Simple Chunk Loader

A lightweight datapack that adds chunk loaders to Minecraft using only two vanilla blocks: a Smoker and a Redstone Torch.

How it works

Place a Smoker block, then put a Redstone Torch directly on top of it. That's it. The chunk will stay loaded even when you're far away.

When the chunk loader is active, you'll see smoke particles rising from the smoker and get a chat message with the chunk coordinates.

To remove it, just break either the Smoker or the Redstone Torch. Both items will drop normally.

Features

• Simple setup - Just two vanilla blocks, no crafting required
• Visual feedback - Smoke particles show when the loader is active
• One chunk per loader - Each setup loads a single 16×16 chunk
• Server-side only - Works on servers without requiring client mods
• Survival friendly - Uses common items that don't require special resources
• Admin tools - Cleanup command to remove all chunk loaders at once

Usage

Creating a chunk loader

1. Place a Smoker block
2. Place a Redstone Torch on top
3. Wait a moment - you'll get a confirmation message

Removing a chunk loader

Break either the Smoker or the Redstone Torch. The chunk will unload and both items will drop.

Admin cleanup

If you're an operator, you can remove all chunk loaders with:

/function scl:cleanup

Requirements

• Minecraft 1.14+
• Server-side installation only (works on Forge with OpenLoader, Fabric with datapack loaders, or vanilla)

Installation

Vanilla/Paper/Spigot servers

Drop the datapack ZIP into your world's datapacks folder and run /reload

Forge servers (with OpenLoader)

Extract the ZIP into openloader/data/ and restart the server

Fabric servers

Use a datapack loader mod and follow their installation instructions

Performance

The datapack scans an 8-block radius around each player every tick to detect new chunk loaders. This is fairly intensive by design to ensure reliable detection. If you have performance concerns, consider limiting the number of players or chunk loaders.

Smoke particles appear twice per second per active loader.

Notes

• Each chunk loader only loads the chunk it's placed in
• Detection works when you're within 8 blocks of the setup
• The Redstone Torch must be placed directly on top of the Smoker (not on the side)
• Loaders persist until manually removed

License

Free to use on servers and in modpacks. Redistribution should credit this project.