diff --git a/src/build-state.js b/src/build-state.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8f1977b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/build-state.js
@@ -0,0 +1,253 @@
+import { randomUUID } from 'node:crypto';
+import { readFileSync, writeFileSync, mkdirSync, readdirSync, unlinkSync } from 'node:fs';
+import { join } from 'node:path';
+import { log, logError } from './utils.js';
+
+const TAG = 'BuildState';
+const BUILDS_DIR = './cache/builds';
+
+/**
+ * Manages persistent build state for pause/resume functionality.
+ * Splits storage into:
+ *   <buildId>.meta.json  - small, updated per batch (status, progress)
+ *   <buildId>.commands.json - full command list, written once
+ */
+export class BuildStateManager {
+  constructor() {
+    // Ensure cache dir exists
+    try {
+      mkdirSync(BUILDS_DIR, { recursive: true });
+    } catch {
+      // Already exists
+    }
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Create a new build record.
+   * @param {object} opts
+   * @param {string} opts.source - 'blueprint' | 'schematic' | 'shape'
+   * @param {string} [opts.sourceUrl]
+   * @param {string} opts.name
+   * @param {number} opts.originX
+   * @param {number} opts.originY
+   * @param {number} opts.originZ
+   * @param {string[]} opts.commands - Full command list
+   * @returns {string} buildId
+   */
+  createBuild({ source, sourceUrl, name, originX, originY, originZ, commands }) {
+    const buildId = randomUUID();
+    const now = new Date().toISOString();
+
+    const meta = {
+      buildId,
+      status: 'active',
+      source,
+      sourceUrl: sourceUrl || null,
+      name,
+      originX,
+      originY,
+      originZ,
+      totalCommands: commands.length,
+      completedIndex: 0,
+      succeeded: 0,
+      failed: 0,
+      createdAt: now,
+      updatedAt: now,
+    };
+
+    // Write commands file (once)
+    this._writeJson(`${buildId}.commands.json`, commands);
+
+    // Write meta file
+    this._writeMeta(buildId, meta);
+
+    log(TAG, `Created build ${buildId}: "${name}" (${commands.length} commands)`);
+    return buildId;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Update build progress after a batch completes.
+   * @param {string} buildId
+   * @param {number} completedIndex - Index up to which commands have been processed
+   * @param {number} succeeded
+   * @param {number} failed
+   */
+  updateProgress(buildId, completedIndex, succeeded, failed) {
+    const meta = this._readMeta(buildId);
+    if (!meta) return;
+
+    meta.completedIndex = completedIndex;
+    meta.succeeded = succeeded;
+    meta.failed = failed;
+    meta.updatedAt = new Date().toISOString();
+
+    this._writeMeta(buildId, meta);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Mark build as paused.
+   * @param {string} buildId
+   * @returns {object|null} Updated meta
+   */
+  pauseBuild(buildId) {
+    const meta = this._readMeta(buildId);
+    if (!meta) return null;
+
+    meta.status = 'paused';
+    meta.updatedAt = new Date().toISOString();
+    this._writeMeta(buildId, meta);
+
+    log(TAG, `Paused build ${buildId} at ${meta.completedIndex}/${meta.totalCommands}`);
+    return meta;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Mark build as completed.
+   * @param {string} buildId
+   * @param {number} succeeded
+   * @param {number} failed
+   */
+  completeBuild(buildId, succeeded, failed) {
+    const meta = this._readMeta(buildId);
+    if (!meta) return;
+
+    meta.status = 'completed';
+    meta.completedIndex = meta.totalCommands;
+    meta.succeeded = succeeded;
+    meta.failed = failed;
+    meta.updatedAt = new Date().toISOString();
+    this._writeMeta(buildId, meta);
+
+    // Clean up commands file for completed builds
+    this._deleteFile(`${buildId}.commands.json`);
+
+    log(TAG, `Completed build ${buildId}: ${succeeded} succeeded, ${failed} failed`);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Mark build as cancelled.
+   * @param {string} buildId
+   * @param {number} succeeded
+   * @param {number} failed
+   */
+  cancelBuild(buildId, succeeded, failed) {
+    const meta = this._readMeta(buildId);
+    if (!meta) return;
+
+    meta.status = 'cancelled';
+    meta.succeeded = succeeded;
+    meta.failed = failed;
+    meta.updatedAt = new Date().toISOString();
+    this._writeMeta(buildId, meta);
+
+    log(TAG, `Cancelled build ${buildId} at ${meta.completedIndex}/${meta.totalCommands}`);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get the remaining commands for a paused build.
+   * @param {string} buildId
+   * @returns {{ meta: object, commands: string[] } | null}
+   */
+  getResumableCommands(buildId) {
+    const meta = this._readMeta(buildId);
+    if (!meta) return null;
+    if (meta.status !== 'paused') return null;
+
+    const commands = this._readJson(`${buildId}.commands.json`);
+    if (!commands) return null;
+
+    const remaining = commands.slice(meta.completedIndex);
+    return { meta, commands: remaining };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get build metadata.
+   * @param {string} buildId
+   * @returns {object|null}
+   */
+  getBuild(buildId) {
+    return this._readMeta(buildId);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * List all builds, optionally filtered by status.
+   * @param {string} [status] - Filter by status
+   * @returns {object[]}
+   */
+  listBuilds(status) {
+    const builds = [];
+    try {
+      const files = readdirSync(BUILDS_DIR);
+      for (const file of files) {
+        if (file.endsWith('.meta.json')) {
+          try {
+            const data = JSON.parse(readFileSync(join(BUILDS_DIR, file), 'utf-8'));
+            if (!status || data.status === status) {
+              builds.push(data);
+            }
+          } catch {
+            // Skip corrupted files
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    } catch {
+      // Directory doesn't exist yet
+    }
+
+    // Sort by updatedAt descending
+    builds.sort((a, b) => new Date(b.updatedAt) - new Date(a.updatedAt));
+    return builds;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get the most recent paused build.
+   * @returns {object|null}
+   */
+  getMostRecentPaused() {
+    const paused = this.listBuilds('paused');
+    return paused.length > 0 ? paused[0] : null;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get the current active build (if any).
+   * @returns {object|null}
+   */
+  getActiveBuild() {
+    const active = this.listBuilds('active');
+    return active.length > 0 ? active[0] : null;
+  }
+
+  // ── Private helpers ──
+
+  _readMeta(buildId) {
+    return this._readJson(`${buildId}.meta.json`);
+  }
+
+  _writeMeta(buildId, meta) {
+    this._writeJson(`${buildId}.meta.json`, meta);
+  }
+
+  _readJson(filename) {
+    try {
+      return JSON.parse(readFileSync(join(BUILDS_DIR, filename), 'utf-8'));
+    } catch {
+      return null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  _writeJson(filename, data) {
+    try {
+      writeFileSync(join(BUILDS_DIR, filename), JSON.stringify(data), 'utf-8');
+    } catch (err) {
+      logError(TAG, `Failed to write ${filename}: ${err.message}`);
+    }
+  }
+
+  _deleteFile(filename) {
+    try {
+      unlinkSync(join(BUILDS_DIR, filename));
+    } catch {
+      // File may not exist
+    }
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/command-queue.js b/src/command-queue.js
index 0dcfb4f..336bd87 100644
--- a/src/command-queue.js
+++ b/src/command-queue.js
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ export class CommandQueue {
     this._totalSent = 0;
     this._totalCompleted = 0;
     this._cancelBuild = false;
+    this._pauseBuild = false;
   }
 
