item hunter

One random item. A ticking clock. An entire world to explore.

Item Hunt is a Minecraft Java Edition datapack that turns survival gameplay into an item-finding challenge. At the beginning of each round, a random target is selected from the datapack’s survival-item collection. Your mission is simple: obtain that item as quickly as possible.

Some targets might be waiting just outside your door. Others could send you deep underground, across distant biomes, or into another dimension. You may need to gather resources, craft equipment, fight mobs, or explore unfamiliar terrain—all while the timer keeps running.

Features

• Randomized targets: Each round selects an item from a collection of 1,414 survival-obtainable items for Minecraft Java Edition 26.2.
• Minutes-and-seconds timer: Track how long your search takes with an easy-to-read timer.
• On-screen tracking: Keep your target and elapsed time visible during the challenge.
• Automatic completion detection: Obtain the target in your inventory to finish your challenge and stop your timer—there is no need to hold it in your hand.
• Readable item names: Targets display proper item names instead of technical identifiers such as minecraft:glow_ink_sac.
• Clickable Wiki links: Click the target’s name in chat to open its Minecraft Wiki page and learn how to obtain it.
• Fresh-start rounds: The standard start clears participating players’ inventories, Ender Chests, experience, and active effects, then sends them to a new starting location.
• Daytime reset: New rounds restore daytime and clear weather.
• Optional progress preservation: Use the alternative start command when you want to keep your existing progress.
• Solo and multiplayer play: Challenge yourself or race with friends to find the selected item.

How to Play

Use /function item_hunt:start to begin a fresh round. The datapack resets players for the challenge, moves them to a new starting area, selects a target, and begins timing the search.

Explore, mine, craft, trade, or fight your way to the required item. Once the target enters your inventory, the datapack detects it and records your completion.

To begin a round without the standard fresh-start reset, use /function item_hunt:start_keep.

World and Compatibility Notes

Item Hunt is designed for Minecraft Java Edition 26.2. Fresh rounds use new starting locations within your existing world; they do not regenerate the world or change its seed. Previously built structures and explored areas remain part of the world.