Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
So what's the most efficient layout? The one I prefer is quite simple, easy to navigate, and
effective. It relies on the fact that blocks of ore almost always appear in veins larger than a
single block. Yes, even diamonds!
Branch mines use a horizontal central trunk, two blocks high by one block wide. Branches
are then dug out perpendicular to the trunk, much like the branches of a tree, or at least a
strangely geometrical one.
Because each block of ore can be identified from any of its six sides, a distance of two
blocks per branch exposes at least one side of every block to the side, and also above and
below you. In other words, move one space along a branch, and you expose a total of six
blocks: two on each side, one below, one above, and the two in front of you.
This is the most thorough mining method available because it exposes every single block
within the area the mine covers. But it's not the most efficient because ore veins almost
alwaystakeupmorethanoneblock,generallyinclumpsoftwotosixteenblocks.Thinkof
the goal, therefore, as being to uncover veins of ore, not individual blocks. If you find one
block in a vein, you expose the next, and you can then follow the vein to its end.
Spacing each branch every fourth block, with three blocks in between, works best. Take a
look at
Figure 4.7
for a top-down view.
FIGURE 4.7
Space your branches every three steps, off a primary central trunk, placing a
base camp for convenient crafting and storage.
