Optimize Shader Performance Without Losing Visual Quality

Identify Performance Bottlenecks

Open the shader menu and look for a Performance or Quality section. Start by checking which features are most demanding: volumetric clouds, reflections, shadows, and ambient occlusion typically consume the most resources.

Reduce Settings Strategically

Disable or lower these in order of impact:

• Volumetric Cloud Resolution: Reduces cloud detail but keeps the effect
• Reflection Distance: Limits how far reflections render
• Shadow Distance: Decreases the area around you that casts shadows
• Ambient Occlusion: Removes subtle shadowing in crevices
• TAA (Temporal Anti-Aliasing): Disabling smooths performance but may introduce jagged edges

Create a Balanced Profile

Many shaders allow saving multiple configurations. Create a "High Quality" preset for screenshots and a "Performance" preset for gameplay. Test each setting change by flying around and checking frame rates in different biomes.

Monitor Frame Rate

Use the debug screen (F3) to watch FPS. Aim for stable performance at your target frame rate. Small reductions in individual settings often yield significant FPS gains without noticeably degrading visuals.