Frequently asked questions

Is Aether official for Block Story?

No. It is a third-party project and is not affiliated with the game’s developers.

Does it work on Windows?

Yes: there is a windowed installer (aether-installer.exe). It has been tested on Windows 11. Windows may show SmartScreen (“Windows protected your PC”) because the executables are not code-signed yet: click “More info” then “Run anyway”, and check the SHA-256 against SHA256SUMS.txt first.

Can I use BSMK mods?

Seven of the eight BSMK mods we measured load on Aether’s bridge; Xenor does not. See the table below.

Can I install the BSMK Core alongside Aether?

No. Both claim the same plugin id, so you have to pick one.

What does Aether install by default?

Only the loader and what it needs to run. You choose the mods and download them separately.

How do I install a mod?

With ./aether add Mod.zip, which puts it in the right place and warns about missing dependencies. You can also copy its .dll into Aether/Mods.

Can I change the keys?

Yes. F7 opens the manager, where you rebind any key and see clashes between mods.

Will there be performance mods?

They are in development. They will ship once measurements show they really help.

Where do I download Aether?

On the Download page: pick Windows or Linux and the file downloads directly. The official mods are on the same page.

How do I make my own mod?

With aether new MyMod you create a project ready to build against your installed Aether, and the Docs section walks you through it. Each mod is an assembly with [assembly: AetherMod].

BSMK compatibility

BSMK is a third-party mod ecosystem with no connection to the game’s developers. Aether does not modify any of its files. We only list mods that comply with the game’s modding license: we do not include mods built to give unfair advantages in multiplayer.

BSMK mod	Status
Minimap	Loads
CharacterEditor	Loads
NpcMenu	Loads
VeinMiner	Loads
CraftFromInventory	Loads
Soul Tools	Loads, effect not verified
Better Fishing	Loads, effect not verified
Xenor	Does not load: needs the creature API

How to install a BSMK mod so it works

Download the mod. Use only its .dll (or zip); never BSMK’s BlockStoryCore.dll, because it clashes with Aether’s bridge.
Install it with ./aether add Mod.zip, or copy the .dll into Aether/Mods.
Open the game. If something fails, ./aether doctor shows the missing dependency or which mod clashes.

Aether ships its own compatibility bridge (BlockStoryCore 1.2.0). With the original BSMK Core alongside, neither starts properly.