Hello!
Here is an up-to-date list of Forge mods focused on optimizing Minecraft performance. The listed mods cover Minecraft versions up to 1.21.5, with a focus on recent versions (1.19.x, 1.20.1, 1.21.x). All mods listed are compatible with Forge (some also exist for Fabric/NeoForge, but are only included here if a Forge version is available). Each mod comes with a brief description of its purpose and the supported Minecraft versions. You can combine several of these mods to significantly improve client-side FPS as well as server-side performance (TPS).
General Optimizations (Server & CPU/TPS)
Adaptive Performance Tweaks (APT)
A modular and configurable set of tweaks aimed at improving overall game performance, both on the server and client sides. It includes multiple optimizations (entity handling, rendering, etc.) to dynamically adjust game behavior based on system load, helping maintain high TPS on the server and smoother gameplay.
Versions: Forge 1.16 – 1.21.1.
AI Improvements
Optimizes entity and mob behavior by making AI less CPU-intensive. This mod reduces CPU load from AI tasks (pathfinding, mob navigation, etc.), which helps reduce server lag related to entities.
Versions: Forge 1.7.10 – 1.20.6.
Performant
An all-in-one server optimization pack for older versions (1.14 to 1.16) aimed at improving TPS. It modifies numerous internal systems (mobs, task handling, etc.) to enhance server efficiency and fix some of Vanilla’s performance bottlenecks.
Versions: Forge 1.14.4 – 1.16.5.
Canary (Lithium for Forge)
An unofficial port of the popular Lithium mod (general optimizations for Fabric) to Forge. It enhances overall game performance by optimizing many physics and world management calculations on both the server and client sides. It functions like a “Lithium” for Forge and works in both single-player and server environments.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.20.4.
Radium Reforged
Another Lithium port for Forge/NeoForge, offering a comprehensive set of optimizations to the game engine. Radium aims to improve TPS and server performance similarly to Canary but uses different implementations.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.x (NeoForge 1.21).
Alternate Current
Reimplements the redstone system in a more efficient way to reduce lag caused by complex redstone circuits. This mod optimizes redstone calculations and drastically reduces redundant updates, which lightens server load without altering the visible behavior of circuits (in fact, behavior becomes more predictable than in Vanilla).
Versions: Forge 1.18.1 – 1.20.2 (NeoForge 1.21).
Smooth Chunk Save
Prevents lag spikes during chunk saving by spacing out and optimizing disk write operations. This mod spreads world save operations over multiple ticks to avoid freezes during frequent auto-saves.
Versions: Forge 1.18.1 – 1.20.1.
Chunk Sending
Optimizes how chunk data is sent to players (server-side). This mod changes the way chunks are sorted and transmitted, spreading the process over several ticks instead of a single massive send. This reduces bandwidth spikes and lag when players join the server or teleport.
Versions: Forge 1.19.2 – 1.20.1.
Connectivity
Fixes and improves various networking aspects under Forge. It resolves known connection issues (login timeouts, oversized packet errors, etc.) and optimizes packet limits and network handling to reduce latency and disconnections.
Versions: Forge 1.16.2 – 1.20.1.
Pluto
Forge port of the Krypton mod (Fabric network optimization) that enhances Minecraft’s network stack. Especially useful in multiplayer, Pluto reduces bandwidth usage and improves connection handling (e.g., packet compression, buffer management) to lower latency and CPU load from network traffic on the server.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.19.3.
Clumps
Automatically merges XP orbs on the ground into a single larger orb to reduce the number of active entities. This significantly reduces lag caused by excessive XP orbs after certain actions (mob farms, mass mining, etc.) without losing any total XP.
Versions: Forge 1.10.2 – 1.21.x.
In Control!
Allows fine-tuned customization of mob spawning rules via config files. This server-side mod can be used to limit the number of monsters in specific areas or under certain conditions, eliminating lag spikes caused by mob overpopulation. By adjusting spawn behavior (e.g., reducing aquatic mobs or limiting mob group sizes), you can ease server load in extreme situations.
Versions: Forge 1.12.2 – 1.20.1.