   /**
@@ -110,21 +111,43 @@ export class CommandQueue {
   /**
    * Enqueue a batch with progress reporting.
    * Calls progressFn with status updates between layer batches.
+   * Supports pause via pauseBuild() and build state persistence via buildState.
    * @param {Array<{id: string, message: string}>} commands
    * @param {(progress: { completed: number, total: number, percent: number }) => void} [progressFn]
-   * @returns {Promise<{total: number, succeeded: number, failed: number, cancelled: boolean, results: Array}>}
+   * @param {object} [opts]
+   * @param {string} [opts.buildId] - Build state ID for persistence
+   * @param {import('./build-state.js').BuildStateManager} [opts.buildState] - Build state manager
+   * @param {number} [opts.startIndex=0] - Starting index (for resumed builds)
+   * @returns {Promise<{total: number, succeeded: number, failed: number, cancelled: boolean, paused: boolean, completedIndex: number, results: Array}>}
    */
-  async enqueueBatchWithProgress(commands, progressFn) {
+  async enqueueBatchWithProgress(commands, progressFn, opts = {}) {
     this._cancelBuild = false;
+    this._pauseBuild = false;
     const results = [];
-    let succeeded = 0;
+    let succeeded = opts.startIndex ? 0 : 0; // Fresh count for this run
     let failed = 0;
+    const startIndex = opts.startIndex || 0;
 
     for (let i = 0; i < commands.length; i += this.batchSize) {
       // Check cancellation
       if (this._cancelBuild) {
-        log(TAG, `Build cancelled at ${i}/${commands.length} commands`);
-        return { total: commands.length, succeeded, failed, cancelled: true, results };
+        const completedIndex = startIndex + i;
+        log(TAG, `Build cancelled at ${completedIndex}/${startIndex + commands.length} commands`);
+        if (opts.buildState && opts.buildId) {
+          opts.buildState.cancelBuild(opts.buildId, succeeded, failed);
+        }
+        return { total: commands.length, succeeded, failed, cancelled: true, paused: false, completedIndex, results };
+      }
+
+      // Check pause
+      if (this._pauseBuild) {
+        const completedIndex = startIndex + i;
+        log(TAG, `Build paused at ${completedIndex}/${startIndex + commands.length} commands`);
+        if (opts.buildState && opts.buildId) {
+          opts.buildState.updateProgress(opts.buildId, completedIndex, succeeded, failed);
+          opts.buildState.pauseBuild(opts.buildId);
+        }
+        return { total: commands.length, succeeded, failed, cancelled: false, paused: true, completedIndex, results };
       }
 
       const batch = commands.slice(i, i + this.batchSize);
@@ -145,9 +168,16 @@ export class CommandQueue {
 
       // Report progress
       const completed = i + batch.length;
-      const percent = Math.round((completed / commands.length) * 100);
+      const totalWithOffset = startIndex + commands.length;
+      const completedWithOffset = startIndex + completed;
+      const percent = Math.round((completedWithOffset / totalWithOffset) * 100);
       if (progressFn) {
-        progressFn({ completed, total: commands.length, percent });
+        progressFn({ completed: completedWithOffset, total: totalWithOffset, percent });
+      }
+
+      // Update build state periodically (every 5 batches)
+      if (opts.buildState && opts.buildId && (i / this.batchSize) % 5 === 4) {
+        opts.buildState.updateProgress(opts.buildId, startIndex + completed, succeeded, failed);
       }
 
       // Delay between batches (except after the last one)
@@ -156,7 +186,7 @@ export class CommandQueue {
       }
     }
 
