Starlight
by Spottedleaf
A complete rewrite of the light engine that dramatically reduces light update lag, especially during world generation.
Overview
Starlight is a performance mod created by Spottedleaf. A complete rewrite of the light engine that dramatically reduces light update lag, especially during world generation. As a performance mod it concentrates on frame rate, loading times, and memory use, and it has been downloaded around 35 million times, which puts it among the options players reach for in this space.
Starlight is built for players who suffer chunk-loading and lighting lag, especially on servers. It rewrites the lighting engine from scratch, dramatically speeding up light propagation and reducing the lag spikes caused by chunk loading. It is approachable enough to drop into a world and use right away, with little setup required.
The mod is available for Forge and Fabric, so it fits a range of modpacks and launchers. It currently targets Minecraft 1.20.1. It runs on both the client and the server, so on a multiplayer server every player who connects needs it installed alongside the server itself.
Mod Loaders
Minecraft Versions
Key Features
Starlight brings a focused set of features to the table. Highlights include rewritten light engine, plus eliminates light update lag, with the full list below.
- Rewritten light engine
- Eliminates light update lag
- Faster chunk loading
- Reduced CPU overhead
- Full vanilla compatibility
Tags
How to install Starlight
Starlight supports Forge and Fabric; pick one loader (you cannot mix them) and install it for your chosen Minecraft version. It is built for Minecraft 1.20.1, so match your profile to that version.
- 1Choose and install one mod loader from Forge and Fabric for a Minecraft version this mod supports (1.20.1).
- 2Check the download page for any required libraries. Starlight lists no hard dependencies here, but it is always worth confirming for your exact version.
- 3Drop the Starlight .jar file into your instance's mods folder. On a server, place it in the server's mods folder instead, and make sure every connecting player has it too.
- 4Launch the game with that loader profile and confirm Starlight appears in the in-game mods list; if it does not load, re-check the loader, the Minecraft version, and any library requirements.
Supported Minecraft version: 1.20.1.
See our full mod install guideCompatibility & alternatives
Starlight works particularly well alongside Lithium and Sodium. Because it ships for both Fabric and Forge-family loaders, it slots into most popular modpacks regardless of which side they are built on.
As a performance mod, Starlight is meant to improve how the game runs rather than change gameplay, so it is generally safe to combine with other optimisation mods.
If you are comparing options, a similar mod worth a look is Phosphor. They overlap in purpose, so most players pick whichever suits their loader and pack.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Starlight mod do?
A complete rewrite of the light engine that dramatically reduces light update lag, especially during world generation. It is a performance mod by Spottedleaf, aimed at players who suffer chunk-loading and lighting lag, especially on servers.
Is Starlight Forge or Fabric?
Starlight supports Forge and Fabric. You only install it on one of these loaders, never several at once, so choose the one your pack uses.
What Minecraft versions does Starlight support?
Starlight currently targets Minecraft 1.20.1. Download the build that matches that version exactly.
Does Starlight need any dependencies?
No, Starlight lists no required mod dependencies here, so it works as a standalone install. It is still wise to confirm on the download page for your exact version.
Can I use Starlight on a multiplayer server?
Yes. Starlight runs on client and server, so install it on the server and make sure every player who joins has the same version installed too.
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