How to use proximity chat!

With the reopening of The Everwaves Minecraft server (See article here) we have kept it relatively vanilla. There are of course certain exceptions to this, one of which is the use of the 'Simple Voice Chat' mod to implement proximity chat! In this guide post, I'll show you how to use the mod.

What is proximity chat?

Proximity chat is a version of voice chat, that allows the in game distance between players to effect your volume—or your ability to hear the player at all. This allows for dynamic conversations, where you can talk with players you're actually near in game!

What are the requirements for the 'Simple Voice Chat' mod?

There are no requirements for this mod, though you may want to familiarize yourself with the basic process of modding Minecraft. For those familiar with modding, you should know that this mod is compatible with both the Forge and Fabric mod loaders. Compatibility shouldn't be a problem, and dropping it onto an existing mod list shouldn't cause any confliction.

How to actually use the mod!

Once this mod is properly installed, when you first enter a world, you should get a prompt in chat to type "V" to set the mod up. Following the steps on screen should be rather simple, and explain most of the process of using the mod, but I'll go through the basics here as well.

You have two options for voice chat: voice recognition, and push to talk.

When using voice recognition, your microphone is always active. The mod will automatically detect when you're talking (by using the customizable 'threshold', or basically, how loud you are). If you are confident in being alone while playing, or having a quiet area, this is more viable.

Secondly, there's push to talk. When using this, your microphone is off by default, and only on when you press (and hold) the hotkey. This hotkey will be assigned during the setup of the mod. This is more suited when you have a loud environment, or there are others around, and you don't want background conversations picked up.

Changing the settings.

When you press 'V' (The default hotkey) in game, the Simple Voice Chat menu will pop up. Here you can change all the relevant settings, including but not limited to: your microphone volume, other's microphone volume, toggling overlay icons, and managing groups.

What can you now do?

You've successfully installed the mod and are probably using it! Now you wonder… How can I use this to its full extent? I've come up with a couple fun ideas!

1. The DJ
Turn your mining session into a disco! Start playing some upbeat music through the voice chat and announce yourself as DJ Diamond. It’s a fun way to pass the time and might even attract a crowd to your impromptu dance party.

2. The Sneaky Creeper
Ever wanted to give your friends a real scare? Sneak up behind them, and just as they least expect it, whisper “Hissssss... BOOM!” in your most convincing creeper voice. Watch them jump and frantically check their surroundings for that dreaded green monster!

3. Villager Impersonation
Perfect your “Hrmmm” and “Hah” sounds, then wander into the village pretending to be one of the villagers. Convince your friends that there's a new villager in town with some really good trades... until they realize it’s just you messing with them!

4. Roleplaying Fun
Voice chat opens up a whole new world of roleplaying possibilities. Start a medieval court, with knights, squires, and jesters. Or perhaps a pirate crew, sailing the blocky seas in search of treasure. The only limit is your imagination (and your friends' willingness to play along)!

5. Ambush!
Coordinate with a few players to set up a fake ambush. Have one player lure an unsuspecting victim to a specific location while the rest of you wait in hiding. When they arrive, jump out and all start shouting different things at once. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and sure to be remembered.

With that, you should be ready to use the Simple Voice Chat mod—I hope everyone has fun!

Also, don't forget to read the server's rules and be kind to one another! This is a shared space, and a wonderful community. Let's keep it that way! 💜