How to use shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4

Many players are looking for ways to use shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4 now that the Garden Awakens update has been released. Shaders are one of the coolest customizations in the game and can easily transform your vanilla world into a wonderland with endless possibilities. Modifications can range from simple changes in the sky to massive changes to the ambiance.

Here's how you can use shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4 and transform your vanilla world to your heart's desire.

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Steps to use shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4 using Iris Shaders and Optifine

Most Minecraft shaders and texture packs are based and designed around Iris Shaders and OptiFine, two of the most popular loaders when it comes to installing and using these add-ons. Most players choose either of the two. Iris is popular for its visually pleasing and easy-to-navigate user interface, while OptiFine has a huge repository of supported packs.

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Minecraft 1.21.4 Iris Shaders guide

Iris is one of the best mods to use shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4 (Image via Mojang Studios)

Iris Shaders is one of the most popular mods for installing and using shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4. Its user-friendly interface, paired with its massive compatibility with mods like Distant Horizons, makes it a popular choice for casual hobbyists and hardcore modpack builders.

Head to the official Irish Shaders website and download the universal JAR for Iris Shaders. Run the JAR to install the mod.

It is recommended to install the bundle with Minecraft Fabric to maximize compatibility with existing and future mods.

Once installed, follow these steps to use shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4 with the Iris mod:

1. Download a shader of your choice from popular repositories like Curseforge or Modrinth.
2. Open the instance of Minecraft with Iris Shaders installed.
3. Head to the Options menu on the loading screen.
4. Go to the Video settings tab. This will open up the main interface of Iris Shaders, along with an array of options.
5. Head to the tab marked Shader Packs on the right side corner.
6. Click on the Open Shader Pack Folder button, which will open up the shaders directory.
7. Drag and drop your downloaded shaders into this folder.
8. Head back to the game. You will notice that the shader(s) you dropped are now displayed in the list.
9. Click on the shader you wish to use and hit the Apply button to save the changes.
10. Additionally, you can head to the Shader Pack Settings Tab to modify the behavior of the pack to suit your play style and needs. Most shaders will allow you to modify features, such as lighting, sky, water behavior, and more.

Once done, wait for a few seconds while the shader and the settings get applied to your world. It might feel like the game is frozen or stuck. However, do not shut it down.

After a while, head back to the loading screen and create a new game or load an existing one to enjoy the visual changes of the shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4.

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Minecraft 1.21.4 OptiFine guide

Use OptiFine to experience some of the best shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4 (Image via Mojang Studios)

Optifine is widely used by players due to its massive optimization, improved frame rates, and customization options. Its user interface might not be as intuitive as Iris Shaders', but it provides a robust platform for installing and using some of the best shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4.

Visit the official Optifine website and get the Minecraft 1.21.4 Optifine. Expand the list under the 1.21.4 header and download the latest version. Once downloaded, run the JAR and install the mod in your desired directory. It is recommended to install in the default file location.

Once you are done installing the Optifine mod, follow these steps to use the shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4:

1. Download a shader of your choice from online repositories like Curseforge or Modrinth.
2. Open the Minecraft instance with Optifine installed.
3. Go to the Options menu on the Minecraft homepage.
4. Select the Video settings menu and hit the Shaders button to load the OptiFine interface.
5. Click on the Shader Folder button, which will open up the shaders directory.
6. Drag and drop your downloaded shader(s) into this folder.
7. Head back to Minecraft. You will see that the shader(s) you transferred are now displayed in the list of available packs. Additionally, you can click on the download icon next to the Shader Folder to access a repository of trending shaders curated by Shaderlabs.
8. You can also click on the Shader and then select Shader options to modify the setting of a pack to suit your visual requirements. The settings in most packs let you modify the behavior of features, such as lighting, fog, water, and more.

After you are done, click on the Done button to save your changes. Now, wait for the pack to get implemented across your game.

Head back to the main menu and load a new game or choose an existing one to experience the visual changes from the shaders installed in Minecraft 1.21.4.

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What are some of the recommended shaders for Minecraft 1.21.4?

Enhance your Pale Garden and creaking experience with shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4 (Image via Mojang Studios)

After installing shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4, it is time for you to experience the stunning visual changes brought about by them. If you are wondering what are the best shaders to get started with, here are some packs you should check out:

• BSL Shaders
• Insanity Shader
• AstraLex Shaders
• Pastel Shaders
• Sildur's Vibrant shaders
• Bliss Shaders

Additionally, you can pair these shaders in Minecraft 1.21.4 with some of the best texture packs to add to the realism or create unique visual styles that spice up the vanilla gameplay and transform regular worlds into a sight to behold.

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Check out our other latest Minecraft articles:

• 4 things right with The Garden Awakens update
• How to find Pale Garden
• How to play the Pale Garden update
• How fans can get new blocks from The Garden Awakens without finding the Pale Garden