Spyglass Improvements

Name: Spyglass Improvements
Author: juancarloscp52

With Spyglass Improvements, the spyglass gains a mouse-wheel zoom, a quick-access key and optional overlays while the player is scoping.

FabricForgeNeoForgeQuiltClient-side onlyGNU General Public License v3.0 onlyOpen source1.18.1 – 26.2

What it does

Spyglass Improvements changes how the vanilla spyglass behaves on the client. Scrolling the mouse wheel while scoping adjusts the zoom level, and pressing Z opens the spyglass directly without searching the hotbar. Several overlays can be shown over the view, the crosshair can be hidden while scoping, and a smooth camera option softens the movement of the view.

The mod needs Fabric API and runs on the client alone, so only the player installs it and servers do not need it. Equipment slot support for Trinkets, Accessories or Curios API is optional and lets the spyglass be worn in an equipment slot. Files are published for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt, covering game versions 1.18.1 – 26.2, and the code is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only, so the project is open source.

Key features

Mouse wheel zoom
Scrolling while the spyglass is raised changes the zoom level, so the view can be adjusted without leaving the scope.
Quick access key
Pressing Z brings up the spyglass directly, which saves searching the inventory or hotbar.
Scope overlays
Several overlay styles can be shown over the view while scoping, selected in the mod's options.
Hidden crosshair and smooth camera
The crosshair can be hidden while scoping, and a smooth camera option eases the view movement.

Compatibility

Latest build for each game version and loader.

Version

26.x4 of 4 versions with builds

26.21.5.14+mc26.2+fabricNot available1.5.14+mc26.2+neoforgeNot available

26.1.21.5.13+mc26.1+fabricNot available1.5.13+mc26.1+neoforgeNot available

26.1.11.5.13+mc26.1+fabricNot available1.5.13+mc26.1+neoforgeNot available

26.11.5.13+mc26.1+fabricNot available1.5.13+mc26.1+neoforgeNot available

1.21.x12 of 12 versions with builds

1.21.111.5.12-beta+mc1.21.11+fabricNot available1.5.12-beta+mc1.21.11+neoforgeNot available

1.21.101.5.12+mc1.21.9+fabricNot available1.5.12+mc1.21.9+neoforgeNot available

1.21.91.5.12+mc1.21.9+fabricNot available1.5.12+mc1.21.9+neoforgeNot available

1.21.81.5.9+mc1.21.6+fabricNot available1.5.9+mc1.21.6+neoforgeNot available

1.21.71.5.9+mc1.21.6+fabricNot available1.5.9+mc1.21.6+neoforgeNot available

1.21.61.5.9+mc1.21.6+fabricNot available1.5.9+mc1.21.6+neoforgeNot available

1.21.51.5.9+mc1.21.5+fabricNot available1.5.9+mc1.21.5+neoforgeNot available

1.21.41.5.8+mc1.21.2+fabricNot available1.5.8+mc1.21.2+neoforgeNot available

1.21.31.5.8+mc1.21.2+fabricNot available1.5.8+mc1.21.2+neoforgeNot available

1.21.21.5.8+mc1.21.2+fabricNot available1.5.8+mc1.21.2+neoforgeNot available

1.21.11.5.7+mc1.21+fabricNot available1.5.7+mc1.21+neoforgeNot available

1.211.5.7+mc1.21+fabric1.5.5+mc1.21+forge1.5.7+mc1.21+neoforgeNot available

1.20.x7 of 7 versions with builds

1.19.x5 of 5 versions with builds

1.18.x2 of 2 versions with builds

ReleaseBetaAlphaNot available

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

Requirements

Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.

Optional 2

AccessoriesAn extendable and data-driven Accessory Mod for Minecraft

Optional

TrinketsA data-driven accessory mod

Optional

Use cases

Scouting across open terrain

A player looking across a large valley or base can zoom in with the wheel and keep the view steady with the smooth camera.

Equipment slot spyglass

With Trinkets, Accessories or Curios API installed, the spyglass can be worn in an equipment slot and used from there.

Who it’s for: Players who use the spyglass often for scouting and want more control over zoom and overlays. Equipment slot support is for players who already run one of the supported slot mods.

How it compares

Full comparison

DodoSpyglass [Spyglass Curios Compat] targets Forge and NeoForge for 1.18.2 – 26.1.2, needs both client and server, and is released under the Apache License 2.0. Vanilla Zoom is client-side only, is not open source, and covers Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt for 1.18.2 – 26.3. Spyglass Zoom (Updated) is client-side only, open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only, and limited to Fabric for 1.20 – 1.21.11.

Mod	Loaders	Game versions	Environment	Updated
Spyglass Improvements	Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt	1.18.1 – 26.2	Client-side only	2026-07-18
DodoSpyglass [Spyglass Curios Compat]	Forge and NeoForge	1.18.2 – 26.1.2	Client and server	2026-05-30
Vanilla Zoom	Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt	1.18.2 – 26.3	Client-side only	2026-10-01
Spyglass Zoom (Updated)	Fabric	1.20 – 1.21.11	Client-side only	2025-03-25

Questions

Does Spyglass Improvements need Fabric API?

Yes. Fabric API is a required dependency, so it must be installed alongside the mod on Fabric.

Does the server need Spyglass Improvements?

No. Players add it to their own game, and a server needs no copy.

Which equipment slot mod should be used with it?

Any of Trinkets, Accessories or Curios API can provide the equipment slot. The mod works without any of them, and the slot feature is optional.

In the catalog

Spyglass Improvements is one of 17,631 Equipment mods on ModsFinder, and one of 8,894 Equipment mods for Fabric. 13,894 mods support Minecraft 26.2.