MetalRender
MetalRender replaces parts of Minecraft's rendering path with a backend built on Apple's Metal graphics system, and it is meant for Macs running macOS.
What it does
Sodium must be installed for MetalRender to load, and Fabric API is needed alongside it. The mod targets Fabric only, with builds listed for 1.21.8, 1.21.9 and 1.21.10, and the latest file, v0.1.6, is for 1.21.10. Only the client needs it, so servers and other players run without it.
The author describes the backend as a new rendering path that uses modern graphics features to make the game run faster and smoother on Apple machines. The author also notes that a long-running computer, with uptime of two days or more, may slow down because of a known bug, and asks that such problems be reported through the GitHub Issues tab of the repository.
The license is Apache License 2.0 and the code is open source, with public links for the source code and the issue tracker. The author states that the project is not affiliated with or endorsed by Apple Inc., that the Metal name refers to Apple's graphics API, and that the logo was drawn to avoid implying any association with Apple.
Key features
Metal rendering backend
Rendering is routed through Apple's Metal graphics API on macOS, in place of the default path.
Apple Silicon targeting
The mod is aimed at Apple Silicon chips, starting with the A10 family for iPad and the M1 line and its successors on Mac.
Feedback channels
Bug reports go to the GitHub Issues tab, and suggestions are gathered under a tagged label.
Recommended companions
The author suggests MoreCulling and the CaffeineMC mod suite for further performance gains, and notes that Sodium alone may be enough for some players.
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
Use cases
Mac players on Apple Silicon
Players on M-series Macs who want higher frame rates can install MetalRender alongside Sodium on the client.
Checking chip compatibility
Players unsure of their chip can find the model name in the Settings app under General and About, then search it to confirm the chip.
Who it’s for: Players on Apple Silicon Macs and some iPad models who run Fabric and want a rendering backend that uses Metal. It does not apply to Windows systems.
Questions
Does MetalRender need Sodium?
Which Minecraft versions does MetalRender support?
Where should bugs be reported?
In the catalog
MetalRender is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,575 Optimization mods for Fabric. 15,569 mods support Minecraft 1.21.10.
Similar mods
What the author says
MetalRender is a Minecraft mod that uses Apple’s Metal graphics system to render the game on macOS. Also, please report any bugs/issues on the GitHub repo's Issues tab! It also has a Suggestions tag so all feedback is welcome! MetalRender adds a new and improved rendering backend that can make Minecraft run faster…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/metalrender
- Owner
- pebbles_boon.
- Published
- 2025-08-24
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2025-10-21
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15