Canary
by AbdElAziz
Canary is a Forge optimization mod that targets mob AI, chunk loading and game physics on clients and servers, and is an unofficial fork of a related project.
What it does
Canary carries over the original patches for mob AI, chunk loading and game physics, and adds newer optimizations meant to keep gameplay smoother without changing how the game behaves. Because the changes are intended to leave behavior intact, the optimizations are presented as performance work only.
The mod uses a configuration system that differs from the usual Forge layout: individual patches can be switched on or off through it. The author points to a wiki entry for the details of that system. Canary is published for Forge across 7 release versions, 1.18.2 – 1.20.4, and is released under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 only, so it is not open source. Its optional companions are Pluto and Saturn.
Players can join a server that runs the mod without installing it, and a client can run it alone with no server involved. Modpack authors may include it in their packs, since the author permits that.
Key features
Inherited patches
Carries over the earlier optimizations for mob AI, chunk loading and game physics that the project builds on.
Additional optimizations
Adds newer patches aimed at smoother gameplay without altering existing behavior.
Per-patch configuration
A configuration system lets individual patches be enabled or disabled, documented in the author's wiki.
Optional companion mods
Pluto and Saturn extend the mod when present.
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.
Use cases
Server performance
Server owners can install Canary to reduce server tick time while players join without the mod.
Modpack inclusion
Modpack authors can include Canary, as the author permits its use in packs.
Who it’s for: Server owners running Forge 1.18.2 – 1.20.4 who want fewer tick-time costs from mob AI, chunk loading and physics, and modpack authors who want a single optimization layer with per-patch control.
How it compares
Concurrent Chunk Management Engine for Forge is an MIT-licensed, open source mod for 1.20.1 that works on either side, and neither side needs it. CreateOptimizer is client-side only, all rights reserved, and also covers 1.20.1, so it needs no server install. Relictium and NormalASM target 1.12.2, a version outside Canary's range.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canary | Forge | 1.18.2 – 1.20.4 | Client or server, optional | 2024-02-08 |
| Concurrent Chunk Management Engine for Forge | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client or server, optional | 2025-09-13 |
| CreateOptimizer | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client-side only | 2026-04-24 |
| Relictium | Forge | 1.12.2 | Client-side only | 2025-01-19 |
| NormalASM | Forge | 1.12.2 | Client and server | 2022-08-23 |
Questions
Does Canary need to be installed on both sides?
Which optional dependencies does Canary support?
Which game versions does Canary cover?
In the catalog
Canary is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 1,441 Optimization mods for Forge. 13,907 mods support Minecraft 1.20.4.
More from AbdElAziz
Similar mods
What the author says
Server tick time (mspt) graph before and after installing Canary. Measurements made in an existing world at a render distance of 18. Canary is a general optimization mod and unofficial fork of Lithium mod for Minecraft Forge. It works on both the client and server, and can be installed on servers without requiring…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/canary
- Owner
- AbdElAziz
- Published
- 2022-11-02
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2024-02-08
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15