This article is a translation of the following Japanese article:
OptiFine・Sodium・Iris thorough comparison guide
While Minecraft (Java version) has a high degree of freedom, lag and stuttering may occur even on high-spec PCs. To resolve these performance issues, many players are implementing Performance/Optimization Mods.
However, the typical lightweight MODs OptiFine/Sodium/Iris each have different characteristics, so many people say, “I don’t know which one to choose.”
In this article,
- Basic differences between lightweight MODs
- FPS improvement/interchangeability/performance comparison
- Which one is suitable for what kind of person
carefully and in an easy-to-understand manner
.Author: “Just adding lightweight MODs for Minecraft will change the effects and compatibility.It is important to choose the one that suits your play style.”
1. What is a lightweight MOD?
Minecraft’s frame rate (FPS) is affected by multiple factors such as world generation, drawing, and entity processing. Lightweight MODs are extensions that optimize and smooth these processes.
The main effects are:
- Improved frame rate (FPS)
- Faster chunk loading
- Reducing memory usage
etc.
Since lightweight mods are not official and are developed by the modding community, you need to check the supported versions and usage conditions.
2. What is OptiFine?
Summary
OptiFine is a lightweight MOD that has been popular among Minecraft users for many years, and is created for the purpose of graphics optimization + additional functionality. It has been very popular for a long time and is attractive for its multi-functions such as shader support, zoom function, and detailed video settings.
OptiFine has a relatively long history and is known in the Minecraft community as the “classic lightweighting mod.”
Specialties and strengths
- Significant visual setting adjustment (drawing distance, detail level, shadow MOD compatible)
- Built-in Zoom function
- Shader (shadow MOD) can be installed
- Easy to install with no modules required
Shortcomings and points of attention
- Incompatible with Sodium-based MOD, so it may not be possible to use it together
Compatibility with new versions of Minecraft tends to be delayed (Mod update speed)
Drastic FPS improvements may be limited (especially compared to mods with modern rendering improvements)
Author: “OptiFine is still powerful in terms of visual customization, but if you’re only aiming for high performance improvement, there are cases where another MOD is better.”
3. What is Sodium?
Summary
Sodium is a MOD that replaces the rendering engine itself and greatly improves FPS performance. It utilizes the latest technology to streamline Minecraft’s drawing process, and is attracting attention as it significantly improves FPS.
This MOD is used in combination with a mod loader such as Fabric/Quilt.
Specialties and strengths
- Significant FPS improvement (reportedly about 2 to 3 times) compared to vanilla (nothing installed)
Powerful general optimization such as memory usage reduction and stutter mitigation
Highly compatible with mods and can be further optimized when combined with Lithium, Phosphor, etc.
If you want to add a shadow MOD, Can be used in conjunction with Iris etc.
Shortcomings and points of attention
- Cannot handle shader by itself (requires Iris or another MOD)
- Less detailed video settings and features like OptiFine
- Mod Loader (Fabric etc.) must be prepared
Author: “Sodium is for players who just want to move lightly and smoothly.It has a high sense of stability even in a MOD environment, and many players are currently switching to it.”
4. What is Iris?
Summary
Iris is a Shader compatible MOD for use in combination with Sodium. Since Sodium alone does not support shaders, adding this allows you to install shader packs.
In fact, the combination Sodium + Iris is very popular as a lightweight + drawing-enhancing environment for modern Minecraft.
Specialties and strengths
- While taking advantage of Sodium’s high-speed rendering, you can introduce shaders
- Compatible with many shader packs
- Open source and active community development
Shortcomings and points of attention
- Performance may decrease when introducing Shader
- Iris itself does not have a weight reduction function by itself, so must be used in combination with Sodium
5. Feature comparison summary (OptiFine vs Sodium vs Iris)
| Item | OptiFine | Sodium | Sodium + Iris |
|---|---|---|---|
| FPS improvement | Good | Very good | Very good |
| Shader support | Yes | No | Yes |
| Mod compatibility | Slightly low | High | High |
| Ease of installation | Easy | For intermediate to advanced users | For intermediate to advanced users |
| Update frequency | Low | High Medium | High |
| Customizability | High (image quality settings, etc.) | Medium | Medium |
* This is a general comparison based on the editor’s survey. Actual experience will vary depending on PC specifications and settings.
6. Which one should you choose? Three criteria
Which mod you should actually choose depends on your play purpose.
A. I just want to increase FPS on a low spec PC
→ Sodium (combined with Lithium and Phosphor) is recommended.
Latest renderer optimization provides greater FPS improvement than Vanilla.
Author: “Sodium is currently the strongest candidate for weight reduction purposes.The fact that it has little impact even in MOD environments is a big advantage.”
B. I want to improve the appearance and use shaders
→ Sodium + Iris is powerful.
Although it is possible with OptiFine, In terms of updates and compatibility, the Sodium series has a faster update speed.
C. I want to easily use visual functions and detailed video settings
→ OptiFine is also a good option.
Suitable for beginners who want to start using shaders and advanced settings right away.
Author: “Actually, if you want to play in a MOD environment for a long time, “Sodium + Iris” is the perfect choice, and OptiFine is in the classic “all-inclusive” position.”
7. Notes on installation
- Check compatibility between mods in advance
OptiFine may not work with Sodium compatible mods.
- Choose a MOD that is compatible with your version of Minecraft
Mod support may change, especially after the latest version 1.21. - Introduction of Mod Loader (Fabric, etc.) may be required
Summary｜Which one should you use?
The best choice for lightweight MODs in Minecraft varies depending on the purpose.
- I just want to increase FPS → Sodium
- I want to look good → Sodium + Iris
- I want to install it easily → OptiFine
Author: “Using lightweight MODs can greatly change the comfortable playing environment of Minecraft.The best combination is to try installing Sodium first, and then use Iris or OptiFine as needed.”