Better Render Distance
Improves render distance by making it perfectly spherical, culling diagonal chunk sections and entities for better performance.
Screenshots
About this Mod
Better Render Distance
Minecraft's render distance was changed from a cube to a cylindrical shape back in 1.18. The problem is that this shape isn't actually a cylinder but rather a rounded rectangle. This mod optimizes this.
Recommended to use Better Resolution for significantly more GPU performance.
Performance Benefits
I get about a 10-15% boost on my system. Impacts both the CPU and the GPU. It could create a larger benefit for lower end systems.
Lightweight
Built to be lightweight and uses optimized functions. When Sodium is installed, Better Render Distance hooks into Sodium’s own occlusion culler to keep overhead as low as possible.
What Does The Mod Do?
This mod makes three optimizations to improve upon this.
Circular Horizontal Distance
Changes the render distance formula to be as a perfect circle as it can be which reduces the overextended diagonals.
Spherical Render Shape
Upgrades the shape from a cylinder to a sphere. Which extends the diagonal culling from only being done horizontally to vertically as well.
Vertical Render Distance (Configurable)
Ships with vertical distance set to the Balanced preset by default. Useful especially at higher render distances.
Configuration
Available in Sodium’s Video Settings. You can toggle the optimizations on/off and adjust the vertical culling amount.
Auto Vertical Scale setting that includes three presets (Performance / Balanced / Quality) which automatically adjust Vertical Scale based on your current Render Distance.
The manual adjustment slider is disabled when the Auto setting is enabled.
Mod Compatibility
Compatible with all the popular performance mods. If you find an incompatibility please report it and I will check it out.
Updates & Future Plans
I will be updating this mod to every stable Minecraft release. I have additional optimization ideas planned, but they’ll be explored and added over time.
I am also looking into porting back to popular older versions of Minecraft. Check back later if a version you are looking for isn't currently supported.
Contact
You can join the Discord server to report bugs, request features, ask questions, or reach out to me for any purpose.
Available Versions
How to Install Better Render Distance on Your Client
Install the Mod Loader Locally
Install fabric for your local Minecraft version.
Download the Matching File
Choose the Better Render Distance file for fabric and Minecraft 26.2.
Install Mod
Place the .jar file in your local .minecraft/mods folder and restart Minecraft. No server-side installation is required.
Compatibility
Mod Loaders
Minecraft Versions
26.2, 26.1.2, 26.1.1 (+13 more)
Server-side
✗ UnsupportedRecommended RAM
4 GB(min. 3 GB)Frequently Asked Questions
Does Better Render Distance need to be installed on the Minecraft server?
No. Modrinth marks Better Render Distance as unsupported on the server side. Install it only in your local Minecraft mods folder. Your server can remain unchanged unless the mod page lists an additional dependency.
Which version and loader does Better Render Distance require?
Use a file for fabric and your exact Minecraft version. Supported versions include 26.2, 26.1.2, 26.1.1. Files for different loaders are not interchangeable.
Better Render Distance is not working – what should I check?
First check the Minecraft version, loader version and required dependencies. Put the .jar file in your local .minecraft/mods folder and remove older duplicates. Because this mod is client-side, adding server RAM will not fix it.
Similar Mods
Minecraft Server for Your Group
Better Render Distance stays on your client. Host a compatible world for your group.