-    return { total: commands.length, succeeded, failed, cancelled: false, results };
+    return { total: commands.length, succeeded, failed, cancelled: false, paused: false, completedIndex: startIndex + commands.length, results };
   }
 
   /** Cancel an in-progress build */
@@ -164,6 +194,11 @@ export class CommandQueue {
     this._cancelBuild = true;
   }
 
+  /** Pause an in-progress build */
+  pauseBuild() {
+    this._pauseBuild = true;
+  }
+
   /** Process queued commands respecting rate limits */
   async _processQueue() {
     if (this._processing) return;
diff --git a/src/fill-optimizer.js b/src/fill-optimizer.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f34cbcf
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/fill-optimizer.js
@@ -0,0 +1,232 @@
+import { log } from './utils.js';
+
+const TAG = 'FillOptimizer';
+const MAX_FILL_AXIS = 32; // Bedrock fill command limit per axis
+
+/**
+ * Optimize an array of voxels into fill + setblock commands.
+ * Groups contiguous same-type blocks into fill regions to reduce command count.
+ *
+ * Algorithm: Layer-based row scanning with Z-axis merging
+ * 1. Group voxels by Y layer
+ * 2. Within each layer, group by block type
+ * 3. For each block type per layer, group by Z row, find contiguous X runs
+ * 4. Merge adjacent Z rows with identical X runs into 2D fill regions
+ * 5. Emit `fill` for multi-block regions, `setblock` for singles
+ * 6. Split any axis > 32 blocks into chunks (Bedrock limit)
+ *
+ * @param {Array<{ x: number, y: number, z: number, blockStr: string }>} blocks
+ *   Pre-resolved blocks with world coordinates and formatted block string
+ * @returns {string[]} Optimized array of setblock/fill commands
+ */
+export function optimizeCommands(blocks) {
+  if (blocks.length === 0) return [];
+
+  // Step 1: Group by Y layer
+  /** @type {Map<number, Array<{ x: number, z: number, blockStr: string }>>} */
+  const layers = new Map();
+  for (const b of blocks) {
+    let layer = layers.get(b.y);
+    if (!layer) {
+      layer = [];
+      layers.set(b.y, layer);
+    }
+    layer.push({ x: b.x, z: b.z, blockStr: b.blockStr });
+  }
+
+  const commands = [];
+
+  // Process layers bottom-up
+  const sortedYs = [...layers.keys()].sort((a, b) => a - b);
+
+  for (const y of sortedYs) {
+    const layer = layers.get(y);
+
+    // Step 2: Group by block type within this layer
+    /** @type {Map<string, Array<{ x: number, z: number }>>} */
+    const byType = new Map();
+    for (const b of layer) {
+      let list = byType.get(b.blockStr);
+      if (!list) {
+        list = [];
+        byType.set(b.blockStr, list);
+      }
+      list.push({ x: b.x, z: b.z });
+    }
+
+    for (const [blockStr, positions] of byType) {
+      // Step 3: Group by Z row, find contiguous X runs
+      /** @type {Map<number, number[]>} z -> sorted x values */
+      const byZ = new Map();
+      for (const p of positions) {
+        let xs = byZ.get(p.z);
+        if (!xs) {
+          xs = [];
+          byZ.set(p.z, xs);
+        }
+        xs.push(p.x);
+      }
+
+      // Sort X values within each Z row
+      for (const xs of byZ.values()) {
+        xs.sort((a, b) => a - b);
+      }
+
+      // Find contiguous X runs per Z row
+      /** @type {Map<number, Array<{ x1: number, x2: number }>>} */
+      const runsByZ = new Map();
+      for (const [z, xs] of byZ) {
+        const runs = findContiguousRuns(xs);
+        runsByZ.set(z, runs);
+      }
+
+      // Step 4: Merge adjacent Z rows with identical X runs
+      const regions = mergeZRows(runsByZ);
+
+      // Step 5: Emit commands
+      for (const region of regions) {
+        // Step 6: Split oversized regions
+        const chunks = splitRegion(region, y);
+        for (const chunk of chunks) {
+          if (chunk.x1 === chunk.x2 && chunk.z1 === chunk.z2 && chunk.y1 === chunk.y2) {
+            commands.push(`setblock ${chunk.x1} ${chunk.y1} ${chunk.z1} ${blockStr}`);
+          } else {
+            commands.push(`fill ${chunk.x1} ${chunk.y1} ${chunk.z1} ${chunk.x2} ${chunk.y2} ${chunk.z2} ${blockStr}`);
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  return commands;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Find contiguous runs in a sorted array of integers.
+ * e.g. [1,2,3,5,6,8] -> [{x1:1,x2:3}, {x1:5,x2:6}, {x1:8,x2:8}]
+ * @param {number[]} sorted
+ * @returns {Array<{ x1: number, x2: number }>}
+ */
+function findContiguousRuns(sorted) {
+  if (sorted.length === 0) return [];
+  const runs = [];
+  let x1 = sorted[0];
+  let x2 = sorted[0];
+
+  for (let i = 1; i < sorted.length; i++) {
+    if (sorted[i] === x2 + 1) {
+      x2 = sorted[i];
+    } else {
+      runs.push({ x1, x2 });
+      x1 = sorted[i];
+      x2 = sorted[i];
+    }
+  }
+  runs.push({ x1, x2 });
+  return runs;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Merge adjacent Z rows that have identical X run patterns into 2D fill regions.
+ * @param {Map<number, Array<{ x1: number, x2: number }>>} runsByZ
+ * @returns {Array<{ x1: number, x2: number, z1: number, z2: number }>}
+ */
+function mergeZRows(runsByZ) {
+  if (runsByZ.size === 0) return [];
+
+  const sortedZs = [...runsByZ.keys()].sort((a, b) => a - b);
+  const regions = [];
+
+  for (const z of sortedZs) {
+    const runs = runsByZ.get(z);
+    for (const run of runs) {
+      // Try to extend an existing region
+      let merged = false;
+      for (const region of regions) {
+        if (region.x1 === run.x1 && region.x2 === run.x2 && region.z2 === z - 1) {
+          region.z2 = z;
+          merged = true;
+          break;
+        }
+      }
+      if (!merged) {
+        regions.push({ x1: run.x1, x2: run.x2, z1: z, z2: z });
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  return regions;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Split a 2D region + Y into chunks that fit within Bedrock's 32-block fill limit.
+ * Since we process one Y layer at a time, y1 === y2.
+ * @param {{ x1: number, x2: number, z1: number, z2: number }} region
+ * @param {number} y
+ * @returns {Array<{ x1: number, x2: number, y1: number, y2: number, z1: number, z2: number }>}
+ */
+function splitRegion(region, y) {
+  const chunks = [];
+  const xLen = region.x2 - region.x1 + 1;
+  const zLen = region.z2 - region.z1 + 1;
+
+  const xChunks = Math.ceil(xLen / MAX_FILL_AXIS);
+  const zChunks = Math.ceil(zLen / MAX_FILL_AXIS);
+
+  for (let xi = 0; xi < xChunks; xi++) {
+    for (let zi = 0; zi < zChunks; zi++) {
+      const cx1 = region.x1 + xi * MAX_FILL_AXIS;
+      const cx2 = Math.min(region.x1 + (xi + 1) * MAX_FILL_AXIS - 1, region.x2);
+      const cz1 = region.z1 + zi * MAX_FILL_AXIS;
+      const cz2 = Math.min(region.z1 + (zi + 1) * MAX_FILL_AXIS - 1, region.z2);
+
+      chunks.push({ x1: cx1, x2: cx2, y1: y, y2: y, z1: cz1, z2: cz2 });
+    }
+  }
+
+  return chunks;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Optimize voxels from a blueprint into commands.
+ * This is the main entry point that replaces the simple setblock loop.
+ *
+ * @param {Array<{ x: number, y: number, z: number, matId: string, matName: string|null }>} voxels
+ * @param {number} originX - World X coordinate for build origin
+ * @param {number} originY - World Y coordinate for build origin
+ * @param {number} originZ - World Z coordinate for build origin
+ * @param {{ x: number, y: number, z: number }} blueprintOrigin - Blueprint's min corner
+ * @param {(matId: string, matName: string|null) => object} resolveBlockFn
+ * @param {(resolved: object) => string} formatBlockFn
+ * @returns {{ commands: string[], materialCounts: Map<string, number>, skippedAir: number }}
+ */
+export function optimizeVoxels(voxels, originX, originY, originZ, blueprintOrigin, resolveBlockFn, formatBlockFn) {
+  const blocks = [];
+  const materialCounts = new Map();
+  let skippedAir = 0;
+
+  for (const voxel of voxels) {
+    if (voxel.matId === '0' || voxel.matId === 'air') {
+      skippedAir++;
+      continue;
+    }
+
+    const resolved = resolveBlockFn(voxel.matId, voxel.matName);
+    const blockStr = formatBlockFn(resolved);
+
+    const wx = originX + (voxel.x - blueprintOrigin.x);
+    const wy = originY + (voxel.y - blueprintOrigin.y);
+    const wz = originZ + (voxel.z - blueprintOrigin.z);
+
+    blocks.push({ x: wx, y: wy, z: wz, blockStr });
+
+    const matKey = resolved.name;
+    materialCounts.set(matKey, (materialCounts.get(matKey) || 0) + 1);
+  }
+
+  const commands = optimizeCommands(blocks);
+
+  log(TAG, `Optimized ${blocks.length} blocks into ${commands.length} commands (${((1 - commands.length / Math.max(blocks.length, 1)) * 100).toFixed(1)}% reduction)`);
+
+  return { commands, materialCounts, skippedAir };
+}
diff --git a/src/grabcraft.js b/src/grabcraft.js
index 7d08a57..d92513e 100644
--- a/src/grabcraft.js
+++ b/src/grabcraft.js
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { log, logError } from './utils.js';
 import { resolveBlock, formatBlock, getUnknownBlocks, clearUnknownBlocks } from './block-map.js';
 import { fetchPage as fetchPageBrowser } from './schematics-browser.js';
+import { optimizeVoxels } from './fill-optimizer.js';
 
