Async Structure Generator (Astruct)

Astruct lets you generate massive jigsaw-based structures without freezing the server. It plans structures off-thread, queues placements, and only builds blocks once the required chunks are loaded.

In practice, very large structures may “stream in” over a few seconds—especially after teleporting—since planning can take time. In survival, this is usually unnoticeable when plan_horizon_chunks is set high enough.

Why use Astruct?

• Way beyond vanilla limits – plan thousands of jigsaw pieces safely.
• Off-thread planning – heavy jigsaw expansion runs outside the main thread, avoiding TPS spikes.
• Datapack-driven – ship content via JSON; no code required.

How it works (short version)

1. Centers – The world is partitioned into “cells” (spacing). Each cell gets a deterministic, seed-based center per structure ID.
2. Proximity scan – As players roam, Astruct pre-plans cells well ahead of them.
3. Async expansion – Jigsaw expansion runs off-thread.
4. Placement queue – Finished plans enqueue pieces, keyed by the chunks they need.
5. Chunk-safe build – On chunk load (and periodic sweeps), Astruct places only pieces whose chunks are currently loaded.

JSON definition (datapack)

Place JSON files at:

data/<namespace>/worldgen/async_structure/<id>.json

Example

{
  "id": "example:castle",
  "dimension": "minecraft:the_nether",
  "start_pool": "castle:start",
  "fallback_pool": "castle:caps",

  "soft_radius_chunks": 16,
  "plan_horizon_chunks": 160,

  "budgets": {
    "max_steps": 30,
    "max_open_connectors": 128
  },

  "gen_y": { "mode": "surface", "value": 0 },

  "spacing": 2048
}

Field reference

• id
  Unique structure ID (should match the file path key).

• dimension
  Target dimension key (e.g. minecraft:the_nether).

• start_pool
  Template pool to start expansion from.

• fallback_pool
  Pool used to cap dead-ends (end pieces).

• soft_radius_chunks
  Max distance budget (in chunks) from the center during expansion.

• plan_horizon_chunks
  How far ahead (in chunks) the planner prepares around players.

• budgets.max_steps
  Upper bound on jigsaw pieces per plan.

• budgets.max_open_connectors
  Safety limit for outstanding connectors.

• gen_y
  Controls how the final Y coordinate is chosen.
  Y is resolved late, at the final structure position.

  Supported modes:

  • "fixed"
    Always use value as the Y level.

  • "min_plus"
min_build_height + value.

  • "world_y"
    World sea level.

  • "surface"
    Terrain surface at the structure’s X/Z position
    (plus optional offset via value).

  Example:

  "gen_y": { "mode": "surface", "value": 0 }

• spacing
  Cell size in blocks (effective density control).

Field reference

• id – Unique structure ID (should match the file path key).
• dimension – Target dimension key (e.g. minecraft:the_nether).
• start_pool – Template pool to start expansion from.
• fallback_pool – Pool used to cap dead-ends (end pieces).
• soft_radius_chunks – Max distance budget (in chunks) from the center during expansion.
• plan_horizon_chunks – How far ahead (in chunks) the planner prepares around players.
• budgets.max_steps – Upper bound on jigsaw pieces per plan.
• budgets.max_open_connectors – Safety limit for outstanding connectors.
• gen_y.mode – "fixed" | "world_y" | "min_plus".
• gen_y.value – Y or offset (depending on mode).
• spacing – Cell size in blocks (effective density control).
• piece_rules.deny_overlap_tile_entities – Optional safety flag to skip pieces that would overlap TEs.

Commands

Astruct plugs into the vanilla /locate root:

• /locate astruct – Nearest center for any Astruct structure in this dimension.
• /locate astruct <id> – Nearest center for a specific structure ID.

Config (server)

astruct-common.toml:

• debug_logs (bool, default false) – Verbose diagnostics.
• max_placements_per_tick (int, default 10) – Upper bound on pieces placed each tick. Tune for your hardware/pack.

Performance notes

• Planning cost scales with max_steps and pool complexity. Thousands of pieces may take seconds off-thread—that’s expected. Players won’t lag; placement is paced.
• Placement is chunk-paced. Pieces place only when their chunks are loaded, producing a smooth “streaming” effect as you approach.

Compatibility

• Works alongside vanilla and modded structures. Astruct doesn’t replace vanilla generation; it adds an async planner/placer on top.

Troubleshooting

• “Unknown structure id” in commands Check your datapack path and that id inside JSON matches the file’s namespaced key.
• “My structure never generates” / “It takes ages” Enable debug_logs to see planning times. Very high max_steps or complex pools can take long. Reduce max_steps, increase plan_horizon_chunks, or increase spacing.
• Spammy logs Set debug_logs = false (default).

Roadmap

• Per-structure placement throttles.
• In-game visualization for planned cells.
• Integration under /locate structure.