Create is an innovative mod that promises a lot of potential, but because it’s so open-ended, its progression can feel lacklustre. You’re offered all these machines, but you’re not sure what to do with them. Create: Above and Beyond is an official take on linear Create gameplay to showcase what Create is capable of. It’s so successful that it has inspired countless other spinoffs.

The recipes for machines have become more expensive and complex, such that automation of their production would utilise almost all mechanics Create has to offer. All the different types of machines finally serve an overarching purpose, encouraging you to learn the intricacies of the mod, which is not difficult thanks to the ponder scenes. As a result, the modpack is beginner-friendly, yet you’ll end up with a comprehensive understanding of Create, and a large factory that serves as your proof.

This modpack has an emphasis on the process of building the factory itself, which feels engaging. You’ll fit together cogwheels and gearboxes to power belts, presses, and mixers along different axes of rotation. You’ll figure out which combination of machines can interact with each other the right way to do what you want. If you like solving puzzles, this pack might be for you.

The progression is pretty rigid but the the challenges are unique and rewarding.

It’s about automating everything from the get go. At the start you’re limited to andesite components from create which creates a fun challenge. The chapters are not too long so that the limitations are not too annoying. There was only one thing I didn’t like – the end game, as at least at the time I was playing, the rocket mod was a bit unstable, unintuitive and felt a bit off.