 const TAG = 'GrabCraft';
 
@@ -191,43 +192,24 @@ export function blueprintToCommands(blueprint, originX, originY, originZ) {
   clearUnknownBlocks();
 
   const { voxels, origin } = blueprint;
-  const commands = [];
-  const materialCounts = new Map();
-  let skippedAir = 0;
 
-  // Sort voxels bottom-up (y ascending) for structural integrity
-  const sorted = [...voxels].sort((a, b) => {
-    if (a.y !== b.y) return a.y - b.y;
-    if (a.z !== b.z) return a.z - b.z;
-    return a.x - b.x;
-  });
-
-  for (const voxel of sorted) {
-    // Skip air blocks
-    if (voxel.matId === '0' || voxel.matId === 'air') {
-      skippedAir++;
-      continue;
-    }
-
-    const resolved = resolveBlock(voxel.matId, voxel.matName);
-    const blockStr = formatBlock(resolved);
-
-    // Translate to world coordinates relative to build origin
-    const wx = originX + (voxel.x - origin.x);
-    const wy = originY + (voxel.y - origin.y);
-    const wz = originZ + (voxel.z - origin.z);
-
-    commands.push(`setblock ${wx} ${wy} ${wz} ${blockStr}`);
-
-    const matKey = resolved.name;
-    materialCounts.set(matKey, (materialCounts.get(matKey) || 0) + 1);
-  }
+  // Use fill optimizer for dramatic command reduction
+  const { commands, materialCounts, skippedAir } = optimizeVoxels(
+    voxels,
+    originX,
+    originY,
+    originZ,
+    origin,
+    resolveBlock,
+    formatBlock
+  );
 
   const unknowns = getUnknownBlocks();
 
   const summary = {
     name: blueprint.name,
     totalVoxels: voxels.length,
+    totalBlocks: voxels.length - skippedAir,
     totalCommands: commands.length,
     skippedAir,
     dimensions: blueprint.dimensions,
diff --git a/src/mcp-server.js b/src/mcp-server.js
index 95a97fc..8ceabae 100644
--- a/src/mcp-server.js
+++ b/src/mcp-server.js
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ import { searchBlueprints, fetchBlueprint, blueprintToCommands, getCategories }
 import { searchSchematics, fetchSchematic, getSchematicCategories } from './schematics.js';
 import { getAllBlocks } from './block-map.js';
 import { SHAPES } from './building-helpers.js';
+import { BuildStateManager } from './build-state.js';
+import { PlayerAutomation } from './player-automation.js';
 
 const TAG = 'MCP';
 
@@ -36,6 +38,10 @@ export function startMcpServer(bedrock, port = 3002) {
   const app = express();
   app.use(express.json());
 
+  // Shared build state and automation across sessions
+  const buildState = new BuildStateManager();
+  const automation = new PlayerAutomation(bedrock);
+
   // Track active transports by session
   const transports = {};
 
@@ -566,6 +572,15 @@ export function startMcpServer(bedrock, port = 3002) {
           // Build it
           const prepared = commands.map((line) => createCommandMessage(line));
 
+          // Create build state for persistence
+          const buildId = buildState.createBuild({
+            source: 'blueprint',
+            sourceUrl: url,
+            name: summary.name,
+            originX, originY, originZ,
+            commands,
+          });
+
           const progressFn = (progress) => {
             try {
               sendNotification({
@@ -581,9 +596,28 @@ export function startMcpServer(bedrock, port = 3002) {
             }
           };
 
-          const result = await bedrock.commandQueue.enqueueBatchWithProgress(prepared, progressFn);
+          const result = await bedrock.commandQueue.enqueueBatchWithProgress(prepared, progressFn, {
+            buildId,
+            buildState,
+          });
+
+          if (result.paused) {
+            return {
+              content: [{
+                type: 'text',
+                text: `Blueprint "${summary.name}" build paused at ${result.completedIndex}/${commands.length} commands.\nBuild ID: ${buildId}\nUse minecraft_resume_build to continue.`,
+              }],
+            };
+          }
+
+          if (result.cancelled) {
+            buildState.cancelBuild(buildId, result.succeeded, result.failed);
+          } else {
+            buildState.completeBuild(buildId, result.succeeded, result.failed);
+          }
 
           let text = `Blueprint "${summary.name}" build ${result.cancelled ? 'cancelled' : 'complete'}!\n`;
+          text += `Build ID: ${buildId}\n`;
           text += `Blocks placed: ${result.succeeded}/${result.total}\n`;
           text += `Failed: ${result.failed}\n`;
           text += `Dimensions: ${summary.dimensions.width}W x ${summary.dimensions.height}H x ${summary.dimensions.depth}D\n`;
@@ -726,7 +760,7 @@ export function startMcpServer(bedrock, port = 3002) {
       'minecraft_cancel_build',
       {
         title: 'Cancel Build',
-        description: 'Cancel an in-progress build operation (blueprint or shape build).',
+        description: 'Cancel an in-progress build operation (blueprint, schematic, or shape build). The build state is preserved.',
         inputSchema: z.object({}),
       },
       async () => {
@@ -737,6 +771,300 @@ export function startMcpServer(bedrock, port = 3002) {
       }
     );
 