Magnum Torch
Adds items (such as the mega torch) that prevent hostile mob spawns within a defined radius. Placing these torches around your base or key locations on your server avoids monster buildup and the associated CPU load from their AI. This is a gameplay-oriented approach to entity control and performance improvement in critical areas.
Versions: Forge 1.18 – 1.20.4.
Chunky
A tool for pre-generating chunks of the map in advance, preventing lag from on-the-fly world generation. You can generate part or all of a world ahead of time (ideally before launching a server or in single-player) so that players won’t load new chunks while playing. This helps stabilize TPS and eliminates stutters caused by terrain generation during exploration. A tutorial for using it is available here: https://forum.minestrator.com/threads/minestrator-how-to-pregen-your-map-with-chunky.1827/
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.6.
Graphical Optimizations (Client & FPS)
Unless otherwise noted, these mods should not be installed on servers.
OptiFine
The most well-known graphics optimization mod, though it has aged poorly and is no longer as effective as the newer mods listed below. It improves FPS by optimizing the rendering engine and adds many advanced graphical options (fine-tuned particle rendering, shadow quality, object LOD, etc.). OptiFine also includes features like Dynamic Lighting and shader support. It incorporates client-side optimizations similar to those found in separate mods (e.g., “Smart Leaves” to hide the underside of leaf blocks, more aggressive entity culling, etc.).
Versions: Forge 1.7.2 – 1.21.4
Rubidium
A fork of Sodium made compatible with Forge, offering massive FPS gains by rewriting Minecraft’s OpenGL rendering engine. Rubidium brings all the Sodium optimizations (multi-draw chunk rendering, advanced face culling, more efficient VRAM usage, etc.), drastically reducing CPU load from rendering and smoothing frame times. The result is a much smoother game, especially on systems where the CPU was the bottleneck.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.x. (Client-side only, incompatible with OptiFine if both are installed.)
Oculus
This mod complements Rubidium by reintroducing shader support (the Forge equivalent of Iris on Fabric). If you want to use shaderpacks with Rubidium, Oculus is required. It does not improve performance by itself (shaders are still heavy), but it's included here as the Forge solution for shader use without OptiFine.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.x.
Starlight
Fully replaces Minecraft’s light engine with a much faster implementation. Starlight eliminates performance issues and lighting bugs by recalculating light propagation in a more efficient way. The result is near-instant light updates, eliminating lag spikes when generating new chunks or updating lighting in-game.
Versions: Forge 1.17.1 – 1.20.2.
Entity Culling
Improves FPS by not rendering entities that are out of the player’s view or blocked by obstacles. This mod uses visibility testing to "cull" (skip rendering) entities and tiles the player cannot see, saving GPU and CPU rendering time. In practice, this translates to noticeable FPS boosts in entity-heavy areas (item frames, mobs behind walls, etc.).
Versions: Forge 1.6.3 – 1.21.5.
CullLessLeaves Reforged
This mod replicates OptiFine’s Smart Leaves function by improving foliage rendering. It hides the hidden faces of leaf blocks, drastically reducing the number of polygons drawn in dense forests. Cull Less Leaves is a more compatible variant that culls less aggressively (maintaining fuller visuals) while still providing a ~5–10% FPS boost.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.20.2.
Entity Collision FPS Fix
Reduces client-side CPU usage by disabling unnecessary entity collision checks in single-player. In Vanilla, the client calculates entity-to-entity collisions for minor visual effects. This mod disables those calculations client-side, improving FPS in crowded entity situations without affecting actual server-side physics.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.19.2.
Better Biome Blend
Rewrites Minecraft’s biome color blending algorithm to be more efficient and extends the color blending radius. By replacing Vanilla’s system with a multithreaded, optimized version, this mod creates smoother biome color transitions while improving performance during those calculations. The result: fewer FPS drops while exploring and more visually appealing transitions, especially on Fancy settings.
Versions: Forge 1.12.2 – 1.19.
BetterFPS
An older optimization mod that introduces alternative mathematical algorithms for certain operations (e.g., sinusoidal calculations) to slightly improve FPS. On versions 1.8 to 1.12, BetterFPS could provide a small FPS boost and better stability, but its benefits are now surpassed by more modern mods on recent versions.
