If you have installed the Fabric mod loader and want to try out some compatible mods, you should definitely start with Sodium. It’s a rendering engine and optimization mod for the Minecraft client that significantly improves performance and FPS. So, let’s now go over how you can download and install Sodium in Minecraft, so you can then repeat the same process and install Iris Shaders.
How to Download Sodium for Minecraft
To get started with Sodium, you’ll first need to download it to your computer. The process is straightforward, and by following these steps, you can ensure that you have the correct version:
- Visit Sodium download page on CurseForge or Modrinth. Ensure to read the Hardware Compatibility section on the download page before downloading Sodium.
- Go to the Files or Versions tab and find the latest file for the Minecraft version you have. Make sure the Fabric loader is compatible with the same version.
- Download the file and check your Downloads folder for the Sodium file.
How to Install Sodium in Minecraft
Once you have downloaded Sodium, the next step is to install it in your Minecraft setup. If you haven’t installed Fabric yet, make sure to do that first. Here’s how to install Sodium:
- Open the main .minecraft folder located in your AppData folder. You can find it easily by typing %appdata%/.minecraft in the Windows Run dialog.
- Create a folder called “mods” if it doesn’t already exist, and then open it.
- Finally, drag and drop the Sodium file into the mods folder. This will complete the installation. Many mods also require the Fabric API mod to function properly, so ensure you download and install that as well.
How to Use Sodium in Minecraft
To start using Sodium, run Minecraft with the Fabric loader. Open the Minecraft Launcher, set Fabric mod loader as the version on the left, and click on Play to begin the game. Jump into your world and experience the improvements!
While Fabric loader doesn’t provide a “Mods” tab to check if a specific mod is active, you can easily verify Sodium's functionality. Pause the game and navigate to the Video Settings. If the settings appear different than in the vanilla game, it indicates that Sodium is active since it has a custom UI for this section.
With Sodium installed, you can now enjoy enhanced graphics and performance in Minecraft. If you’re interested in learning how to install Iris Shaders, there are guides available that can assist you further.
FAQs About Sodium
Is Sodium free in Minecraft? Yes, Sodium is a free and open-source optimization mod.
Is Sodium better than Optifine? In most cases, Sodium offers better FPS performance compared to Optifine. However, when it comes to shaders, Sodium may experience more hiccups than Optifine. The results can vary based on your hardware specifications.