+    // ── Tool: minecraft_pause_build ─────────────────────────────────────
+    server.registerTool(
+      'minecraft_pause_build',
+      {
+        title: 'Pause Build',
+        description: 'Pause an active build operation. The build state is saved and can be resumed later with minecraft_resume_build.',
+        inputSchema: z.object({}),
+      },
+      async () => {
+        bedrock.commandQueue.pauseBuild();
+        return {
+          content: [{ type: 'text', text: 'Build pause requested. The current batch will finish before pausing. Use minecraft_resume_build to continue.' }],
+        };
+      }
+    );
+
+    // ── Tool: minecraft_resume_build ────────────────────────────────────
+    server.registerTool(
+      'minecraft_resume_build',
+      {
+        title: 'Resume Build',
+        description: 'Resume a paused build operation. If no buildId is given, resumes the most recently paused build.',
+        inputSchema: z.object({
+          buildId: z.string().optional().describe('Build ID to resume. Omit to resume most recent paused build.'),
+        }),
+      },
+      async ({ buildId }, { sendNotification }) => {
+        try {
+          // Find the build to resume
+          let targetId = buildId;
+          if (!targetId) {
+            const recent = buildState.getMostRecentPaused();
+            if (!recent) {
+              return {
+                content: [{ type: 'text', text: 'No paused builds found. Use minecraft_list_builds to see all builds.' }],
+                isError: true,
+              };
+            }
+            targetId = recent.buildId;
+          }
+
+          const resumable = buildState.getResumableCommands(targetId);
+          if (!resumable) {
+            const build = buildState.getBuild(targetId);
+            if (!build) {
+              return {
+                content: [{ type: 'text', text: `Build ${targetId} not found.` }],
+                isError: true,
+              };
+            }
+            return {
+              content: [{ type: 'text', text: `Build ${targetId} is ${build.status}, not resumable.` }],
+              isError: true,
+            };
+          }
+
+          const { meta, commands: remaining } = resumable;
+
+          // Mark as active again
+          meta.status = 'active';
+          meta.updatedAt = new Date().toISOString();
+
+          log('MCP', `Resuming build ${targetId}: "${meta.name}" from ${meta.completedIndex}/${meta.totalCommands} (${remaining.length} remaining)`);
+
+          const prepared = remaining.map((line) => createCommandMessage(line));
+
+          const progressFn = (progress) => {
+            try {
+              sendNotification({
+                method: 'notifications/message',
+                params: {
+                  level: 'info',
+                  logger: 'minecraft-resume',
+                  data: `Resuming "${meta.name}": ${progress.percent}% (${progress.completed}/${progress.total})`,
+                },
+              });
+            } catch { /* non-critical */ }
+          };
+
+          const result = await bedrock.commandQueue.enqueueBatchWithProgress(prepared, progressFn, {
+            buildId: targetId,
+            buildState,
+            startIndex: meta.completedIndex,
+          });
+
+          if (result.paused) {
+            return {
+              content: [{
+                type: 'text',
+                text: `Build "${meta.name}" paused again at ${result.completedIndex}/${meta.totalCommands} commands.\nBuild ID: ${targetId}\nUse minecraft_resume_build to continue.`,
+              }],
+            };
+          }
+
+          if (result.cancelled) {
+            buildState.cancelBuild(targetId, result.succeeded, result.failed);
+          } else {
+            buildState.completeBuild(targetId, result.succeeded, result.failed);
+          }
+
+          const status = result.cancelled ? 'cancelled' : 'complete';
+          return {
+            content: [{
+              type: 'text',
+              text: `Resumed build "${meta.name}" ${status}!\nBlocks placed (this run): ${result.succeeded}/${result.total}\nFailed: ${result.failed}\nTotal progress: ${result.completedIndex}/${meta.totalCommands}`,
+            }],
+          };
+        } catch (err) {
+          return {
+            content: [{ type: 'text', text: `Error resuming build: ${err.message}` }],
+            isError: true,
+          };
+        }
+      }
+    );
+
+    // ── Tool: minecraft_list_builds ─────────────────────────────────────
+    server.registerTool(
+      'minecraft_list_builds',
+      {
+        title: 'List Builds',
+        description: 'List all builds with their status and progress. Optionally filter by status.',
+        inputSchema: z.object({
+          status: z.enum(['active', 'paused', 'completed', 'cancelled']).optional()
+            .describe('Filter by status'),
+        }),
+      },
+      async ({ status }) => {
+        const builds = buildState.listBuilds(status);
+
+        if (builds.length === 0) {
+          return {
+            content: [{ type: 'text', text: status ? `No ${status} builds found.` : 'No builds recorded yet.' }],
+          };
+        }
+
+        const formatted = builds.map((b) => {
+          const percent = Math.round((b.completedIndex / b.totalCommands) * 100);
+          return `[${b.status.toUpperCase()}] ${b.name}\n  ID: ${b.buildId}\n  Source: ${b.source}${b.sourceUrl ? ` (${b.sourceUrl})` : ''}\n  Progress: ${b.completedIndex}/${b.totalCommands} (${percent}%)\n  Origin: ${b.originX}, ${b.originY}, ${b.originZ}\n  Updated: ${b.updatedAt}`;
+        }).join('\n\n');
+
+        return {
+          content: [{ type: 'text', text: `${builds.length} build(s):\n\n${formatted}` }],