Versions: Forge 1.7.10 – 1.12.2.
Memory Optimizations
FerriteCore
Drastically reduces Minecraft’s RAM usage by optimizing how data and objects are stored in memory. It deduplicates models and unused objects, which is especially beneficial for large modpacks (reducing memory usage and lag caused by the garbage collector). A must-have for stabilizing heavy modpacks.
Versions: Forge 1.16.4 – 1.20.1 (NeoForge 1.20.2+).
Saturn
An open-source memory optimization mod designed to reduce Minecraft’s memory footprint, particularly in modded environments. Saturn applies various engine-level optimizations (byte buffer handling, caching systems, etc.) to lower RAM usage on both server and client sides, without affecting gameplay. It can be installed on the client, server, or both.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.6.
FoamFix
An optimization mod for older versions (mainly 1.12.2), aimed at fixing inefficiencies in Minecraft’s Java engine when running modded. FoamFix removes or improves redundant data structures in Minecraft, reducing memory usage and speeding up mod loading. Essential for heavy 1.12.2 modpacks, it inspired later mods like FerriteCore.
Versions: Forge 1.8.9 – 1.12.2 (last update on 1.12.2).
TexFix
Optimizes RAM usage related to textures by clearing out unused texture data after loading. Minecraft loads all textures into memory, including non-animated or temporary ones; TexFix removes this unnecessary data, potentially freeing up hundreds of MB of RAM in texture-heavy modpacks.
Versions: Forge 1.10.2 – 1.12.2.
VanillaFix
An all-in-one mod for 1.12.2 combining bug fixes and performance improvements. On the performance side, VanillaFix includes FPS and memory optimizations (incorporating parts of FoamFix), making Minecraft 1.12 more stable and smoother. On the debugging side, it also prevents certain critical crashes and provides helpful crash info.
Version: Forge 1.12.2.
LazyDFU
Speeds up game startup by delaying the loading of the DataFixerUpper (DFU). In Vanilla, Minecraft initializes the DFU system (used for upgrading old world data) at the main menu, which lengthens startup time. LazyDFU makes this loading “lazy,” activating it only when needed, significantly reducing initial launch times.
Versions: Forge 1.16.1 – 1.19.3.
DataFixerSlayer
Goes beyond LazyDFU by fully disabling Minecraft’s DataFixerUpper. Removing this heavy component can reduce memory usage and improve performance in modded setups (especially in 1.16.5, where DFU was particularly heavy).
Warning: It is not recommended to use DataFixerSlayer if you plan to open worlds from older versions or convert existing worlds, as DFU is essential for version upgrades.
Version: Forge 1.16.5.
ModernFix
An all-in-one optimization mod for modern versions (1.16+, especially 1.18/1.19), offering extensive performance improvements, reduced memory usage, and various fixes. It significantly improves loading times (client launch and world loading) and lowers RAM usage in large modpacks. With ModernFix, Forge modpacks from 1.16–1.19 launch up to 2x faster, and some optional tweaks allow very large packs (300+ mods) to run with only 3 GB of allocated RAM. This mod includes many bug fixes and remains compatible with other optimization mods.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.19.4 (NeoForge 1.20+).
Faster Startup and Loading
Smooth Boot (Reloaded)
These mods improve task distribution during Minecraft's startup to avoid CPU usage spikes at launch. By adjusting the number of threads used while loading datapacks, mods, and resources, Smooth Boot eliminates stuttering that can cause your PC to lag during game startup. In practice, this doesn’t always drastically reduce total startup time, but it makes the process much smoother and prevents your system from freezing while Minecraft is launching.
(Note: The original Smooth Boot supports Forge 1.14–1.16; the “Reloaded” version continues support for Forge 1.18.2–1.20.)
Fastload
Significantly reduces world loading times by optimizing how Minecraft initializes a world or joins a server. Fastload improves certain world generation and initialization steps, potentially reducing the area calculated/generated at initial spawn. In simple terms, you get into your world or server faster, with less waiting on the “World Loading” screen.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.20.1.
