How to Install Iris Shaders (2026 Guide) – The New Standard for Beautiful Graphics
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Let’s face it: Default Minecraft looks a bit flat. The lighting is dull, the water is just a blue block, and the shadows are non-existent. You want that gorgeous, RTX-style look you see on YouTube, but you’re terrified of turning your PC into a space heater.
For years, OptiFine was the only game in town. But in 2026, there is a new king: Iris Shaders.
Why is everyone switching? It’s simple. Iris is a modern, open-source shader engine that works hand-in-hand with Sodium (the world’s best optimization mod). This combo doesn’t just make your game look incredible; it often doubles or triples your FPS compared to Vanilla.
If you want to run high-end shaders like Complementary or BSL without the lag, you need Iris. Here is your definitive guide on how to install Iris Shaders.
Method 1: The Easy Way (The All-in-One Installer)
Best for: 90% of players who just want to play.
Requirements: Just Java.
The team behind Iris created a brilliant “Universal Installer” that does all the heavy lifting for you. It installs the Fabric Loader, Iris, and Sodium all at once.
Get the Installer: Scroll to the bottom of this page to find the Official Iris Download link (irisshaders.dev).
Run the File: Double-click the
.jarfile you just downloaded.Choose Your Edition:
Ensure “Iris” is selected.
Select your Game Version (e.g., 1.21.x).
Crucial: Make sure the “Install Sodium” box is checked. Sodium is the magic sauce that gives you the performance boost.
Install: Click the big button. In a few seconds, it will confirm installation.
Launch: Open your Minecraft Launcher. You will see a new profile named “Iris & Sodium”. Select it and hit Play!
Version Compability
Iris is fully compatible with Java Edition versions from 1.14 up to the latest 1.21.x
Method 2: The Manual Way (For Modpack Users)
Best for: Players who already have Fabric installed and want to add Shaders to their existing mod list (e.g., with Minimaps or Inventory Sorters).
If you followed our How to Install Fabric Guide, this is the method for you.
Prerequisites: Make sure you have the Fabric Loader and Fabric API installed in your
.minecraft/modsfolder.Download the Mods: Go to Modrinth or CurseForge and download two specific files:
Iris Shaders (The visual engine)
Sodium (The performance engine)
The Drop: Navigate to your
%appdata%/.minecraft/modsfolder.Install: Drag and drop both
.jarfiles into this folder.Restart: Launch your game using your existing Fabric profile.
My Honest Opinion: Iris vs. OptiFine
I have used OptiFine for a decade, but in 2026, Iris is objectively superior for modern hardware.
The Pros: It updates lightning-fast (usually same-day as Minecraft updates), it uses the Fabric ecosystem, and the FPS gain from Sodium is unmatched.
The Cons: It is strictly a visual mod. It does not include “Zoom” or “Connected Textures” (glass fusing together) out of the box.
Fix: If you need Zoom, install the Zoomify mod.
Fix: If you need Connected Textures, install the Continuity mod.
Iris Shaders is developed by the Iris Team.
Sodium is developed by JellySquid and the Sodium Team.
AnvilPacks.com is an independent resource and is not affiliated with Mojang Studios.
- The link below directs you to the official IrisShaders.dev website. AnvilPacks does not host these files.
FAQ: Troubleshooting
Q: Where is the Zoom button (C key)? A: Iris is lightweight and doesn’t include feature bloat. To get the Zoom feature back, simply download a mod called Zoomify or Logical Zoom and put it in your mods folder.
Q: Can I use Iris with Forge/NeoForge? A: Not directly. However, there is a port of Iris for Forge called Oculus. It works almost exactly the same way!
Q: Why is my screen black or glitching? A: This usually happens if you are using an extremely old shader pack on a new version of Minecraft, or if your Graphics Drivers are outdated. Update your GPU drivers and try a modern pack like Complementary.