Which Minecraft Versions and Mod Loaders Does Iris Shaders Support?

Iris Shaders supports Minecraft: Java Edition 1.16.5 and higher. On the mod loader side, it supports Fabric on 1.16.5 and higher, and NeoForge on 1.21.1 and higher. Forge is not supported. If your setup falls outside those combinations, Iris is not the right shader mod for you.

Version and loader support at a glance

Two details worth knowing:

• Fabric covers the full range. Any version from 1.16.5 upward can run Iris on Fabric.
• NeoForge starts at 1.21.1. Older NeoForge versions are not supported.

Why some versions are missing from the installer

If a Minecraft version you play doesn't appear in the Iris installer, it was likely removed on purpose. According to Iris, versions are dropped when the next release is compatible with servers running that version — so you can still join those servers with a newer Iris build instead of needing a separate download.

What Iris includes and where to get it

Iris ships with Sodium for optimized rendering out of the box, so you don't need to install Sodium separately. You can grab both through the Iris installer, or from Modrinth and CurseForge.

Common compatibility questions

Does Iris work with OptiFine shader packs?

Yes. Iris is compatible with OptiFine shader packs as well as Iris-enhanced packs.

Do other rendering mods work with Iris?

Most mods work, but some that change rendering need attention:

• Nvidium — disables itself when shaders are enabled, but can stay installed alongside Iris.
• Voxy and Distant Horizons — compatible only with some shader packs; the pack must explicitly support them.
• OptiFine, Canvas, or Vulkan mods — incompatible and will crash the game.
• Indium — fine below 1.21.1; do not use it on 1.21.1 or higher.
• Hacked clients (Meteor, Wurst) — not supported.
• Non-hacked clients like Lunar Client — may be supported by their own team, but you must contact them for client-specific issues.

Do texture packs work?

Most texture packs just work. Resource packs that use "core shaders" (shaders that don't require mods) will not work while a shader pack is enabled.

Does Iris run on Bedrock Edition?

No. Bedrock Edition cannot be modded this way due to restrictions on mobile devices. Any mobile Bedrock "shader mod" that doesn't use the game's built-in features is a scam. On Windows, BetterRTX is a legitimate alternative worth checking out.

Quick decision guide

• On Fabric, 1.16.5 or newer? Iris will work.
• On NeoForge, 1.21.1 or newer? Iris will work.
• On Forge, any version? Iris will not work — you'd need to switch loaders.
• On Bedrock Edition? Iris is not available.