Here is an up-to-date list of Forge mods focused on optimizing Minecraft performance. The listed mods cover Minecraft versions up to 1.21.5, with a focus on recent versions (1.19.x, 1.20.1, 1.21.x). All mods listed are compatible with Forge (some also exist for Fabric/NeoForge, but are only included here if a Forge version is available). Each mod comes with a brief description of its purpose and the supported Minecraft versions. You can combine several of these mods to significantly improve client-side FPS as well as server-side performance (TPS).
General Optimizations (Server & CPU/TPS)
Adaptive Performance Tweaks (APT)
A modular and configurable set of tweaks aimed at improving overall game performance, both on the server and client sides. It includes multiple optimizations (entity handling, rendering, etc.) to dynamically adjust game behavior based on system load, helping maintain high TPS on the server and smoother gameplay.
Versions: Forge 1.16 – 1.21.1.
AI Improvements
Optimizes entity and mob behavior by making AI less CPU-intensive. This mod reduces CPU load from AI tasks (pathfinding, mob navigation, etc.), which helps reduce server lag related to entities.
Versions: Forge 1.7.10 – 1.20.6.
Performant
An all-in-one server optimization pack for older versions (1.14 to 1.16) aimed at improving TPS. It modifies numerous internal systems (mobs, task handling, etc.) to enhance server efficiency and fix some of Vanilla’s performance bottlenecks.
Versions: Forge 1.14.4 – 1.16.5.
Canary (Lithium for Forge)
An unofficial port of the popular Lithium mod (general optimizations for Fabric) to Forge. It enhances overall game performance by optimizing many physics and world management calculations on both the server and client sides. It functions like a “Lithium” for Forge and works in both single-player and server environments.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.20.4.
Radium Reforged
Another Lithium port for Forge/NeoForge, offering a comprehensive set of optimizations to the game engine. Radium aims to improve TPS and server performance similarly to Canary but uses different implementations.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.x (NeoForge 1.21).
Alternate Current
Reimplements the redstone system in a more efficient way to reduce lag caused by complex redstone circuits. This mod optimizes redstone calculations and drastically reduces redundant updates, which lightens server load without altering the visible behavior of circuits (in fact, behavior becomes more predictable than in Vanilla).
Versions: Forge 1.18.1 – 1.20.2 (NeoForge 1.21).
Smooth Chunk Save
Prevents lag spikes during chunk saving by spacing out and optimizing disk write operations. This mod spreads world save operations over multiple ticks to avoid freezes during frequent auto-saves.
Versions: Forge 1.18.1 – 1.20.1.
Chunk Sending
Optimizes how chunk data is sent to players (server-side). This mod changes the way chunks are sorted and transmitted, spreading the process over several ticks instead of a single massive send. This reduces bandwidth spikes and lag when players join the server or teleport.
Versions: Forge 1.19.2 – 1.20.1.
Connectivity
Fixes and improves various networking aspects under Forge. It resolves known connection issues (login timeouts, oversized packet errors, etc.) and optimizes packet limits and network handling to reduce latency and disconnections.
Versions: Forge 1.16.2 – 1.20.1.
Pluto
Forge port of the Krypton mod (Fabric network optimization) that enhances Minecraft’s network stack. Especially useful in multiplayer, Pluto reduces bandwidth usage and improves connection handling (e.g., packet compression, buffer management) to lower latency and CPU load from network traffic on the server.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.19.3.
Clumps
Automatically merges XP orbs on the ground into a single larger orb to reduce the number of active entities. This significantly reduces lag caused by excessive XP orbs after certain actions (mob farms, mass mining, etc.) without losing any total XP.
Versions: Forge 1.10.2 – 1.21.x.
In Control!
Allows fine-tuned customization of mob spawning rules via config files. This server-side mod can be used to limit the number of monsters in specific areas or under certain conditions, eliminating lag spikes caused by mob overpopulation. By adjusting spawn behavior (e.g., reducing aquatic mobs or limiting mob group sizes), you can ease server load in extreme situations.
Versions: Forge 1.12.2 – 1.20.1.
