ModsFinder

Moving Light Source

by Argis

Moving Light Source gives held items, dropped items, mobs and projectiles real dynamic light on Forge 1.12.2 without requiring Optifine.

ForgeClient or server, optionalGNU General Public License v3.0 onlyOpen source1.12.2

What it does

Light is attached to moving things rather than fixed blocks. A torch in hand, an item lying on the ground, a mob that is burning and a projectile in flight each emit light and carry it along as they move. The mod is built around these moving sources, which is where it differs from block-only lighting.

The mod is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only and is open source, with source code published. It is published for Forge only, and the latest file, V2, dates from 2025-11-10 for 1.12.2. Either side can run it, and neither needs it, so it can be added to a single-player client or a server alone.

Key features

  1. Held item lighting

    Light follows a torch or other light-emitting item held by the player as the player walks, swings and turns.

  2. Dropped item lighting

    Items lying on the ground emit light, so a dropped light source still illuminates the area around it.

  3. Mob and burning mob lighting

    Mobs emit light, and a mob that is on fire glows while it burns, which helps in dark caves.

  4. Moving projectile lighting

    Arrows and other projectiles carry light through the air, so their path stays visible at night.

Compatibility

Latest build for each game version and loader.

1.12.2V2
ReleaseBetaAlphaNot available

Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.

How it compares

Full comparison

Torch Mod is client-side only, published for Forge 1.20.1 under All rights reserved and not open source. Dynamic light runs on Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt for 1.17 – 26.3, is server required with client optional, and is released under CC0 1.0 Universal. Powered Flashlight is open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v3.0 or later, is client and server, and covers 1.19.2 – 1.20.4 on Forge only.

ModLoadersGame versionsEnvironmentUpdated
Moving Light SourceForge1.12.2Client or server, optional2025-11-10
Torch ModForge1.20.1Client-side only2025-10-04
Dynamic lightFabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt1.17 – 26.3Server required, client optional2026-10-14
Powered FlashlightForge1.19.2 – 1.20.4Client and server2024-08-09

Questions

Does Moving Light Source need Optifine?

No. The author states that it provides real dynamic light without Optifine, so only the mod itself is needed on Forge 1.12.2.

Which Minecraft versions does Moving Light Source support?

Only 1.12.2. The mod is published for Forge in that single game version, with the latest file V2 dated 2025-11-10.

Does a server need Moving Light Source installed?

No. Either side can run it and neither needs it, so a server can run it or leave it out and players connect without it.

In the catalog

Moving Light Source is one of 17,631 Equipment mods on ModsFinder, and one of 9,216 Equipment mods for Forge. 2,920 mods support Minecraft 1.12.2.

Equipment mods17,631Forge modsMods for 1.12.22,920

More from Argis

All projects
Better Biome Blend Continued1.12.2Bobby Legacy1.12.2OTG: Serene Landscapes1.12.2OTG: Open Terrain Generator Continued1.12.2Efficient Entities1.12.2Beta Graphics1.12.2

Similar mods

Nature's Compass1.7.10 – 26.3Item Highlighter1.12.2 – 26.3Spartan Weaponry1.12.2 – 1.20.1Better Than Mending1.10 – 26.3Dark Utilities1.8.9 – 26.3Mekanism Tools1.7.10 – 1.21.1

What the author says

Offers significantly increased TPS performance compared to Jabelars Moving Light Sources and fixes flickering with burning mobs.
Argis, on the Modrinth page

Official listing

Owner
Argis
Published
2025-10-25
Updated on Modrinth
2025-11-10
Facts verified
2026-10-15

Tags

AdventureEquipmentGame mechanics
Open on ModrinthCompare