Lighting plays a surprisingly big role in Dinkum, especially when exploring the mines or decorating your town at night. While torches and lampposts get the job done, the Empty Miner’s Helmet gives you a hands-free light source—making nighttime tasks way easier and safer. With the right lighting mods, this simple piece of gear becomes one of the most practical tools in the game. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make the most of it.

What Is the Empty Miner’s Helmet?

The Empty Miner’s Helmet is a wearable item that looks like the regular Miner’s Helmet but without its built-in light. It’s often used as a base for customization, allowing players to modify or attach lighting accessories through modded setups. Some players use it purely for style, while others prefer it as a functional piece for exploring caves or working at night.

In vanilla Dinkum, the regular Miner’s Helmet already comes with a built-in light source, but the “empty” version gives you creative control. With mods, you can tweak brightness, beam color, and even the range of illumination, giving you more flexibility over your nighttime experience.

Getting the Helmet

The Empty Miner’s Helmet can sometimes be found in random shops or as loot, but it’s not always easy to track down. Some players prefer to buy Dinkum items from community markets or trusted sources that support in-game trading. This can save time if you’re missing certain materials or don’t want to rely on RNG luck.

If you prefer earning it in-game, focus on exploring deep mine layers or checking the visitor stores regularly. Ted Selly, for example, occasionally has rare items that can’t be crafted elsewhere. Keep your Dinks handy—special gear like helmets tends to be expensive.

Installing Lighting Mods

Once you have your Empty Miner’s Helmet, it’s time to customize it. Most lighting mods require you to install them through mod management tools like Dinkum Mod Loader or Thunderstore Mod Manager. Before making changes, always back up your save files to avoid losing progress.

Lighting mods vary in complexity. Some only change brightness levels, while others add full customization options such as:

Adjustable light intensity and radius

Different light colors (warm, cool, or colored tints)

Energy drain or durability balance adjustments

Compatibility with weather and time of day

For example, you can create a softer glow to make your town evenings more atmospheric or increase brightness for mine expeditions. If you’re into creative builds or roleplay, you can even match the light tone to your outfit or environment—like a warm orange glow for campfire zones or a bluish light for futuristic settings.

How to Equip and Use It

Equipping the helmet is as simple as putting on any other headgear. Once installed with a lighting mod, the light will typically activate automatically when it’s dark enough, or you can toggle it on and off using a hotkey (depending on the mod settings).

It’s best to test your helmet in a few different lighting conditions—inside caves, during rain, and at night—to make sure your settings look right. If the mod supports adjustable brightness, tweak it based on your surroundings. Too bright and it can wash out colors; too dim and you’ll still need handheld light sources.

Also, remember that some mods can affect performance. If you’re running on a lower-end system, stick to simpler light settings.

Combining with Other Gear and Tools

The Empty Miner’s Helmet pairs nicely with other exploration equipment. Combine it with mining tools, spelunking outfits, or even underwater gear for deep-sea adventures. Players who often explore the mines will appreciate how it frees up a hand slot for a pickaxe or weapon.

In addition, some creative players use lighting mods for fashion or roleplay builds. If you’re building a themed base—like a workshop or mining camp—adding modified helmets on mannequins or stands can enhance the atmosphere. Small details like that can make your settlement feel more immersive.

Budget Tips for New Players

If you’re still early in the game and don’t have much Dinks to spend, crafting or trading is your best option. Look out for seasonal sales or community events where players offer cheap Dinkum items—that’s often the easiest way to get components without grinding for hours.

Just make sure you’re getting items from legitimate players or trusted platforms. Communities such as U4GM are well-known among Dinkum fans for supporting reliable in-game trading, which helps avoid scams or lost progress. Still, always handle trades carefully and prioritize your save data.

The Empty Miner’s Helmet might seem like a niche item at first, but with a good lighting mod, it becomes an essential tool for nighttime adventures in Dinkum. Whether you’re mining deep underground, exploring your island after sunset, or just setting the mood for your town’s evening lights, it adds both function and flair.

Experiment with different lighting mods, adjust the brightness to your liking, and enjoy the freedom of having a personalized illumination setup. It’s small upgrades like these that make Dinkum feel more alive—and a bit more comfortable when the sun goes down.