Magnum Torch
Adds items (such as the mega torch) that prevent hostile mob spawns within a defined radius. Placing these torches around your base or key locations on your server avoids monster buildup and the associated CPU load from their AI. This is a gameplay-oriented approach to entity control and performance improvement in critical areas.
Versions: Forge 1.18 – 1.20.4.
Chunky
A tool for pre-generating chunks of the map in advance, preventing lag from on-the-fly world generation. You can generate part or all of a world ahead of time (ideally before launching a server or in single-player) so that players won’t load new chunks while playing. This helps stabilize TPS and eliminates stutters caused by terrain generation during exploration. A tutorial for using it is available here: https://forum.minestrator.com/threads/minestrator-how-to-pregen-your-map-with-chunky.1827/
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.6.
Graphical Optimizations (Client & FPS)
Unless otherwise noted, these mods should not be installed on servers.
OptiFine
The most well-known graphics optimization mod, though it has aged poorly and is no longer as effective as the newer mods listed below. It improves FPS by optimizing the rendering engine and adds many advanced graphical options (fine-tuned particle rendering, shadow quality, object LOD, etc.). OptiFine also includes features like Dynamic Lighting and shader support. It incorporates client-side optimizations similar to those found in separate mods (e.g., “Smart Leaves” to hide the underside of leaf blocks, more aggressive entity culling, etc.).
Versions: Forge 1.7.2 – 1.21.4
Rubidium
A fork of Sodium made compatible with Forge, offering massive FPS gains by rewriting Minecraft’s OpenGL rendering engine. Rubidium brings all the Sodium optimizations (multi-draw chunk rendering, advanced face culling, more efficient VRAM usage, etc.), drastically reducing CPU load from rendering and smoothing frame times. The result is a much smoother game, especially on systems where the CPU was the bottleneck.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.x. (Client-side only, incompatible with OptiFine if both are installed.)
Oculus
This mod complements Rubidium by reintroducing shader support (the Forge equivalent of Iris on Fabric). If you want to use shaderpacks with Rubidium, Oculus is required. It does not improve performance by itself (shaders are still heavy), but it's included here as the Forge solution for shader use without OptiFine.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.x.
Starlight
Fully replaces Minecraft’s light engine with a much faster implementation. Starlight eliminates performance issues and lighting bugs by recalculating light propagation in a more efficient way. The result is near-instant light updates, eliminating lag spikes when generating new chunks or updating lighting in-game.
Versions: Forge 1.17.1 – 1.20.2.
Entity Culling
Improves FPS by not rendering entities that are out of the player’s view or blocked by obstacles. This mod uses visibility testing to "cull" (skip rendering) entities and tiles the player cannot see, saving GPU and CPU rendering time. In practice, this translates to noticeable FPS boosts in entity-heavy areas (item frames, mobs behind walls, etc.).
Versions: Forge 1.6.3 – 1.21.5.
CullLessLeaves Reforged
This mod replicates OptiFine’s Smart Leaves function by improving foliage rendering. It hides the hidden faces of leaf blocks, drastically reducing the number of polygons drawn in dense forests. Cull Less Leaves is a more compatible variant that culls less aggressively (maintaining fuller visuals) while still providing a ~5–10% FPS boost.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.20.2.
Entity Collision FPS Fix
Reduces client-side CPU usage by disabling unnecessary entity collision checks in single-player. In Vanilla, the client calculates entity-to-entity collisions for minor visual effects. This mod disables those calculations client-side, improving FPS in crowded entity situations without affecting actual server-side physics.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.19.2.
Better Biome Blend
Rewrites Minecraft’s biome color blending algorithm to be more efficient and extends the color blending radius. By replacing Vanilla’s system with a multithreaded, optimized version, this mod creates smoother biome color transitions while improving performance during those calculations. The result: fewer FPS drops while exploring and more visually appealing transitions, especially on Fancy settings.
Versions: Forge 1.12.2 – 1.19.
BetterFPS
An older optimization mod that introduces alternative mathematical algorithms for certain operations (e.g., sinusoidal calculations) to slightly improve FPS. On versions 1.8 to 1.12, BetterFPS could provide a small FPS boost and better stability, but its benefits are now surpassed by more modern mods on recent versions.
