When should we have this?

Seleney suggests next weekend. I suggest the usual time (That being about 10PM GMT).

What do you need?

The Feed the Beast Launcher. Download the EXE/JAR depending on your system, and run it.

Once the launcher has started, select the "Ultimate" pack, log in to Minecraft.net, and the pack should download.

The FTB packs are stored in their own folders, and won't screw with your existing Minecraft installation (and saves).

Optifine?

Yes. But you'll have to install it manually. I'll assume you know how to do this.

Having trouble with the download?

If not, try this (Which fixed the download for me):

> Delete the Ultimate folder if it partially downloaded.

> In the FTB launcher, switch to the Options tab, click on Advanced Options,

and try selecting a different server to download from.

If you're not in the know, Optifine is a mod, or 'tweak' for Minecraft that can vastly increase performance on a majority of machines.

I'd highly recommend it.

You can use Optifine with Feed the Beast, but there's a slightly different installation method than is the norm.

First, download FTB Ultimate.

Second, download Optifine 1.4.6 HD U D5

Take the zip that you download, and put it in the <wherever you told FTB to install>\Ultimate\InstMods folder.

You are now done.

I'll be uploading a clean Ultimate folder to DropBox. PM me and I'll send it to you.

I'd recommend using the FTB launcher as the easiest route.

You'll just have to unzip the Ultimate folder into the folder you installed FTB to.

Otherwise, you can try to use another launcher, but you're on your own with that.

Righto, Aeron and I were discussing this on IRC, and we decided to post a tentative "is anybody interested" blog about it.

Feed the Beast is an easy to use mod-pack for Minecraft, featuring a huge number of great mods. Some highlights from the list include:

> ComputerCraft (Computers, programming, networking)

> IndustrialCraft 2 (Nuclear Reactors and stuff)

> Buildcraft (Pipes and such. Shuttle your waste water into somebody elses house!)

> MystCraft (Write your own dimensions!)

> Portal Gun (Need I explain this one?)

> Modular Forcefields (What it says on the tin)

> Thaumcraft (Magic in Minecraft!)

And of course, a load of other mods. These are just some of the highlights.

Anyway, I suggest that you download the Feed the Beast launcher and give it a try. It won't mess with your existing Minecraft installation, and it's easy to use.

Try the Ultimate pack (At the top of the list).

If this generates enough interest, the intention is for us to have a major survival marathon.

So, anybody interested?