Entangled transforms item, energy, and fluid transport by introducing quantum-like block binding that allows instant transfers without pipes or cables. The mod provides two items that work together to bind any two blocks, making them function as a single unit regardless of distance or dimension. This binding system creates unique possibilities for compact automation, remote access to inventories, and cable-free power distribution.
This guide covers the binding mechanics, crafting requirements, configuration options, and strategic applications. I’ll explain how the Entangled Block and Entangled Binder work together to create instant connections across your world and beyond dimensional boundaries.
Core Mechanics
Block Binding System
Entangled Blocks absorb the state of their target block, making interactions with the Entangled Block behave identically to interacting with the bound block. When you bind an Entangled Block to a chest, the Entangled Block functions exactly as if it were that chest, accepting and providing items through the same inventory. This works for any block type including machines, storage containers, and energy systems.
The binding creates instant synchronization with no delay. Item transfers, energy flow, fluid movement, and redstone signals all propagate immediately between the Entangled Block and its target. You can bind blocks across unlimited distance within the same dimension by default, or even bind blocks between different dimensions including the Nether and End.
Capability Forwarding
The Entangled Block forwards all capabilities from the bound block, including item handlers, energy storage, fluid tanks, and custom mod capabilities. This means automation systems interact with the Entangled Block exactly as they would with the original block. Pipes connecting to an Entangled Block bound to a furnace behave as if directly connected to that furnace.
Redstone signals also transfer through the binding. The Entangled Block outputs the exact redstone signal strength from its bound block, including both standard redstone signals and comparator signals for container fill levels. This allows remote redstone control and monitoring of block states across your base or between dimensions.
Getting Started
Crafting Requirements
Start by crafting the Entangled Block using 4 Ender Pearls, 4 Obsidian, and 1 Chest. Arrange the Ender Pearls in the corners, Obsidian in the cardinal directions, and the Chest in the center. This creates one Entangled Block that can bind to any valid target block.
The Entangled Binder requires 2 Ender Pearls, 1 Diamond, and 2 Obsidian. Place the Binder in the top right with an Ender Pearl to its left, an Ender Pearl in the middle, Diamond above it, and two Obsidian pieces forming an L-shape on the left side and bottom. The Binder controls which blocks bind together and remains reusable for creating multiple bindings.
Binding Process
Place your Entangled Block in the world at your desired location. Right-click the block you want to bind to while holding the Entangled Binder. You’ll receive a yellow message confirming block selection, and the Binder tooltip updates to show the selected block’s coordinates and dimension.
Right-click the placed Entangled Block with the Entangled Binder to complete the binding. The Entangled Block immediately assumes the appearance and functionality of the target block, rendering a miniature version of the bound block inside its frame. The binding persists when you break and relocate the Entangled Block, maintaining the connection to the original target location.
Unbinding Blocks
Crouch and right-click an Entangled Block with an empty hand to unbind it from its target. The block returns to its unbound state, displaying as a basic frame without the internal block rendering. You can then bind it to a different block using the Entangled Binder.
To clear the Entangled Binder’s selected target, crouch and right-click while holding the Binder in your hand (not targeting any block). This removes the stored coordinates, allowing you to select a new target block. I recommend clearing old selections before starting new binding operations to avoid confusion.
Configuration Options
Distance and Dimensional Binding
The allowDimensional config option controls cross-dimensional binding capability. Enabled by default, this setting allows binding Entangled Blocks to targets in different dimensions. You can bind an Entangled Block in the Overworld to a chest in the Nether, providing instant access to Nether resources without portal travel.
The maxDistance config determines the maximum binding range for same-dimension connections. Set to -1 by default for unlimited range, you can configure specific block distance limits to restrict binding ranges. Setting maxDistance to 1000 prevents bindings beyond 1000 blocks away, useful for modpack balance or server performance considerations. Distance limits do not affect cross-dimensional bindings.
Block Restrictions
The entangled:invalid_targets block tag defines which blocks cannot serve as binding targets. By default, this tag functions as a blacklist, preventing Entangled Blocks from binding to any blocks in the tag. Adding blocks to this tag restricts problematic or unbalanced binding targets.
The useWhitelist config option inverts this behavior when enabled. With useWhitelist set to true, the invalid_targets tag becomes a whitelist, meaning Entangled Blocks can only bind to blocks explicitly listed in the tag. This creates strict control over which blocks allow binding, useful for modpacks wanting precise binding limitations.
