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Applied Energistics 2

Applied Energistics 2 replaces Minecraft's chest-and-barrel system with a network-driven digital storage solution. Items are stored as encoded data on ME drives, accessed from a single terminal, and crafted on demand using pattern-based automation.

By shartte via Modrinth.

Applied Energistics 2 ME sub-network diagram from the in-game guidebook showing cable connections and device channels
Section
Java Mod
Platform
Java
Versions
v 1.18.2 / 1.19.2 / 1.20.1 / 1.20.6 / 1.21.1
Last checked
Updated

Applied Energistics 2 (AE2) replaces Minecraft's chest-and-barrel inventory with a Matter Energy (ME) network: a system where every item in your base is encoded as digital data, stored across one or more ME drives, and retrieved from a single access terminal. Instead of opening dozens of chests, you search your entire inventory from one block. Instead of hand-carrying materials to crafting tables, you encode patterns and let the network produce items on demand.

How to Install Applied Energistics 2

AE2 is available for Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge across Minecraft Java Edition 1.18.2 through 1.21.1. Download the release that matches your Minecraft version and loader from the Modrinth page, then place the JAR in your game's mods folder.

  1. 1.Download the AE2 JAR for your Minecraft version and loader from Modrinth.
  2. 2.Download GuideME from Modrinth (required companion mod).
  3. 3.Place both JARs in your .minecraft/mods folder.
  4. 4.Launch Minecraft and open the GuideME book in your hotbar to read the built-in documentation.

How ME Networks Work

An ME network connects ME drives (storage hardware), cables, a controller block, and terminals. Drives hold Storage Cells that physically store encoded item data. The ME Controller manages the entire network and determines how many channels, the number of concurrent device connections, are available per cable. Dense cables carry 32 channels; regular cables carry 8. Planning your cable layout to stay within channel limits is the main engineering challenge AE2 presents as your network grows.

Autocrafting adds a crafting CPU multiblock and a Molecular Assembler to the network. You encode crafting patterns in a Pattern Encoder and insert them into the Assembler. When you request an item from the terminal, the network checks available materials and queues the craft automatically, pulling from storage and chaining sub-recipes as needed.

Loader and Version Support

  • Fabric: supported, GuideME required, Fabric API not required
  • Forge: supported for Minecraft 1.18.2 through 1.21.1
  • NeoForge: supported, including alpha builds for recent snapshots
  • Optional integrations: REI, EMI, Jade, WTHIT, and The One Probe add recipe lookup and block info overlays

AE2 runs on both client and server. All players on a multiplayer server need both AE2 and GuideME installed. ME network state, storage contents, and crafting patterns persist server-side with the world save.

Questions about this entry.

  • How do I install Applied Energistics 2?

    Download the AE2 JAR for your loader (Fabric, Forge, or NeoForge) and Minecraft version from Modrinth. Also download GuideME, which is required. Place both JARs in your mods folder and launch. The GuideME guidebook that appears in your inventory explains every system from scratch.

  • Does Applied Energistics 2 require Fabric API?

    No. AE2 on Fabric does not require Fabric API. The only required companion is GuideME, which handles the in-game documentation. Check the Modrinth dependency list for the specific AE2 build you are installing to confirm the exact requirements for that release.

  • What is GuideME and why is it required for AE2?

    GuideME is a documentation mod developed alongside Applied Energistics 2 that provides an in-game guidebook covering every AE2 component, recipe, and network concept. It was separated from AE2 itself so other mods can use the same system. AE2 will not start without it installed.

  • Can I use Applied Energistics 2 on a multiplayer server?

    Applied Energistics 2 works on multiplayer servers. The mod runs on both client and server sides, and all players need AE2 and GuideME installed. ME networks, storage contents, and crafting setups are server-side and persist across sessions with the world.

  • Which Minecraft versions does Applied Energistics 2 support?

    AE2 supports Minecraft Java Edition 1.18.2 through 1.21.1 across Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge. Alpha builds for newer snapshot versions exist on Modrinth but are not recommended for long-term survival worlds. Check the Modrinth releases page for the latest stable build.