Methane
Methane is a client-side optimization mod for Fabric and Quilt that disables parts of the lightmapper and reduces the cost of particles.
What it does
The mod turns off much of the lightmapper, which cuts the work the CPU does on each frame. Its author describes the result as a large improvement in CPU performance and a higher framerate with less noticeable stutter. Particles are also optimized so they cost less to tick. A setting is available to adjust fog so distant chunks stay visible, and the mod can also be used alongside large-scale terrain rendering, though it may leave dark patches in that terrain.
Methane works on Fabric and Quilt for game versions 1.19 – 1.21.1, with builds published for each release in that range, including the 1.21.1 files last updated on 2024-07-02. Cloth Config API, Fabric API and Mod Menu are required, and libMCdev is bundled inside the jar. The source code and issue tracker are public, and the mod is open source under the MIT License. The author has stopped developing it, so later Minecraft updates may not be covered.
Key features
Lightmapper reduction
Most of the block lighting calculation is disabled, which lowers CPU load at the cost of standard lighting.
Adjustable fog
An optional setting changes fog behavior so distant chunks stay visible instead of being hidden by fog.
Particle optimization
Particles are changed so they use less processing time while ticking, from version 2.3 onward.
Fullbright effect
Block lighting is turned off, so the screen shows a fullbright look along with the performance gain, and the effect can be disabled in Mod Menu.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
1.21.x2 of 2 versions with builds
1.20.x7 of 7 versions with builds
1.19.x5 of 5 versions with builds
This mod also publishes snapshot builds. Snapshots are not shown in the matrix.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 3
Embedded 1
Use cases
Low-end machines
Players with weak CPUs can use the lightmapper and particle changes to raise framerate in heavy scenes.
Large-scale terrain
The mod can be toggled on alongside large-scale terrain rendering to speed it up, with dark patches as a known side effect.
Who it’s for: Players who want a lighter client on Fabric or Quilt and accept a more basic lighting model, and those who render large-scale terrain. Mob spawning needs the legacy lighting engine to behave properly.
Questions
Does Methane need to be installed on the server?
Which dependencies does Methane require?
Can Methane run on Forge?
In the catalog
Methane is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,575 Optimization mods for Fabric. 32,366 mods support Minecraft 1.21.1.
More from AnOpenSauceDev
Similar mods
What the author says
Note: Methane is no longer being developed. The 'new' mod's codebase and features became far too large after a few weeks, which combined with other commitments + minecraft's frequent updates, really isn't something I can keep developing. In the unlikely case that the mod is later finished, it will not replace Methane.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/methane
- Owner
- AnOpenSauceDev
- Published
- 2023-01-07
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2024-07-02
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15