Sunken Topography Mod FAQ
10 questions players actually ask, answered.
How do I turn on the mod after installing it?
The mod is enabled by default once installed. Open your config screen (usually accessible from the main menu or pause menu depending on your mod loader) and look for Sunken Topography settings to adjust colors and depth thresholds to your preference.
Why does my water still look flat in some areas?
Water only shows depth gradients where there's actual terrain variation below the surface. Perfectly flat ocean floors won't show color changes—look for areas with underwater cliffs, trenches, or varied seabed to see the effect.
Can I use this mod on a multiplayer server?
Yes, the mod runs entirely on your client side, so you don't need the server to have it installed. Other players won't see your depth-based water colors unless they also have the mod.
Does this mod work with custom biome mods?
Yes, the mod multiplies its depth shading onto existing biome water colors rather than replacing them, so it works alongside biome data packs and custom biome mods.
How do I find ocean trenches more easily?
Increase the Intensity setting to make depth differences more dramatic, and adjust Deep Tint to a much darker color so trenches stand out clearly from shallow areas. Flying or swimming near the surface while scanning for dark patches is the fastest way to spot them.
What's the difference between Shallow Depth and Deep Depth settings?
Shallow Depth is where the color gradient starts to darken as you go deeper, while Deep Depth is the point where water reaches its darkest shade. Adjusting these lets you control which depth ranges show the most visible color change.
Why is the underwater fog so thick I can't see anything?
The Underwater Fog and Deep Fog Distance settings control visibility while swimming. Lower the Underwater Fog intensity or increase Deep Fog Distance to see further underwater.
Does this mod affect performance or FPS?
The mod runs on the client side with minimal performance impact since it only modifies water color rendering. You shouldn't notice any FPS drops on most systems.
Can I map the ocean floor without actually diving down?
Yes, that's the main purpose of the mod—water color changes reveal terrain depth from the surface. Fly or sail above the ocean and look for color gradients to identify trenches, ridges, and shallow areas without exploring underwater.
Why do my water colors look washed out or too bright?
Try increasing the Intensity setting to strengthen the depth effect, or adjust your Shallow Tint and Deep Tint colors to have more contrast. If you're using a bright resource pack, the mod's colors may blend too much with it.