+        };
+      }
+    );
+
+    // ── Tool: minecraft_teleport ────────────────────────────────────────
+    server.registerTool(
+      'minecraft_teleport',
+      {
+        title: 'Teleport Player',
+        description: 'Teleport a player to specific coordinates.',
+        inputSchema: z.object({
+          x: z.number().describe('X coordinate'),
+          y: z.number().describe('Y coordinate'),
+          z: z.number().describe('Z coordinate'),
+          player: z.string().optional().describe('Target player (default: @p)'),
+        }),
+      },
+      async ({ x, y, z: zCoord, player }) => {
+        try {
+          const response = await automation.teleportTo(x, y, zCoord, player);
+          const msg = response?.statusMessage || 'Teleported';
+          const ok = response?.statusCode === 0;
+          return {
+            content: [{ type: 'text', text: `[${ok ? 'OK' : 'ERROR'}] ${msg}` }],
+          };
+        } catch (err) {
+          return {
+            content: [{ type: 'text', text: `Error: ${err.message}` }],
+            isError: true,
+          };
+        }
+      }
+    );
+
+    // ── Tool: minecraft_give_item ───────────────────────────────────────
+    server.registerTool(
+      'minecraft_give_item',
+      {
+        title: 'Give Item',
+        description: 'Give items to a player. E.g. give diamond_sword, netherite_pickaxe, golden_apple.',
+        inputSchema: z.object({
+          item: z.string().describe('Item ID, e.g. "diamond_sword", "golden_apple"'),
+          amount: z.number().int().min(1).max(64).optional().describe('Amount (default 1, max 64)'),
+          player: z.string().optional().describe('Target player (default: @p)'),
+        }),
+      },
+      async ({ item, amount, player }) => {
+        try {
+          const response = await automation.giveItem(item, amount ?? 1, player);
+          const msg = response?.statusMessage || 'Item given';
+          const ok = response?.statusCode === 0;
+          return {
+            content: [{ type: 'text', text: `[${ok ? 'OK' : 'ERROR'}] ${msg}` }],
+          };
+        } catch (err) {
+          return {
+            content: [{ type: 'text', text: `Error: ${err.message}` }],
+            isError: true,
+          };
+        }
+      }
+    );
+
+    // ── Tool: minecraft_clear_area ──────────────────────────────────────
+    server.registerTool(
+      'minecraft_clear_area',
+      {
+        title: 'Clear Area',
+        description: 'Fill a region with air (clear all blocks). Automatically splits into 32x32x32 chunks for Bedrock compatibility.',
+        inputSchema: z.object({
+          x1: z.number().int().describe('First corner X'),
+          y1: z.number().int().describe('First corner Y'),
+          z1: z.number().int().describe('First corner Z'),
+          x2: z.number().int().describe('Second corner X'),
+          y2: z.number().int().describe('Second corner Y'),
+          z2: z.number().int().describe('Second corner Z'),
+        }),
+      },
+      async ({ x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2 }) => {
+        try {
+          const result = await automation.clearArea(x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2);
+          return {
+            content: [{
+              type: 'text',
+              text: `Area cleared: ${result.succeeded}/${result.total} fill commands succeeded, ${result.failed} failed`,
+            }],
+          };
+        } catch (err) {
+          return {
+            content: [{ type: 'text', text: `Error: ${err.message}` }],
+            isError: true,
+          };
+        }
+      }
+    );
+
+    // ── Tool: minecraft_scan_area ───────────────────────────────────────
+    server.registerTool(
+      'minecraft_scan_area',
+      {
+        title: 'Scan Area',
+        description: 'Scan blocks in a region and return a map of non-air block positions and types. Max 1000 blocks per scan.',
+        inputSchema: z.object({
+          x1: z.number().int().describe('First corner X'),
+          y1: z.number().int().describe('First corner Y'),
+          z1: z.number().int().describe('First corner Z'),
+          x2: z.number().int().describe('Second corner X'),
+          y2: z.number().int().describe('Second corner Y'),
+          z2: z.number().int().describe('Second corner Z'),
+        }),
+      },
+      async ({ x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2 }) => {
+        try {
+          const blocks = await automation.scanBlocks(x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2);
+
+          if (blocks.length === 0) {
+            return {
+              content: [{ type: 'text', text: 'No non-air blocks found in the scanned area.' }],
+            };
+          }
+
+          // Summarize by block type
+          const counts = new Map();
+          for (const b of blocks) {
+            counts.set(b.block, (counts.get(b.block) || 0) + 1);
+          }
+
+          const summary = [...counts.entries()]
+            .sort((a, b) => b[1] - a[1])
+            .map(([block, count]) => `  ${block}: ${count}`)
+            .join('\n');
+
+          const detail = blocks
+            .map(b => `  ${b.x},${b.y},${b.z}: ${b.block}`)
+            .join('\n');
+
+          return {
+            content: [{
+              type: 'text',
+              text: `Scanned ${blocks.length} non-air blocks:\n\nBlock types:\n${summary}\n\nPositions:\n${detail}`,
+            }],
+          };
+        } catch (err) {
+          return {
+            content: [{ type: 'text', text: `Error: ${err.message}` }],
+            isError: true,
+          };
+        }
+      }
+    );
+
     // ── MCP Resources (Phase 6) ─────────────────────────────────────────
 
