Crying Obsidian Shaders gives blocks and shadows a spooky look, so builds read differently than in vanilla. Use these steps to design with the pack switched on.
Build with the shader active
1. Keep the shader enabled while you build, not just when you finish. Block colours and shadow depth can look quite different from vanilla.
2. Check your build at several times of day. Something that looks fine at noon may turn into a dark blob at night.
3. Step back often and view the build from a distance. Strong outlines and varied depth such as overhangs, arches, pillars and recessed windows create interesting shadows.
Use light and contrast deliberately
- Frame entrances and windows with light sources so the shape of the build stays visible after dark.
- Mix bright and dim zones. A glowing window in an otherwise dark tower suits the pack's mysterious style.
- Avoid flooding the area with light. Too many sources wash out the eerie mood that the pack provides.
- Test block palettes in place. Build small sample walls of the blocks you're considering, then compare them at night before committing to one.
If you share the world with others, ask them to use the same shader pack. Builds tuned for these dark visuals may look flat or over-lit in vanilla.