Not So Essential
by Scherso
Not So Essential is a client-side optimization mod that strips optional menu elements and cosmetics from Minecraft for players who want a leaner interface.
What it does
The mod removes the player modal from the main menu and from the pause menu, and it takes out the invite friends option. It also removes all cosmetics and their settings. The result is a simpler set of screens with fewer optional elements to render and navigate.
Players install the mod on their own client to use it, and servers do not need it. The mod is published for Fabric and Forge across 36 game versions, 1.8.9 – 26.2, and the source code is available under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 only, so the code is open source. The latest Fabric file is 1.0.8 for 26.2, and the latest Forge file is 1.1.0 for 1.12.2.
The project keeps a public source repository, an issue tracker and a wiki. Setup follows the usual steps: install Minecraft, install the Forge or Fabric mod loader, place the file in the mods directory, or build the mod from source if preferred.
Key features
Main menu player modal
The player modal shown on the main menu is removed, leaving the title screen without it.
Pause menu player modal
The player modal shown on the pause menu is removed as well.
Invite friends option
The invite friends option is taken out of the menus.
Cosmetics removed
All cosmetics and their option screens are removed from the game.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x4 of 4 versions with builds
1.21.x12 of 12 versions with builds
1.20.x7 of 7 versions with builds
1.19.x5 of 5 versions with builds
1.18.x3 of 3 versions with builds
1.17.x2 of 2 versions with builds
1.16.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.12.x1 of 1 version with builds
1.8.x1 of 1 version with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
A cleaner menu
Players who prefer fewer optional buttons and panels can remove the modal and invite entries from the main and pause menus.
Who it’s for: Players who want a simpler interface with cosmetic options and menu extras taken out.
How it compares
Server Pause is a server-side only Fabric mod for 1.17 – 1.21.1, released under the GNU General Public License v2.0 only and open source. Falatia Essentials is a client-side only Fabric mod for 1.21.8 with a closed All rights reserved license. No More LAN runs on client and server for 1.21.11 – 26.1.1 under the MIT License and is not open source.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not So Essential | Fabric and Forge | 1.8.9 – 26.2 | Client-side only | 2026-08-08 |
| Server Pause | Fabric | 1.17 – 1.21.1 | Server-side only | 2026-01-04 |
| Falatia Essentials | Fabric | 1.21.8 | Client-side only | 2026-08-11 |
| No More LAN | Fabric | 1.21.11 – 26.1.1 | Client and server | 2026-04-08 |
Questions
Which loader does Not So Essential need?
Does the server need Not So Essential installed?
Can the mod be built from source?
In the catalog
Not So Essential is one of 3,545 Optimization mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,575 Optimization mods for Fabric. 13,894 mods support Minecraft 26.2.
More from Scherso
Similar mods
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/notsoessential
- Owner
- Scherso
- Published
- 2022-12-16
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-08-08
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15