manifest.json Reference

manifest.json is the control file for your entire datapack. The game reads it first. It declares your pack name, version, and every category of content you are registering.

Only name and version are required. All category sections are optional — only include what your pack actually uses.

Top-Level Fields

FieldTypeRequiredDescription
namestring✅Your pack name slug. Lowercase alphanumeric + underscores. Must match the folder name.
versionstring✅Semantic version string: "0.0.1"
categoriesobjectOptionalTop-level grouping object containing all section declarations.

JSON Shape

{
  "name": "mypack",
  "version": "0.0.1",
  "categories": {
    "core_systems": {
      "item_list": {
        "ores":          [...],
        "ingots":        [...],
        "alloys":        [...],
        "circuits":      [...],
        "crystals":      [...],
        "materials":     [...],
        "personal":      [...],
        "ships":         [...],
        "weapons":       [...]
      },
      "hostile_list": {
        "ground": [...],
        "ship":   [...]
      },
      "personal_equipment": [...],
      "ship_equipment":     [...],
      "ship_hull":          [...],
      "ship_shields":       [...],
      "ship_engines":       [...],
      "ship_thruster_1":    [...],
      "ship_thruster_2":    [...],
      "ship_weapon_1":      [...],
      "ship_weapon_2":      [...],
      "person": {
        "suit":        "...",
        "helmet":      "...",
        "gloves":      "...",
        "boots":       "...",
        "backpack":    "...",
        "weapon":      "...",
        "accessory_1": "...",
        "accessory_2": "...",
        "accessory_3": "...",
        "accessory_4": "..."
      }
    },
    "admin": {
      "role":          "admin_role_key",
      "item_list":     [...],
      "hostiles_list": [...],
      "player_list": {
        "admins":     [...],
        "moderators": [...],
        "members":    [...]
      }
    },
    "shop": {
      "featured":    [...],
      "premium":     [...],
      "consumables": [...],
      "food":        [...],
      "ships":       [...],
      "weapons":     [...]
    },
    "recipes": {
      "forging":       [...],
      "alloys":        [...],
      "circuits":      [...],
      "crystals":      [...],
      "organics":      [...],
      "food":          [...],
      "hull_sections": [...]
    },
    "skills": {
      "combat":   [...],
      "crafting": [...],
      "science":  [...]
    },
    "quests": {
      "story":    [...],
      "daily":    [...],
      "weekly":   [...],
      "monthly":  [...],
      "seasonal": [...],
      "side":     [...]
    }
  }
}

Minimal Working Example

{
  "name": "mypack",
  "version": "0.0.1",
  "categories": {
    "core_systems": {
      "item_list": {
        "ores":    ["mypack:ore_iron"],
        "ingots":  ["mypack:ingot_iron"]
      },
      "person": {
        "suit":   "mypack:suit_basic"
      }
    },
    "recipes": {
      "forging": ["mypack:recipe_iron_ingot"]
    },
    "skills": {
      "crafting": ["mypack:forging"]
    }
  }
}