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Vulkan Optimized project artwork

Modrinth · Minecraft modpack

Vulkan Optimized

Optimized modpack based on VulkanMod

Choose a version Pick your version below, then grab the matching file.

Quick answer

Which Vulkan Optimized release matches 1.21.5?

Updated 17 days ago
Best match for your filters 1.21.5-1.1
Game version 1.21.5
Loader Fabric 0.18.1

1.21.5-1.1 is a complete pack release for 1.21.5 with Fabric 0.18.1. Install it as its own launcher instance. If the creator publishes a separate server file, make sure it names this exact pack release. 22 mods in this pack file.

Pack setup

How should I set up Vulkan Optimized for players and a server?

Use 1.21.5-1.1 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.

Client instance Install 1.21.5-1.1
Dedicated server setup Match 1.21.5-1.1
Pack loader Fabric 0.18.1

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.

Referenced mods 22
Client only 4
Server only 0
Not labelled 18

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 Vulkan Optimized?

1.21.5-1.1 on 1.21.5. The pack contents and setup notes below stay tied to that release.

22 mods in this pack file

The selected pack release is 1.21.5-1.1. That file is for Minecraft 1.21.5 with Fabric 0.18.1. It contains 22 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 Vulkan Optimized?

I got tired of OpenGL being OpenGL. So I built this.

VulkanMod core. Full engine swap — OpenGL 3.2 out, Vulkan 1.2 in. Not a wrapper. Not Sodium with extra steps. Actual renderer replacement.

Runs on Xwayland not native Wayland. If you're on X11 it'll work there too.

Probably works on Windows 11 (or 10).

The numbers

Tested on my daily driver:

FPS Vulkan Optimized Sodium Vanilla
AVG 2370 1405 1007
1% 1356 859 620
0.1% 1029 699 520
Power draw 52.7W 46.5W 44.5W
FPS/W (AVG) 44.97 30.22 22.63

+68% over Sodium. +135% over vanilla. And yeah, it pulls more watts — because it's actually using the GPU instead of letting the CPU bottleneck everything. It will probably more power efficient on vsync or fixed fps scenario.
see the Gallery for more information.

My rig

  • CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X @ 4.65 GHz
  • GPU: RX 9060 XT 16GB
  • RAM: 32 GB
  • OS: Alpine Linux 3.24
  • Kernel: 7.1.3-0-stable
  • Display: KWin (Wayland) → Xwayland
  • JVM: -Xmx6G -Xms6G -XX:+UseZGC -XX:+AlwaysPreTouch

Note: This test is using Prism Launcher on flatpak environment. You will probably gain more fps if you run it natively.

What's in the pack

VulkanMod. That's it for rendering. No Sodium, no OptiFine, no Canvas — they're all OpenGL rewrites and they fight with VulkanMod.

Everything else is curated for compatibility. No bloat. If it doesn't work with VulkanMod, it's not here.

Heads up

  • Shader packs won't work. VulkanMod's shader support is improving but it's not OptiFine.
  • Fabric only. No Forge version, don't ask.
  • If you're on NVIDIA, your mileage may vary. AMD's where this shines.

That's it. Download it or don't. The numbers are above if you need convincing.

Project description from Modrinth.

Pick your setup

Vulkan Optimized by Minecraft version and loader

Choose the version and loader you play, then open the matching release.

9 available setups

Made local changes? Try them in a copied instance before touching a world you care about.

Recent files

Vulkan Optimized versions and loaders

2 of 35 releases match
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Looking for an older file? The official Modrinth project page is in Resources.