Updated 25 October 2026. Facts on this page come from minecraft.wiki, minecraft.net and the live Artemis PvP server; sources are listed at the bottom.
Minecraft Data Packs and Functions Explained
A data pack is a folder or zip in a Java world's datapacks folder that adds or changes recipes, loot tables, advancements, structures, worldgen and functions without mods. A function is a .mcfunction text file of commands that runs with /function or every tick. Turn packs on with /datapack enable and reload them with /reload.
What can a data pack change?
- Crafting recipes and loot tables (what mobs and chests drop).
- Advancements, tags, structures, world generation and dimensions.
- Enchantments, damage types, mob variants and more in recent versions.
- Functions: lists of commands for custom game logic.
Data packs only change server-side data: they cannot add new textures or sounds; that is the job of resource packs.
How do you install a data pack?
- New world: click Data Packs on the Create World screen and drag the zip in.
- Existing world: put the zip or folder in the world's datapacks folder, then run
/reloador rejoin. - Check it is on with
/datapack list; turn it on or off with /datapack enable or disable. - A pack needs a pack.mcmeta file that says which game versions it supports.
How do functions work?
A .mcfunction file holds one command per line, without the slash, in data//function mypack:hello. Functions tagged in the load and tick tags run on reload and every tick, which replaces most command block contraptions. See command blocks and /execute.
Does Bedrock have data packs?
Not by that name: Bedrock uses behavior packs, part of add-ons, which can also include function files. See Bedrock add-ons.
Do you need data packs to play on ArtemisPvP?
Frequently asked questions
Where do data packs go?
In the datapacks folder inside a Java world's save folder.
How do you reload a data pack?
Type /reload.
Sources
Every fact on this page was checked against these pages; the wording is ours.