I have been trying to figure out how to have a block choose a random texture. I did some looking around and found that Botania's Elf Glass does what I have been trying to do. So, I tried what I saw and it does not seem to work.

 

{
  "forge_marker": 1,
  "defaults": {
    "model": "minecraft:cube_all",
    "transform": "forge:default-block"
  },
  "variants": {
    "normal": [
      { "textures": { "all": "botania:blocks/elfGlass0" } },
      { "textures": { "all": "botania:blocks/elfGlass1" } },
      { "textures": { "all": "botania:blocks/elfGlass2" } },
      { "textures": { "all": "botania:blocks/elfGlass3" } }
    ]
  }
}

 

{
  "forge_marker": 1,
  "defaults": {
    "model": "minecraft:cube_all",
    "transform": "forge:default-block"
  },
  "variants": {
    "type": {
      "biotic": [
        { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_biotic0" } },
        { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_biotic1" } },
        { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_biotic2" } },
        { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_biotic3" } }
      ],
      "burnt": {
        "textures": [
          { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_burnt0" } },
          { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_burnt1" } },
          { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_burnt2" } },
          { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_burnt3" } }
        ]
      },
      "frozen": {
        "textures": [
          { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_frozen0" } },
          { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_frozen1" } },
          { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_frozen2" } },
          { "textures": { "all": "nex:blocks/netherrack_frozen3" } }
        ]
      }
    }
  }
}

Does anyone have any idea? I've been racking my brain over this for a while.

I will logically approach this:

 

There is World.

In World there is 3D array of data.

Each data entry in said 3D array represents "what is on given x/y/z".

The data consists of:

* ID pointing at right Block (singleton) in registry.

* Metadata constructed by 4 bits (e.g: 0001, 1010, 0011, etc.)

4 bits gives you 16 permutations so you can save 16 (0-15) different variants for given x/y/z. If you need more - you need TileEntity.

 

Now - you are already taking up 2 of 4 bits by defining "biotic", "burnt", "frozen" - which are said block variants.

 

Now - think: Is it possible to randomly assign texture to x/y/z without saving it anywhere?

SPOILER ALERT: It's not.

So where would you save it? In metadata (as long as 4 bits is enough).

 

Now - since you still have 2 of 4 bits to spare you can use them to fit exactly 4 different texture variants.

xx00

xx01

xx10

xx11

(x - reserved for "biotic", "burnt", "frozen" and remaining 2 for textures)

 

How to randomly assign it? Place block with randomly picked metadata in x/y/z. You need it to be random when generating? Do the same, just during world generation.

Actually, you can.

Pick a random texture based on xyz coordinates.

You'd have to reencode this as a non-saving property, but:

https://github.com/Draco18s/HarderStuff/blob/master/src/main/java/com/draco18s/hazards/block/BlockUnstableStone.java#L173-180

 

That code is for more than 4 textures, but I worked out a really good distribution so it is very hard to notice any repeating patterns.

...

 

It's entirely possible to set multiple models for a single variant in a blockstates file and have one selected at random every time the block is rendered; look at vanilla's grass blockstates file for an example.

 

Forge's blockstates format also supports this, I'm not sure why it's not working for the OP.