Mojang is adding its own native vanilla shaders to Minecraft in a new update called Vibrant Visuals. These new visual features were first showcased at Minecraft LIVE March 2022, during the YouTube Show.
Shaders have long been an essential addition to the game for players wanting to add some visual flair to Minecraft, but this will be the first time Minecraft has shaders in the vanilla, unmodded version of the game.
Minecraft Vibrant Visuals. Image Credit: Mojang
Minecraft Adds Vanilla Shaders with Vibrant Visuals Update
Minecraft’s new shaders will be part of the Vibrant Visuals update. These shaders will be native to the game and can be turned on and off via the options menu, making them super simple to use.
While shaders have been used by players for years, with programs like OptiFine utilized by thousands of gamers, this is the first time Mojang will have added shaders to the games.
Unlike some of the modded shaders out there, Vibrant Visuals will see the light sources and shadows align with the pixels, giving the native Minecraft shaders something that is more in line with the traditional style of the game. Beyond this, there’s reflective water surfaces that will grow murky under the water, biome dependant shaders, glowing textures for Spider Eyes, Skulk, and Endermen eyes, and more.
Unfortunately, the Vibrant Visuals shaders are not being added any time soon. We’d expect a late 2025 release or even beyond that.
It’s been confirmed that the shaders are coming to Java, but the first version will release for Bedrock, which will come as a big disappointment for Java users, who make up the majority of PC Minecraft players. It’s also a surprise, given shaders have had a lot more support on Java in the past.
The Minecraft LIVE March 22 show didn’t just reveal the Vibrant Visuals shaders though. The show also unveiled everything to expect in the Minecraft Spring to Life Drop. And some features from the upcoming drop, including Ghastlings and the Locator Bar.
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