     // Resource: Block ID reference
@@ -904,6 +1232,15 @@ export function startMcpServer(bedrock, port = 3002) {
           // Build it
           const prepared = commands.map((line) => createCommandMessage(line));
 
+          // Create build state for persistence
+          const buildId = buildState.createBuild({
+            source: 'schematic',
+            sourceUrl: url,
+            name: summary.name,
+            originX, originY, originZ,
+            commands,
+          });
+
           const progressFn = (progress) => {
             try {
               sendNotification({
@@ -919,9 +1256,28 @@ export function startMcpServer(bedrock, port = 3002) {
             }
           };
 
-          const result = await bedrock.commandQueue.enqueueBatchWithProgress(prepared, progressFn);
+          const result = await bedrock.commandQueue.enqueueBatchWithProgress(prepared, progressFn, {
+            buildId,
+            buildState,
+          });
+
+          if (result.paused) {
+            return {
+              content: [{
+                type: 'text',
+                text: `Schematic "${summary.name}" build paused at ${result.completedIndex}/${commands.length} commands.\nBuild ID: ${buildId}\nUse minecraft_resume_build to continue.`,
+              }],
+            };
+          }
+
+          if (result.cancelled) {
+            buildState.cancelBuild(buildId, result.succeeded, result.failed);
+          } else {
+            buildState.completeBuild(buildId, result.succeeded, result.failed);
+          }
 
