Better Voxels Shaders FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I turn on path tracing after installing the mod?
Path tracing is enabled through your shader settings menu. Look for the path tracing or ray tracing toggle in the shader options screen, which you can access while in-game through the shader settings button.
Why do glowing blocks like lamps and lava not cast colored light?
Colored lighting from glowing blocks needs to be explicitly enabled in the shader settings. Check that the colored lighting or emissive lighting option is toggled on in your shader configuration.
My frame rate drops a lot when I enable path tracing. What can I do?
Reduce the path tracing sample count or quality setting in the shader options to improve performance. You can also lower your render distance or disable reflections on less important surfaces to regain frames.
Do I need a resource pack for this shader to work?
No, the shader works with vanilla Minecraft, but using a PBR resource pack will unlock realistic textures like bumpy surfaces, shiny metals, and wet materials that the shader can render beautifully.
Why don't my reflections show up on water and glass?
Reflections are a separate setting in the shader options and may be disabled by default or set to a low quality level. Enable reflections and adjust the reflection quality slider to see them on reflective surfaces.
Can I use this shader with other mods like Sodium or Iris?
Better Voxels Shaders is designed to work with shader-compatible loaders. Check the mod's documentation for confirmed compatibility with your specific mod loader and other visual mods.
How do I get sharp, realistic shadows in my screenshots?
Enable shadow mapping in the shader settings and increase the shadow resolution or quality option. Shadows will be sharpest when cast by sunlight or moonlight, and you can adjust shadow distance to control how far they reach.
Is this shader heavy on my GPU or CPU?
Path tracing is GPU-intensive, so a dedicated graphics card will give much better performance than integrated graphics. The mod is optimized to reduce CPU impact, but your GPU will do most of the work.
Why does my world look washed out or too bright with this shader?
Adjust the exposure, brightness, or tone mapping settings in the shader options to match your preference. Path tracing can make scenes brighter than vanilla, so these controls let you dial in the right look.
Can I take high-quality screenshots without losing performance during normal gameplay?
Yes, you can use a lower quality setting while playing, then increase path tracing samples and quality only when you stop to take a screenshot. This lets you enjoy smooth gameplay and capture beautiful images when you want them.