Versions: Forge 1.7.10 – 1.12.2.
Memory Optimizations
FerriteCore
Drastically reduces Minecraft’s RAM usage by optimizing how data and objects are stored in memory. It deduplicates models and unused objects, which is especially beneficial for large modpacks (reducing memory usage and lag caused by the garbage collector). A must-have for stabilizing heavy modpacks.
Versions: Forge 1.16.4 – 1.20.1 (NeoForge 1.20.2+).
Saturn
An open-source memory optimization mod designed to reduce Minecraft’s memory footprint, particularly in modded environments. Saturn applies various engine-level optimizations (byte buffer handling, caching systems, etc.) to lower RAM usage on both server and client sides, without affecting gameplay. It can be installed on the client, server, or both.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.20.6.
FoamFix
An optimization mod for older versions (mainly 1.12.2), aimed at fixing inefficiencies in Minecraft’s Java engine when running modded. FoamFix removes or improves redundant data structures in Minecraft, reducing memory usage and speeding up mod loading. Essential for heavy 1.12.2 modpacks, it inspired later mods like FerriteCore.
Versions: Forge 1.8.9 – 1.12.2 (last update on 1.12.2).
TexFix
Optimizes RAM usage related to textures by clearing out unused texture data after loading. Minecraft loads all textures into memory, including non-animated or temporary ones; TexFix removes this unnecessary data, potentially freeing up hundreds of MB of RAM in texture-heavy modpacks.
Versions: Forge 1.10.2 – 1.12.2.
VanillaFix
An all-in-one mod for 1.12.2 combining bug fixes and performance improvements. On the performance side, VanillaFix includes FPS and memory optimizations (incorporating parts of FoamFix), making Minecraft 1.12 more stable and smoother. On the debugging side, it also prevents certain critical crashes and provides helpful crash info.
Version: Forge 1.12.2.
LazyDFU
Speeds up game startup by delaying the loading of the DataFixerUpper (DFU). In Vanilla, Minecraft initializes the DFU system (used for upgrading old world data) at the main menu, which lengthens startup time. LazyDFU makes this loading “lazy,” activating it only when needed, significantly reducing initial launch times.
Versions: Forge 1.16.1 – 1.19.3.
DataFixerSlayer
Goes beyond LazyDFU by fully disabling Minecraft’s DataFixerUpper. Removing this heavy component can reduce memory usage and improve performance in modded setups (especially in 1.16.5, where DFU was particularly heavy).
Warning: It is not recommended to use DataFixerSlayer if you plan to open worlds from older versions or convert existing worlds, as DFU is essential for version upgrades.Version: Forge 1.16.5.
ModernFix
An all-in-one optimization mod for modern versions (1.16+, especially 1.18/1.19), offering extensive performance improvements, reduced memory usage, and various fixes. It significantly improves loading times (client launch and world loading) and lowers RAM usage in large modpacks. With ModernFix, Forge modpacks from 1.16–1.19 launch up to 2x faster, and some optional tweaks allow very large packs (300+ mods) to run with only 3 GB of allocated RAM. This mod includes many bug fixes and remains compatible with other optimization mods.
Versions: Forge 1.16.5 – 1.19.4 (NeoForge 1.20+).
Faster Startup and Loading
Smooth Boot (Reloaded)
These mods improve task distribution during Minecraft's startup to avoid CPU usage spikes at launch. By adjusting the number of threads used while loading datapacks, mods, and resources, Smooth Boot eliminates stuttering that can cause your PC to lag during game startup. In practice, this doesn’t always drastically reduce total startup time, but it makes the process much smoother and prevents your system from freezing while Minecraft is launching.
(Note: The original Smooth Boot supports Forge 1.14–1.16; the “Reloaded” version continues support for Forge 1.18.2–1.20.)
Fastload
Significantly reduces world loading times by optimizing how Minecraft initializes a world or joins a server. Fastload improves certain world generation and initialization steps, potentially reducing the area calculated/generated at initial spawn. In simple terms, you get into your world or server faster, with less waiting on the “World Loading” screen.
Versions: Forge 1.18.2 – 1.20.1.