           let text = `Schematic "${summary.name}" build ${result.cancelled ? 'cancelled' : 'complete'}!\n`;
+          text += `Build ID: ${buildId}\n`;
           text += `Blocks placed: ${result.succeeded}/${result.total}\n`;
           text += `Failed: ${result.failed}\n`;
           text += `Dimensions: ${summary.dimensions.width}W x ${summary.dimensions.height}H x ${summary.dimensions.depth}D\n`;
diff --git a/src/player-automation.js b/src/player-automation.js
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..63e1e17
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/player-automation.js
@@ -0,0 +1,135 @@
+import { log } from './utils.js';
+
+const TAG = 'Automation';
+
+/**
+ * Higher-level player automation via Bedrock commands.
+ * Phase 1: Command-based automation (no bot client needed).
+ */
+export class PlayerAutomation {
+  /**
+   * @param {import('./bedrock-ws.js').BedrockWebSocket} bedrock
+   */
+  constructor(bedrock) {
+    this._bedrock = bedrock;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Teleport the connected player to coordinates.
+   * @param {number} x
+   * @param {number} y
+   * @param {number} z
+   * @param {string} [player='@p']
+   * @returns {Promise<object>}
+   */
+  async teleportTo(x, y, z, player = '@p') {
+    log(TAG, `Teleporting ${player} to ${x} ${y} ${z}`);
+    return this._bedrock.sendCommand(`tp ${player} ${x} ${y} ${z}`);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Give items to a player.
+   * @param {string} item - Item ID (e.g. "diamond_sword")
+   * @param {number} [amount=1]
+   * @param {string} [player='@p']
+   * @returns {Promise<object>}
+   */
+  async giveItem(item, amount = 1, player = '@p') {
+    log(TAG, `Giving ${amount}x ${item} to ${player}`);
+    return this._bedrock.sendCommand(`give ${player} ${item} ${amount}`);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Clear area by filling with air.
+   * Splits into 32x32x32 chunks to respect Bedrock limits.
+   * @param {number} x1
+   * @param {number} y1
+   * @param {number} z1
+   * @param {number} x2
+   * @param {number} y2
+   * @param {number} z2
+   * @returns {Promise<{ total: number, succeeded: number, failed: number }>}
+   */
+  async clearArea(x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2) {
+    const minX = Math.min(x1, x2), maxX = Math.max(x1, x2);
+    const minY = Math.min(y1, y2), maxY = Math.max(y1, y2);
+    const minZ = Math.min(z1, z2), maxZ = Math.max(z1, z2);
+
+    const commands = [];
+    for (let x = minX; x <= maxX; x += 32) {
+      for (let y = minY; y <= maxY; y += 32) {
+        for (let z = minZ; z <= maxZ; z += 32) {
+          const ex = Math.min(x + 31, maxX);
+          const ey = Math.min(y + 31, maxY);
+          const ez = Math.min(z + 31, maxZ);
+          commands.push(`fill ${x} ${y} ${z} ${ex} ${ey} ${ez} air`);
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    log(TAG, `Clearing area ${minX},${minY},${minZ} to ${maxX},${maxY},${maxZ} (${commands.length} fill commands)`);
+
+    const { createCommandMessage } = await import('./utils.js');
+    const prepared = commands.map(cmd => createCommandMessage(cmd));
+    return this._bedrock.commandQueue.enqueueBatch(prepared);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Scan blocks in a region using testforblock commands.
+   * Returns a map of positions to block types.
+   * @param {number} x1
+   * @param {number} y1
+   * @param {number} z1
+   * @param {number} x2
+   * @param {number} y2
+   * @param {number} z2
+   * @returns {Promise<Array<{ x: number, y: number, z: number, block: string }>>}
+   */
+  async scanBlocks(x1, y1, z1, x2, y2, z2) {
+    const minX = Math.min(x1, x2), maxX = Math.max(x1, x2);
+    const minY = Math.min(y1, y2), maxY = Math.max(y1, y2);
+    const minZ = Math.min(z1, z2), maxZ = Math.max(z1, z2);
+
+    const volume = (maxX - minX + 1) * (maxY - minY + 1) * (maxZ - minZ + 1);
+    if (volume > 1000) {
+      throw new Error(`Scan area too large: ${volume} blocks (max 1000). Use a smaller region.`);
+    }
+
+    log(TAG, `Scanning ${volume} blocks from ${minX},${minY},${minZ} to ${maxX},${maxY},${maxZ}`);
+
+    const results = [];
+
+    for (let y = minY; y <= maxY; y++) {
+      for (let z = minZ; z <= maxZ; z++) {
+        for (let x = minX; x <= maxX; x++) {
+          try {
+            const response = await this._bedrock.sendCommand(`testforblock ${x} ${y} ${z} air`);
+            const msg = response?.statusMessage || '';
+
+            // If statusCode is 0, it's air. Otherwise parse the "expected X, got Y" message
+            if (response?.statusCode === 0) {
+              // Air block - skip for brevity
+              continue;
+            }
+
+            // Extract block name from error message like "The block at ... is ... (expected: air)."
+            // or "Successfully found the block at ..."
+            let block = 'unknown';
+            // Bedrock returns something like: "The block at 0, 64, 0 is stone."
+            const blockMatch = msg.match(/is\s+(\S+)/i);
+            if (blockMatch) {
+              block = blockMatch[1].replace(/[.\s]+$/, '');
+            }
+
+            results.push({ x, y, z, block });
+          } catch {
+            // Skip blocks that error
+          }
+        }
+      }
+    }
+
+    log(TAG, `Scan complete: ${results.length} non-air blocks found`);
+    return results;
+  }
+}