Ambient HUD
by ktkps
Ambient HUD replaces Minecraft's default HUD with a minimal, context-sensitive interface that shows elements only when they are needed.
What it does
Ambient HUD changes the on-screen interface so that most elements stay hidden until a player uses them. The hotbar collapses to a single empty slot by default, and a hotkey or scrolling brings the full hotbar up. The hotbar can be placed along the edge of the screen that suits the player.
The mod also reworks the mana and stamina bars shown by supported magic and combat mods. The original bars are hidden or moved offscreen automatically, and a boss bar keeps vanilla colors while optionally suppressing pickup notifications during boss fights. Every component can be switched off in the configuration, which restores the vanilla counterparts.
Ambient HUD runs on client and server and is published for Forge and NeoForge, with files for 1.20.1 and 1.21.1. The code is released under the MIT License and is not open source.
Key features
Collapsed hotbar
By default only one empty slot shows, which makes scrolling easier, and the hotkey reveals the full hotbar.
Adjustable hotbar position
The hotbar can be placed on the left, right or top edge of the screen.
Mana and stamina bars
Mana and stamina bars from supported mods are hidden or moved offscreen, with options to disable each one.
Boss bar options
The boss bar keeps the vanilla color, and pickup notifications can be suppressed during boss fights.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Spellcasting play
Players using spell mods can keep the mana bar out of the way and show the hotbar only when switching spells.
Combat play
Players of combat mods can hide the stamina bar and still see it reappear when the configuration allows.
Who it’s for: Players who want a cleaner screen during magic or combat play, and server owners who want to set the interface options for their players.
How it compares
Better Storage Lectern is client-side only, open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 or later, and covers 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 on Forge and NeoForge, so it does not change the HUD. Exile Overlay is also client-side only and open source under the MIT License, but it is a Forge-only mod for 1.20.1. Ars NumericHUD is client-side only, open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 or later, and targets NeoForge for 1.21.1 alone.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ambient HUD | Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-07-15 |
| Better Storage Lectern | Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 | Client-side only | 2026-06-19 |
| Exile Overlay | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client-side only | 2026-07-14 |
| Ars NumericHUD | NeoForge | 1.21.1 | Client-side only | 2025-11-07 |
Questions
Does Ambient HUD need to be installed on the server?
Which loaders does Ambient HUD support?
Can the default hotbar be restored?
In the catalog
Ambient HUD is one of 36,990 Utility mods on ModsFinder, and one of 14,575 Utility mods for Forge. 32,366 mods support Minecraft 1.21.1.
More from ktkps
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What the author says
New Hotbar Appears only when you interact with it: scrolling or pressing a hotkey. Can be positioned on the left, right, or top of the screen. By default hides all slots except one empty slot for easier scrolling - any slot is still reachable with its hotkey. Boss Bar Optionally suppresses pickup notifications during…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/ambient-hud
- Owner
- ktkps
- Published
- 2026-05-27
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-07-15
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15