Fixes more bugs, verified to work on MC 26.1

Fixes and initial support for MC 26.1.

Whoa! That took a while! Version 1.8.0 (Alpha 1) Release is finally here, smoothing things out after a period of development and bringing some exciting additions. As always, your feedback is absolutely vital, so jump in, experiment, and tell me everything you find!

Seriously, are we past 950,000 downloads across all distribution platforms?! That's completely wild! Unreal! Huge thanks to everyone for checking this shaderpack out!

Main Updates & Improvements

Nether & End Mist Effects:

I've been working on enabling a simplified, yet beautiful, mist effect for the Nether and the End dimensions – aiming for compatibility on all but the absolute lowest settings. This brings a hint of one of the most intense effects Bloop supports to the masses!

Voxy Support:

This release includes experimental support for the popular LOD mod, Voxy! Get ready for improved distant visuals.

Alongside these, there's a whole host of fixes, including improvements to bloom, night vision effects, and much more. Honestly, after months of tiny tweaks, I've almost forgotten half of them! The full release will include a much more descriptive list of everything that's changed.

Please note that this is an Alpha release, and therefore isn’t fully tested across all supported mods and platforms. Some of the new code might be a bit slower for now. These are known areas for optimization that will be fully addressed before the full release as various variables are fully toned in and locked down.

Please report any and all issues you encounter on our Discord server.

Happy belated New Year, everyone!

🌄 Version 1.7.0 - Fixes

Fixes some issues a user found with the realistic clouds and restores the stars.

🌄 Version 1.7.0

Blimey! that took a while! version 1.7.0 Release irons out the initial hiccups from Beta 1, and 2, and beyond, and packs in even more refinements. As always, your feedback is crucial, so dive in, break it, and let me know what else you find!

Gee, are we past 550k already?! We're closing in on 560K downloads on modrinth alone + closing in on 10k on Curseforge???!! Insane! Unreal! Ludicrous and insane!

Thanks and thanks again and again and again...

Join the community on Discord – espens-shaderpacks

Major Fixes and Improvements

• Performance Recovery
  Fixed a major oopsie from Beta 1 where some experimental SSAO settings slipped through, causing significant performance hits. SSAO is now back to being efficient and reliable!

• Dimension Compatibility Restored
  Addressed critical issues that broke rendering in the Nether and the End dimensions. Adventure away, interdimensional travelers!

• CurseForge is Here!
  Good news—CurseForge download is now officially available and live. Check it out if that's your preferred platform!

Recap: New Features from Beta 1

Enhanced Distant Horizons Support

• Fully overhauled backend integration for smoother distant rendering.
• Stability and visual improvements for expansive vistas.

Held Items Now Emit Light

• Holding torches or glowstone lights your surroundings dynamically—perfect for caves and building sessions.

Optional Pixelated Effects

• Nostalgia mode activated: pixelate your world for some retro charm.

Slick Motion Blur

• New cinematic motion blur—adds fluidity and depth to movement.

Improved Underwater Fog

• Simplified, efficient, and visually superior underwater effects—clearer and richer underwater exploration.

Cleaner Water Reflections

• New clarity-enhancing settings for pristine reflective surfaces, enhanced by SSR.

Revamped Volumetric Mist

• Improved visuals and performance—optimized for gameplay clarity, lighting, and more options coming soon.

Rewritten Fog Density System

• Fog visuals are now simpler, more stable, and visually consistent even at extreme distances.

Square Highlights (Experimental)

• Optional Minecraft-authentic highlights, available as a beta setting.

Volumetric Self-Shadowing

• Adds extra realism and depth to mist and fog environments.

Extended Shadows (Fake Shadow Drawing)

• Enhanced shadow coverage option, ideal for distant LoD views—choose between real and simulated shadows.

Skybox & Nametag Enhancements

• Skybox rendering now supported.
• Nametag stability and rendering greatly improved.

Tons of Under-the-Hood Tweaks

• Countless minor fixes, tweaks, and code optimizations for overall stability and polish.

Dive in, enjoy, and keep the feedback flowing! Let's keep pushing forward!

– Espen