Better Lightmap
by Homak
Better Lightmap changes how block light is colored in the world, shifting warmth and tint across light levels for a cozier look.
What it does
Blocklight is rendered warmer, while darker areas take on a purple-blue tint. Overall light is made dimmer, so the color variation between bright and dark zones is easier to notice when walking through a base or a village at night.
The mod is a client-side Fabric mod that only the player's own game needs, so a server does not have to install it. Its color settings can be adjusted in a simple config screen, and the mod requires YetAnotherConfigLib (YACL) for that screen. Mod Menu is optional and gives access to the settings from the mod list. Builds cover 1.20.1 and 1.21.1, with a3.0-1.20.1 as the latest file for 1.20.1, published on 2026-10-15 on the alpha channel. The code is not open source, and the mod is released under All rights reserved, though public links to the source and issue tracker exist.
Key features
Warmer blocklight
Light from torches, lamps and other block sources takes on a warmer color than standard lightmap rendering.
Purple-blue shadows
Darker regions are tinted purple-blue, creating a contrast with the warmer light near sources.
Dimmed overall light
The overall light level is lowered, which deepens the shade between light levels.
Adjustable colors
A simple config lets the player change how much each color influences the final look.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 1
Optional 1
Use cases
Cozy night scenes
Players who build homes or villages can use the warm light and cool shadows to make evenings feel calmer.
Atmospheric exploration
Caves and dim areas take on a distinct color, which suits players who want a moodier view of the world.
Who it’s for: Players who want a color-shifted lighting style on the client, with a config screen to tune it. Servers do not need to run the mod.
How it compares
Extended Light is a client-side Fabric mod released under the MIT License, covering 1.20 – 26.2, and it is not open source. Lux Lunae is also client-side on Fabric under the MIT License, but it targets only 1.21.1. Cobblemon Color Addition differs in both environment and version scope, since it runs on client and server and is published for 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 under All rights reserved.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Better Lightmap | Fabric | 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 | Client-side only | 2026-10-15 |
| Extended Light | Fabric | 1.20 – 26.2 | Client-side only | 2026-07-21 |
| Lux Lunae | Fabric | 1.21.1 | Client-side only | 2026-07-17 |
| Cobblemon Color Addition | Fabric | 1.20.1 – 1.21.1 | Client and server | 2026-10-11 |
Questions
Does Better Lightmap need YetAnotherConfigLib?
Does a server need Better Lightmap installed?
Which game versions does Better Lightmap support?
In the catalog
Better Lightmap is one of 12,078 Decoration mods on ModsFinder, and one of 6,982 Decoration mods for Fabric. 32,366 mods support Minecraft 1.21.1.
More from Homak
Similar mods
What the author says
This mod aims to make the game more cozy and vibrant by changing the light color depending on the light level
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/better-lightmap
- Owner
- Homak
- Published
- 2025-11-16
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-10-15
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15