Valor Mortis Guide: Find Equivalent Exchange Amber

This guide explains exactly how to find the Equivalent Exchange amber in Valor Mortis, a Minecraft modpack. You locate it by digging in the Deep Dark biome at Y-level -20 to -40, then using a Silk Touch pickaxe to mine the amber ore blocks you find. The amber is a key resource for crafting powerful mid-game equipment and tools.

Formula

The calculator estimates how many amber ore blocks you will find based on the number of blocks you mine and the chance of any given block being amber ore. The formula is:

Amber Expected = Blocks Mined × (Amber Ore Chance / 100)

Where:

• Blocks Mined – the total number of blocks you break while searching (in blocks).
• Amber Ore Chance – the percentage chance that a single block in the target area is amber ore (default 2%).
• Amber Expected – the estimated number of amber ore blocks you will find (in blocks).

This is a simple linear estimate. It assumes the ore is distributed evenly, which is not exactly true in practice, but it gives a useful planning number.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator above:

1. You mine 100 blocks.
2. The amber ore chance is 2%.
3. Amber Expected = 100 × (2 / 100) = 2 blocks.

So, if you mine 100 blocks in the correct biome and depth, you can expect to find about 2 amber ore blocks. Remember this is an average – you might find 0 or 5 in any given 100-block patch.

Background: What Is Equivalent Exchange Amber?

In the Valor Mortis modpack, Equivalent Exchange (EE) is a major mod that revolves around the concept of EMC (Energy Matter Currency). Amber is a mid-tier material used to craft several key items, including the Alchemical Bag, Relay, and Collector. Without amber, you cannot progress past the early-game power generation and storage options.

Amber ore is not found in the Overworld’s normal stone. It spawns exclusively in the Deep Dark biome, which is a dark, cave-like biome added by the Deep Dark mod (or similar). This biome is characterized by its sculk blocks, darkness, and the presence of the Warden if you make too much noise. The ore itself looks like a glowing orange block embedded in stone.

How to Find the Deep Dark Biome

The Deep Dark biome is typically located deep underground, usually below Y=0. To find it:

• Dig down to around Y=-20 to Y=-40, as this is the most common spawn range for the biome.
• Look for sculk blocks – they are dark, teal/black blocks with a wavy pattern. If you see sculk, you are in the right biome.
• Use a map or a mod like Nature’s Compass if available, which can locate biomes directly.
• Be careful: the Warden can spawn if you trigger sculk shriekers. Move quietly, avoid placing or breaking blocks near them, and use wool to muffle vibrations.

Mining the Amber Ore

Once you find the amber ore, you need to mine it correctly:

1. Use a pickaxe with the Silk Touch enchantment. This will drop the ore block itself, which you can then smelt or process.
2. If you mine without Silk Touch, you will get amber shards instead. These are still useful, but you get fewer of them per block.
3. Smelt the amber ore block in a furnace to get amber (the item used in crafting).
4. Each ore block yields 1 amber when smelted, or 2-4 shards if mined without Silk Touch, which can be combined into amber.

Using Silk Touch is more efficient because it gives you the full block, and you can also use fortune on the shards if you prefer. However, Silk Touch is the most reliable for getting the most amber per ore.

Common Problems and Misconceptions

Many players struggle to find amber because they look in the wrong place. Here are the most common issues:

• Searching in the wrong biome: Amber ore only spawns in the Deep Dark. If you are in a regular cave or a different biome, you will never find it.
• Searching too high: The Deep Dark biome is almost always below Y=0. If you are mining at Y=10, you are too high.
• Using the wrong tool: Mining without Silk Touch gives you shards, not the ore block. This is not a problem, but it can confuse players who expect the block to drop.
• Triggering the Warden: The Warden is a formidable enemy that can one-shot you early game. Avoid sprinting, breaking blocks near sculk sensors, or using projectiles. Sneak and use wool to block vibrations.

Alternatives and Efficiency Tips

If you are struggling to find amber, there are a few alternatives and tips:

• Use a Fortune pickaxe: If you mine the ore without Silk Touch, a Fortune III pickaxe can drop up to 4 shards per block, which effectively gives you more amber per ore.
• Trade with villagers: Some modpacks add villagers that trade amber. Check if your version has a cleric or a specific EE villager.
• Use a quarry or mining turtle: If you have access to automated mining, set it to dig in the Deep Dark biome. This is safer and faster than manual mining.
• Bring torches and food: The Deep Dark is dangerous, so come prepared. Bring plenty of torches to light up the area and food to heal.

The most efficient method is to use a Silk Touch pickaxe and mine in a straight line at Y=-30, covering as much ground as possible. The ore veins are usually small, but they are relatively common in the biome.

Safety and Preparation

Before you go mining for amber, ensure you have:

• A Silk Touch pickaxe (iron or better).
• Good armor – at least iron, preferably diamond or better.
• Food and torches.
• A way to escape quickly – ender pearls or a water bucket.
• Wool blocks to place around sculk sensors to muffle your movements.

The Warden is blind but has incredible hearing. If you trigger a sculk shrieker, it will summon the Warden, which is nearly impossible to defeat in the early game. Your best strategy is to avoid it entirely by moving slowly and sneaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find amber in the Overworld outside the Deep Dark?

No. Amber ore only generates in the Deep Dark biome. You will not find it in regular caves, mountains, or other biomes. The Deep Dark is the only place it spawns.

What Y-level is best for finding amber?

The Deep Dark biome typically generates between Y=-20 and Y=-40. Mining at Y=-30 is a good middle ground. However, the biome itself can extend beyond this, so if you find sculk, keep mining in that area.

Do I need Silk Touch to get amber?

No, but it is recommended. Without Silk Touch, you get amber shards, which you can combine into amber. With Silk Touch, you get the ore block, which smelts into one amber. Fortune on a non-Silk Touch pickaxe can give you more shards, but Silk Touch is simpler.

How many amber ores do I need for mid-game items?

Typically, you need around 8-16 amber for the basic EE machines like the Alchemical Bag and a few relays. Collectors require more, up to 32 or more. It is best to mine a large area to get a good stockpile.

Can I use a silk touch pickaxe with fortune?

No, Silk Touch and Fortune are mutually exclusive on the same tool in vanilla Minecraft. You must choose one. For amber, Silk Touch is usually better because it gives you the block, which is more versatile.

What if I can’t find the Deep Dark biome at all?

If you are struggling to find the biome, use a Nature’s Compass if the pack includes it. Otherwise, dig down to Y=-30 and mine in a grid pattern. The biome is not extremely rare, but it can be elusive. Be patient and keep exploring.

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in t | Blocks mined | blocks | 100 | 1 | 100000
in p | Amber ore chance | % | 2 | 0.1 | 100
out a | Amber expected | blocks | t * (p / 100) | 2