Introduction
Complementary Shaders is one of the most popular shader packs for Minecraft, offering beautiful lighting, realistic shadows, and vibrant visuals while still maintaining great performance.
It enhances the game’s graphics without completely changing the vanilla feel, making it perfect for both survival and creative gameplay.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to install Complementary Shaders for Minecraft 26.1.1 step by step using Fabric and Iris Shaders.
⚠️ This article was written with the help of AI and may contain inaccuracies.
Requirements
Before installing Complementary Shaders, make sure you have:
- Minecraft version 26.1.1 installed
- Java 17 or higher
- Internet connection
Step-by-Step: Complementary Shaders Installation
Step 1: Download Complementary Shaders
- Go to: https://modrinth.com/shader/complementary-reimagined/
- Click the green Download button
Step 2: Download Required Mods
To use shaders with Fabric, you need:
- Fabric API → https://modrinth.com/mod/fabric-api
- Iris Shaders → https://modrinth.com/mod/iris
⚠️ Shaders will NOT work without Iris (or OptiFine alternative)
Step 3: Install Fabric Loader
- Go to: https://fabricmc.net/
- Download Fabric Loader
- Run the installer
- Select version 26.1.1
- Click Install
Step 4: Open Your Minecraft Folders
Mods folder (for Fabric API + Iris):
Windows:
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\mods
Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/mods
Shaderpacks folder (for Complementary Shaders):
Windows:
C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\shaderpacks
Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/minecraft/shaderpacks
If the folders don’t exist, create them:
mods
shaderpacks
Step 5: Install Everything
Move the files into the correct folders:
Into the mods folder:
- Fabric API
- Iris
Into the shaderpacks folder:
- Complementary Shaders (.zip file — do NOT extract)
Make sure:
- Mods are
.jarfiles - Shader pack stays as
.zip - All versions match 26.1.1
Step 6: Launch and Enable Shaders
- Open Minecraft Launcher
- Select the Fabric profile
- Click Play
Then in-game:
- Go to Options → Video Settings → Shaders
- Select Complementary Shaders
- Click Apply
Shaders should now be active.
How to Use Complementary Shaders
- Explore your world with enhanced lighting and shadows
- Adjust shader settings for performance or visuals
- Customize effects like water, sky, and reflections
What’s Next? Improve Your Graphics Setup
After installing Complementary Shaders, you can combine it with:
- Sodium → Get higher FPS (Tutorial here!)
- Fresh Animations → Dynamic mob animations (Tutorial here!)
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Shaders not showing | Check shaderpacks folder |
| Game lagging | Lower shader settings |
| Game crashes | Ensure Iris + Fabric API installed |
| Shaders not applying | Enable in video settings |
Downloads & Links
- 👉 Complementary Shaders: https://modrinth.com/shader/complementary-reimagined/
- 👉 Fabric API: https://modrinth.com/mod/fabric-api
- 👉 Iris Shaders: https://modrinth.com/mod/iris
- 👉 Fabric Loader: https://fabricmc.net/
Final Tips
- Do NOT extract the shader pack
- Use performance settings if FPS drops
- Works best with Sodium for smoother gameplay
- Some shader features depend on your GPU