
Modrinth · Minecraft modpack
ExceptionallyOptimized
[1.21.5] [Fabric📜] An open-source modpack that optimizes the overall UX and the performance, while staying true to the vanilla Minecraft experience.
Quick answer
Which ExceptionallyOptimized release should I use?
ExceptionallyOptimized 1.2.1+neo.1.21.1 is a complete pack release for 1.21.1 with NeoForge 21.1.173. Install it as its own launcher instance. If the creator publishes a separate server file, make sure it names this exact pack release. For this loader, use Java 21. 31 mods in this pack file.
Pack setup
How should I set up ExceptionallyOptimized for players and a server?
Use ExceptionallyOptimized 1.2.1+neo.1.21.1 as the pack version. Install the pack as its own launcher instance. The creator’s listing does not name a separate server file, so check the release notes before setting up a dedicated server. Do not upload the ordinary client folder blindly.
A pack is a matched client and server setup, not one mod with an install-side label. Keep its release, loader, manifest and overrides together.
These numbers come from the pack file you chose. “Not labelled” means we don’t know which side it belongs on—not that it is safe everywhere. The file count is not a RAM estimate.
What are the server requirements for ExceptionallyOptimized?
ExceptionallyOptimized 1.2.1+neo.1.21.1. Change the pack release and its contents or setup may change too.
The selected pack release is ExceptionallyOptimized 1.2.1+neo.1.21.1. That file is for Minecraft 1.21.1 with NeoForge 21.1.173. This NeoForge setup needs Java 21. It contains 31 mod projects. The creator’s listing does not name a separate server file. Check their notes before using one, and do not upload an ordinary client folder or rebuild the pack mod by mod. A file count cannot tell us the right RAM, CPU or storage; size the server for the players and world you actually run.
About this project
What kind of pack is ExceptionallyOptimized?
For Fabric📜 and NeoForge🦊
An open-source modpack that optimizes the overall UX and performance, while staying true to the vanilla Minecraft experience.
While most performance-focused modpacks aim at just higher FPS, this modpack focuses on optimizing the user experience and stability, as well, and yet still manages to outperform many in benchmarks.
The modpack does not provide any QoL or OptiFine-parity mods, but some deliberately selected mods to boost your gaming experience! Besides these optimization mods, the modpack also provides some essentials, like No Chat Reports, and other modpack-centric mods.
You are expected to add any non-optimization mods you want, yourself. If you face any issues, you are free to ask for help on our Discord server.
If you find a bug or want to suggest any feature, you can issue a 🐞Bug Report | 💡Suggestion. Alternatively, you can ask for help or give a suggestion on our Discord server.
📈Further Ways to Increase the Performance
- Recommended JVM arguments.
-XX:+UseZGC -XX:+ZGenerational - Mods that do not go hand-in-hand with the modpack's approach:
- Exordium, Let Me Despawn, Leaves Be Gone, Alternate Current, ServerCore, Fast Item Frames
- and more...
- Lowering down various vanilla options. You don't need the highest settings if you can't play the game.
- Disabling particles and other things using Sodium Extra.
🖥️Benchmarks
Here is a benchmark with some of the most popular modpacks.

- The following things were taken into account with the benchmark:
- VSync is turned
OFFand the Max FPS is set toUnlimited. - Nvidium is disabled for a fair benchmark for those modpacks that do not include it.
- No other changes were made, so do not take this benchmark AS seriously.
- The same world file is copied to all the packs.
- VSync is turned
Although, ExceptionallyOptimized does manage to outperform these modpacks, you should not just look at the numbers. Here is a summary of the results:
- ExceptionallyOptimized, Thunder and Optimization (silly name ;p) are well-within the error margin and perform almost exactly the same in this scenario. These modpacks might perform differently in different scenarios.
- It should also be noted that ExceptionallyOptimized is not limited to only optimization mods.
- Thunder mostly uses the default vanilla/mod configurations, and thus, also has a slight disadvantage.
- Adrenaline also has a disadvantage as it does not include any unofficial/unpublished mod files.
- SimplyOptimized is clearly the worst one of all. It uses very experimental options and has most vanilla options set to their lower values and still performs the worst. It is not recommended to use this modpack anymore.
❔FAQs
- Why is Fast Better Grass included?
There is a slight performance gain noticed with this resource-pack, while also making the grass look good.
📈Automated Publishing
All releases are published using Kir-Antipov's GitHub Action. The workflow files can be found here.
📜License
You are free to use this modpack as a base for your own modpack and publish it to a mod-hosting platform, provided you comply with all terms of the license.
Here is a summary of the license and important points you need to consider:
Apache License 2.0
Project description from Modrinth.
Mods in ExceptionallyOptimized 1.2.1+neo.1.21.1
Open any mod on Modpacks.ch to check its files and dependencies.
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ExceptionallyOptimized by Minecraft version and loader
Choose the version and loader you play, then open the matching release.
1.21.3
1 loader build1.21.1
2 loader builds1.21
1 loader build1.20.6
1 loader build1.20.4
1 loader build1.20.1
3 loader buildsMade local changes? Try them in a copied instance before touching a world you care about.
Recent files
ExceptionallyOptimized versions and loaders
Looking for an older file? The official Modrinth project page is in Resources.
