N² Photon Cataclysm (Shader Update Coming Soon)

N2 Mod — Development Build *IMPORTANT READ*

Please read before downloading: the current download is an unfinished development build. The shaderpack seen in showcase videos is NOT included or available with this download yet.

N2 is my ongoing project to bring a cinematic, destructive nuclear explosion to Minecraft. After a recent showcase brought a lot of attention to the project, I wanted to make sure everyone knows exactly what’s currently available.

Current build

• This is an early development build, not the finished release.

• Expect bugs, missing features, and changes as development continues.

• The mod is currently performance-heavy and unoptimized.

• The current download does not provide the complete visual setup shown in showcase footage. The shaderpack used in that footage is not included, so downloading the mod alone will not reproduce the same appearance.

Mod and shaderpack release dates

Release dates for the main mod and the shaderpack have not been confirmed yet. I’ll update this page with both dates once they’re ready to announce.

Thank you for all the support and interest in the project! I’m excited to keep improving it and share more as development progresses.

Place and arm an N² mine, trigger it with a remote, or use the laser designator to call down a missile carrying the same payload. The designator saves an exact target, so you can stage a ground strike or an airburst without the explosion snapping to the terrain.

With the custom Photon integration, fire, smoke, dust and vapor rings are volumetric. Shockwaves push clouds apart, the missile leaves an opening as it passes through them, and clouds and fog obscure the explosion. A small star flare and subtle screen darkening add to the missile’s approach.

The optional 2 MT Cinematic preset creates a crater roughly 500 blocks across. Excavation runs in batches and preloads upcoming chunks, allowing destruction to continue beyond the player’s loading radius. It clears water and overhead structures while preserving bedrock, containers and protected blocks.

Visual-only launches let you enjoy the spectacle without destroying your world. Press F9 to adjust the effects.

Requirements

• Minecraft Java Edition 1.21.1
• Java 21
• Fabric Loader — tested with 0.19.5
• Fabric API — tested with 0.116.17+1.21.1

  For volumetric effects and cloud interaction:

  • Iris 1.8.8+mc1.21.1

  • Sodium 0.6.13+mc1.21.1

  • The custom Photon-N2-v1.3b-1.3.0 shaderpack

    Stock Photon does NOT provide this mod’s cloud integration. Without the supported shader setup, the mod uses its standard effects.

    Servers need the mod and Fabric API; shaders are installed on observing clients.

    Note: Large craters take time to finish. Surrounding water can flow back afterward.