Guide to Installing the Minecraft Iris 1.21.3 Shader Mod

Following the release of the Bundles of Bravery update for Minecraft, Mojang swiftly rolled out the 1.21.3 patch to address various issues arising from the new content. With enhanced stability, this version is designed to hold until the next major update, prompting many mod developers to release updates for their mods compatible with 1.21.3. Among the most notable is the Iris Shaders mod, renowned for introducing shader support into the popular sandbox game.

How to Download and Install Iris Shaders and Sodium Mod for Minecraft 1.21.3

1. Download Iris Shaders

Download Iris Shaders from their official website (Image via The Iris Project)

Getting started with Iris Shaders for the latest Minecraft release is simple. Begin by conducting a Google search for “Iris Shaders for Minecraft” and navigate to the official Iris Shaders website. The download button will be prominently featured at the top of the page. Click Download Now to acquire the universal JAR file. This will initiate the download of a small installer that will set up all necessary files for the mod on your device.

Ensure you have Java and Java Edition installed on your computer before proceeding with the installation.

2. Install Iris Shaders and Sodium Mod

Install the latest Iris Shaders for Minecraft 1.21.3 (Image via The Iris Project)

Fortunately, both Iris Shaders and the Sodium mod support the new 1.21.3 version of Minecraft. Open the downloaded installer, choose Iris only for the installation type, and click Install. Be sure the installation path is directed to .minecraft. If you prefer to include the Fabric API for the current update, select Iris + Fabric before initiating the installation process.

In the event of a prompt indicating an existing folder, instruct the installer to overwrite it.

This installation procedure will equip your game with the latest versions of both Iris Shaders and the Sodium mod, optimizing gameplay performance and allowing for improved shader pack functionality.

3. Launch the Modded Game

Open the launcher to verify Iris Shaders installation (Image via Mojang Studios)

Once you have successfully installed Iris Shaders and Sodium, launch the official Minecraft game. Look for the modded version in the dropdown menu next to the Play button; it will feature the Iris logo and mention version 1.21.3.

Select it and hit Play to experience the enhanced visuals offered by Iris Shaders in Minecraft 1.21.3.