An example Infdev map, note the large map size
- You must buy the game in order to play infdev.
Infdev is the 4th released game mode. Like its two predecessors, it is a survival mode test. Infdev succeeded Indev with its main idea of infinite maps, hence the "inf" in its name. Infdev is capable of generating incredibly huge size maped, not actually infinite. The map generates a small area for the player when they first spawn, and continues to generate more in the player ventures into area not yet explored. The maps are 8 times larger than the surface of the earth, but much smaller volume-wise considering maps are about 64 meters deep. The maps are saved to the player's hard drive. The map file gradually gets bigger the more area it has to generate, so its very unlikely anyone will be able to create a "full" infdev map.
Infdev is a mode still under development and recieving any new updates to the game Notch makes. It is available to play only to those who have bought the game. Currently, it generates strange landforms, sometimes making small floating chunks of land and strange looking cliffs that do not form normally in Indev. If you die, you can respawn at your starting point, but you drop all the items you were carrying (you can pick them up again if you can reach your body before the items expire). This makes it a good idea to build a base directly over your spawn point, making sure not to obstruct it. As long as there is a solid block at sea level, you will spawn on top of the first block above sea level at your respawn square with a two block space above it. If you dig a hole with no block at sea level at your spawn point, it will automatically change to a random square near sea level within approximately 6 squares, or whatever is close by.
It is possible (although not reccomended) to dig out of the bottom of the map, showing that it is not actually infinite in a physical sense. You can fall through the bottom of the map, but in a recent update, Notch made it so you will quickly lose health, so you don't fall forever.
Exclusive features
- Infinite map generation
- Redstone ore
- Craftable doors, signs, ladders, Minecarts, track and more
- Simple mechanisms like Wire, switches, buttons and Pressure plates to change mine track direction and open special doors
- Much more complex cave systems
- Dynamic fluid system
- Underground treasure rooms containing Saddles and Mob Spawners
- Winter themed maps with Ice and Snow
Future Features
- More mob types (Cows, chickens, and slimes).
- Survival Multiplayer Mode (SMP).
- More block types
Multiplayer
Survival Multiplayer (SMP) is a game mode currently in development that is highly anticipated by the community. Many players have speculated on the forums how gameplay will turn out once the mode is released. Some general expectations are:
- Player vs. Player (PvP) - Players will be able to damage one another through attacks and many people will pursue this route exclusively.
- Raiding - Defense is a critical part to any base in SMP as other players are expected to band together to form raiding parties to destroy and loot player's bases.
- Community Building - Towns will emerge as players decide to work together. This may either be due to wanting to build with friends or desiring to increase survivability from mobs and aggressive players by staying under the protection of a community.
- Outposts - After the server has been up for some time, players will start building defenses and lookouts for new players who join the server (Will provide temporary defense while they travel to the player village/town).
- Cave Cities - Smart servers will build their main town and traveling system underground in either a player made cave or a randomly generated one while having a secondary village above ground which anyone can access. (Like a guest area)
Infinite map replacement
Sometime before alpha mode is finished, all game modes will be replaced with versions that create infinite maps. However, it has been confirmed that while Infdev will replace Indev as the main focus of Minecraft post-beta, smaller maps will still be available for those with less powerful computers or who just like the "less to worry about" atmosphere of current Indev style maps. (reference)