes, pickaxes, shovels, bows and similar) in a workbench. Tools from other mods can be supported using compatibility mods and datapacks.

To get started, right click on the Workbench and place any vanilla tool or weapon into the slot. Each tool has a set of different Modules - major (compulsory, like axe head or a handle) and minor (optional, like binding). Tools are divided into 7 basic categories, which can be view in the main menu of the Holosphere (read more in the next section):

* Double Headed Tools (e.g. axes, pickaxes)
* Single Headed Tools (e.g. shovels, trident, shovels)
* Blades
* Shields
* Bows
* Crossbows
* and Toolbelts

Each module either consumes or provides the Integrity, a basic resource that determines a cost of a module and a tool's capacity to install modules. For more info, see Modules.

To craft modules you will require tools of certain tiers (in your inventory, on a Rack or in a form of a Forge Hammer). Basic, and first, tool that you will probably have to use is a hammer of certain tier. Other things, like handle wraps, would require you to have something called "cutting implement tier II", which is basically a sword modified to have a short blade module. You can learn which tools provide which capabilities by investigating the Holosphere's screen with tool heads. In it's interface you can inspect each individual tool and check material properties, including it's durability modifier, efficiency modifier, tier it provides when used for a tool's major module, tier of a tool it requires to be crafted with and others (see Materials). You can filter by various properties the module's details screen of Holosphere.

It is recommended to experiment with the Workbench as much as possible, as the creative aspect of designing your own tools and weapons is the core gameplay feature of this mod.

## The Holosphere

Upon creating your first Hammer, a grey sphere will appear in your inventory. This is your Holosphere!

The Holosphere functions as an in-game lexicon of materials, tool types and their modules. Holosphere should display materials from other mods that added compatibility with Tetra.

It is a good idea to have a good flick through the Holosphere if this is your first time playing the mod, as it will give you a good idea of what to expect, and what's possible.

Note that the tabs at the top of the UI labeled STRC and SYST are currently empty, and will likely contain content in future updates.

## Next steps

Now that you are accustomed with the basics you can read more about:

* Hammers, specifically their progression
* Honing (module upgrades unlocked with time after tool usage)
* Ruins (structures found in the world with interesting, rare materials and blocks)
* Forge Hammer (a multi-block structure acting like a hammer)
* Fracturing (a mechanic of generating seemingly infinite resources)
* Tweaking (a mechanic of adjusting tool properties, such as bow draw strength)
* Schematics (items found as loot unlocking various new modules and Improvements)

## Good luck!

There is much fun to be had with Tetra, and a bit more content than initially meets the eye. It is helpful to check the Advancements tab to get a grip of the content and see what's to come.

If you need more help with anything related to the mod, or just want to hang out with some fans of Tetra, as well as its creator, feel free to hop into Tetra's Discord server! It's also linked on the main page of this wiki.

And most importantly, have fun!