How to improve the Nether in Minecraft using mods

Minecraft's Nether was the first alternate dimension added to the game, all the way back in Indev version 0.31 from December 2009. Over the years, the dimension has had a plethora of new and interesting content added to it, culminating in the fan-favorite 1.16 Nether update. However, since this major update, the dimension has largely remained unchanged.

Thankfully, there are hundreds of different community-made mods out there that make the Nether even better than it already is. Everything you need to know about installing these dimension-enhancing mods can be found below.

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How to make the Nether better using Minecraft mods

1) Open a launcher

Being able to use any alternate launcher is quite convenient (Image via Mojang)

The first thing you'll want to do to update the Nether using mods is open one of Minecraft's best alternate launchers. There are plenty of mods centered on the dimension listed on both Modrinth and CurseForge, so you can choose either one.

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2) Create a profile

A new profile for Nether mods (Image via CurseForge)

Once the launcher is open, you'll want to make a new profile. When it comes to which Minecraft version you use, it's important to keep in mind that 1.21 is so new that many mods have yet to update. This means that 1.20 might be a better option for those wanting to really enhance the Nether.

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3) Search for "Nether"

The game's many different Nether mods (Image via CurseForge)

Navigate to the search bar of the launcher and search for "Nether." This will return any mods that use the word in their name, which will bring up most of the dimension's revamp and overhaul mods.

Some of the best of these Nether-based mods available to you include YUNG's Better Nether Fortresses, Bygone Nether, Nether Depths Upgrade, and Amplified Nether. These mods can add a huge range of new content to the dimension, including new terrain features, biomes, structures, mobs, and more.

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4) Install mods

Some Nether enhancing mods installed to a new profile (Image via CurseForge)

Scroll through this list of mods, checking out any that seem interesting. If you want to add them to your custom Minecraft modpack, simply click the install button. This will add the mod to the pack's queue. Make sure to read mod descriptions, as this is where other mod dependencies are listed. You'll want to make sure to install any required mods, as the game won't work properly otherwise.

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5) Install resource packs and shaders

The most popular shaders currently available (Image via CurseForge)

While installing extra content, take a few additional minutes to check out the sections for texture packs and Minecraft shaders. While optional, these visual enhancements will make the upgraded Nether feel even more exciting.

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6) Enjoy an updated Nether

These mods make the Nether much more interesting to explore (Image via Mojang)

Now that all of these Nether mods are installed, launch into the game and start a creative world. Light up a portal to the dimension and go through it. The modded content should be easy to find, assuming the mods are working properly. If the new content appears like it should, you can start up a new Minecraft survival world and begin working towards reaching the Nether.