Vanilla Fireflies

Name: Vanilla Fireflies
Author: ItzSkyReed

Vanilla Fireflies adds ambient fireflies to the world, and players can change how many appear and where through an interactive chat menu, a function or the datapack's commands.

FabricForgeNeoForgeQuiltServer required, client optionalCreative Commons Attribution 4.01.20.6 – 26.3

What it does

The mod is delivered as a data pack that spawns fireflies as ambient creatures. They only fly near bushes, so they gather around shrubs in the overworld. Server owners and players reach its settings through the menu opened by the vanilla fireflies:menu function, which is the easiest recommended way to change the experience. Players who prefer typing commands manually, or who want to use the features inside command blocks, can call the functions directly and bypass the menu.

Files are published for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt, and the datapack can also be used on server platforms without a mod loader. The current release targets 26.3 and builds cover 1.20.6 – 26.3 across ten release versions. The mod is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license and is not open source. Its source code and issue tracker are linked publicly. Biomes O' Plenty, Nature's Spirit, Regions Unexplored, Terralith, Terrestria and William Wythers' Expanded Ecosphere are optional dependencies, and their biomes gain fireflies when they are installed.

Key features

Ambient fireflies
Fireflies spawn as ambient creatures and appear near bushes, so the effect follows the shrubs in the world.
Interactive chat menu
Opening the menu function lets players adjust the firefly settings without editing files, including a quick amount change.
Command access
Each function can be called directly from a command or a command block for players who prefer typing commands.
Biome support
Biomes from the optional dependencies receive fireflies, extending the effect to modded terrain.

Gallery

Logo

Compatibility

Latest build for each game version and loader.

Version

26.x2 of 2 versions with builds

26.35.1+mod5.1+mod5.1+mod5.1+mod

26.25.0+mod5.0+mod5.0+mod5.0+mod

1.21.x7 of 7 versions with builds

1.21.64.0.1+mod4.0.1+mod4.0.1+mod4.0.1+mod

1.21.54.0.1+mod4.0.1+mod4.0.1+mod4.0.1+mod

1.21.43.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod

1.21.33.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod

1.21.23.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod

1.21.13.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod

1.213.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod3.1+mod

1.20.x1 of 1 version with builds

1.20.61.0+modNot availableNot available1.0+mod

ReleaseBetaAlphaNot available

This mod also publishes snapshot builds. Snapshots are not shown in the matrix.

Requirements

Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.

Optional 6

TerralithExplore almost 100 new biomes consisting of both realism and light fantasy, using just Vanilla blocks. Complete with several immersive structures to compliment the overhauled terrain.

Optional

Biomes O' PlentyAdds 50+ unique biomes to enhance your world, with new trees, flowers, and more!

Optional

Nature's SpiritA minecraft mod which enhances world generation with new biomes, blocks, and items

Optional

Regions UnexploredA stack of new biomes spread across the Overworld and Nether!

Optional

TerrestriaTerrestria is a detailed and vibrant biomes mod for Minecraft running on the Fabric mod loader.

Optional

William Wythers' Expanded EcosphereA realistic Minecraft world gen mod that adds nearly 200 new biomes and overhauls all vanilla biomes.

Optional

Use cases

Who it’s for: Server owners, map makers and players who want fireflies in the overworld and tuned through the chat menu or direct commands.

How it compares

Full comparison

Lawrence's Ambient Fireflies is a mod for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt, where the server must run it while clients may leave it out, released under the MIT License and not open source, with files for 1.21.5 – 26.2. Firefly in a Bottle is a client and server mod for Fabric alone, released under the MIT License and open source, published for 1.21.5 – 26.3.

Mod	Loaders	Game versions	Environment	Updated
Vanilla Fireflies	Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt	1.20.6 – 26.3	Server required, client optional	2026-09-17
Lawrence's Ambient Fireflies	Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt	1.21.5 – 26.2	Server required, client optional	2026-06-27
Firefly in a Bottle	Fabric	1.21.5 – 26.3	Client and server	2026-05-05

Questions

Which loaders can run Vanilla Fireflies?

Files are published for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt. The datapack variant also works on server platforms without a mod loader.

Does a server need the mod installed?

The server must run it, while players may leave it out, so installing it on the server is enough for the fireflies to appear.

Do the biome mods change the fireflies?

Biomes O' Plenty, Nature's Spirit, Regions Unexplored, Terralith, Terrestria and William Wythers' Expanded Ecosphere are optional dependencies. Installing them adds fireflies to their biomes.