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Photon Shader logo

Photon Shader

Shader

by sixthsurge

A gameplay-focused shader pack with a semi-realistic style

Type

Shader

CurseForge Downloads

9,997,715

CurseForge ID

1312687

Modrinth Downloads

29,007,951

Modrinth ID

lLqFfGNs

Last Updated

Nov 7, 2026

Description

Community

  • Join my discord server for questions, suggestions and development updates
  • You can also donate if you would like to say thanks

Frequently asked questions

"When will Photon be released for new Minecraft version?"

  • Shader packs are generally not very dependent on MC versions; as long as Iris is available, Photon should just work.


Features

  • Fully revamped sky, lighting and water
  • Detailed clouds with several layers and many different cloud types
  • Immersive weather system providing different skies each day
  • Voxel-based colored lighting (enabled with Ultra profile, requires Iris)
  • Screen-space reflections
  • Volumetric fog
  • Soft shadows with variable-size penumbras
  • Detailed ambient occlusion (GTAO)
  • Camera effects: bloom, depth of field, motion blur
  • Much improved image quality with TAA, FXAA and CAS
  • Advanced temporal upscaling (disabled by default) for low end devices
  • Extensive settings menu allowing you to customize every aspect of the shader
  • Full labPBR resource pack support

 

 

Compatibility

Shader loaders
  • Iris (recommended)
    • Iris is a modern shader loader with far better performance, mod compatibility and developer features than OptiFine
    • Some features (Colored Lighting) will only work on Iris
  • OptiFine

 

GPU vendors
  • Nvidia
  • AMD
  • Intel
  • NOT compatible with Apple GPUs (Metal) by default
    • Disable SH Skylight and Colored Shadows

 

Mods

 

 

Acknowledgments

Compatibility

Mod Loaders

Optifine Iris

Game Versions

1.17.1 1.21.2-Snapshot 1.21 1.21.6-snapshot 1.18.1 1.20.2-Snapshot 1.20.5-Snapshot 1.19-Snapshot 1.21.1-Snapshot 1.16.5 +45 more

Recommended Gear

Affiliate

Hardware and extras that pair well with this shader.

Minecraft Enderman Character Plush

Minecraft Enderman Character Plush

Enderman plush toys, and a reliable gift for a younger player.

View on Amazon →

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Screenshots

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Included in Modpacks (729)

Show fewer
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External Resources

CurseForge Modrinth Source Code