Visual Settings
The renderBlockHighlight client option (enabled by default) highlights the bound target block when you look at an Entangled Block. This visual feedback helps track which blocks connect where, particularly useful when managing multiple bindings. The highlight appears at the target block’s location even across dimensions.
The rotateRenderedBlock client option controls whether the miniature block rendered inside Entangled Blocks spins. Enabled by default, the rotation provides animated visual indication of bound status. Disabling this option makes the internal block render static, reducing visual distraction in areas with many Entangled Blocks.
Strategic Applications
Cable-Free Automation
Use Entangled Blocks to eliminate long pipe runs and cable routing in automation systems. Instead of routing item pipes hundreds of blocks from your storage system to a distant processing area, bind an Entangled Block to your main storage and place it directly adjacent to the processing machines. This provides instant item access without pipe lag or visual clutter.
The same approach works for energy distribution. Bind Entangled Blocks to your power generation systems and place them throughout your base wherever machines need power. Each Entangled Block acts as a direct connection to the power source, distributing energy without cable runs or power loss over distance.
Remote Access Points
Create remote access to important systems by placing Entangled Blocks in convenient locations bound to distant targets. Bind an Entangled Block to your main crafting area’s chest and place it in your mining outpost, allowing you to deposit materials without returning to your base. The instant synchronization means items appear immediately in the main chest.
This works particularly well for cross-dimensional resource collection. Bind Entangled Blocks in the Nether to Overworld storage, eliminating the need to transport items through portals. Mining ancient debris or collecting quartz becomes more efficient when you can deposit directly into home base storage while remaining in the Nether.
Compact Multi-Sided Access
Overcome the six-side limitation of single blocks by using multiple Entangled Blocks bound to the same target. A single furnace has six faces for input/output connections, but you can place six Entangled Blocks around it, each bound to the furnace, effectively creating twelve connection points for your automation system.
This proves especially valuable for complex machinery with limited connection faces. Machines that accept items on one side, output on another, and require power on a third can connect to six additional interaction points through Entangled Blocks, allowing more sophisticated automation patterns and easier pipe routing around the machine.
Hidden Infrastructure
Hide bulky machinery and storage systems by placing them underground or in separate rooms while maintaining convenient access through Entangled Blocks. Build your main processing systems in a utility basement with all the necessary machinery, then place Entangled Blocks in your attractive main base area bound to those systems. This separates functional infrastructure from aesthetic building.
The visual rendering of bound blocks inside Entangled Blocks provides identification without labels or memory. Looking at the Entangled Block shows which machine it connects to, maintaining organization even with many hidden systems. You can build clean, minimal-looking bases while retaining full automation functionality.
Advanced Techniques
Redstone Integration
Entangled Blocks transmit redstone signals from their bound targets, including comparator output for container fill levels. Use this for remote monitoring of storage systems by placing an Entangled Block bound to a chest near your control panel, then reading its comparator output to determine chest fullness without running redstone wiring.
The signal forwarding works in all directions, meaning standard redstone signals from the bound block also appear at the Entangled Block’s location. This allows triggering systems at the bound location by applying redstone to the Entangled Block, creating remote activation switches for distant machinery or systems.
Modpack Integration
The capability forwarding system ensures compatibility with most tech mods. Applied Energistics ME interfaces, Mekanism pipes, thermal ducts, and other mod-specific transport systems all recognize Entangled Blocks as valid connection points for the bound block’s capabilities. This makes Entangled Blocks universally useful across different modpack configurations.
When binding to mod-added blocks, the Entangled Block forwards all custom capabilities those blocks provide. This includes special features like Mekanism’s gas handling, Botania’s mana transfer, or Immersive Engineering’s multiblock connections, making Entangled Blocks work seamlessly within complex modded automation setups.
Conclusion
Entangled provides elegant solutions to common automation challenges through its instant block binding system. The simple two-item design masks powerful functionality that eliminates cable runs, provides cross-dimensional access, and creates unlimited connection points for complex machinery. Configuration options allow precise control over binding ranges and target restrictions.
The capability forwarding ensures broad compatibility with vanilla mechanics and modded systems alike, while the visual block rendering maintains organization across multiple bindings. Whether hiding infrastructure, accessing remote storage, or building cable-free automation networks, Entangled delivers practical functionality with minimal complexity.
