NiChat
by NIKIMAK
NiChat replaces the default chat window with a HUD-based chat that sits on screen during play, and the mod is a Fabric client mod for 1.21.6 – 26.3.
What it does
Chat moves from the bottom-left corner to a spot near the top-left of the screen, and incoming messages appear on the right in a minimalist style. Messages stay at the bottom of the display without covering the play area, which the author describes as a distraction-free layout that favors clarity and usability.
A scrollable history of earlier messages opens with the T key by default, and the key can be reassigned in the controls menu. The mod also adds a configuration screen reachable through Mod Menu. NiChat is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only, runs on the client alone, and requires Fabric API and Fabric Language Kotlin, both of which must be installed alongside it. Files are published for Fabric across nine release versions, with 2.4.0 for 26.3 as the latest, dated 2026-10-14.
Key features
HUD-based chat
Chat is drawn as an on-screen overlay that replaces the standard chat box, with its own position and layout.
Scrollable chat history
Earlier messages can be opened in a scrollable list while the game keeps running.
Incoming message panel
Received messages appear in a separate panel on the right side of the screen.
Configurable options
Settings for the chat display can be changed through a Mod Menu configuration screen.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x4 of 4 versions with builds
1.21.x5 of 5 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 2
Use cases
Chat during active play
Players who keep chat visible while building or fighting can read messages without an open chat box blocking the view.
Reviewing earlier messages
A player who missed a line in a busy game can open the scrollable history and find it without leaving the game.
Who it’s for: Players who prefer a compact on-screen chat instead of the default chat window, and who run Fabric with Fabric API and Fabric Language Kotlin installed.
How it compares
Better Chat History is a Fabric client mod for 26.2 under the CC0 1.0 Universal license and is not open source, so it covers a single game version. Unlimited Chat History is open source under the MIT License for 26.1 – 26.2 and is client-side only, but it is aimed at extending history length rather than moving the chat display. Chat Tabs is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only for 1.21.11 – 26.2 and also runs on the client alone, and it organizes chat into tabs.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NiChat | Fabric | 1.21.6 – 26.3 | Client-side only | 2026-10-14 |
| Better Chat History | Fabric | 26.2 | Client-side only | 2026-07-29 |
| Unlimited Chat History | Fabric | 26.1 – 26.2 | Client-side only | 2026-05-26 |
| Chat Tabs | Fabric | 1.21.11 – 26.2 | Client-side only | 2026-06-26 |
Questions
Does NiChat need Fabric API?
Does the server need NiChat installed?
Which game versions does NiChat support?
In the catalog
NiChat is one of 5,392 Social mods on ModsFinder, and one of 4,084 Social mods for Fabric. 8,071 mods support Minecraft 26.3.
Similar mods
What the author says
NiChat is a client mod for Minecraft that replaces the default chat system with a fully customizable on-screen HUD. Designed for clarity and usability, NiChat moves the chat from the top left corner to the center of the screen and displays messages at the bottom in a minimalist, distraction-free style. 📥 HUD-based…
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/nichat
- Owner
- NIKIMAK
- Published
- 2025-07-10
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-10-14
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15