Screenshot 1 of 2. Minecraft forest rendered with Cull Leaves culling hidden leaf block faces
What Cull Leaves works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Fabric, NeoForge, Quilt, Forge |
| Minecraft versions | 1.16, 1.16.5, 1.17.1, 1.18.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.4, 1.21.11, 26.1.2, 26.2, 26.3 |
| Environment | Client |
Cull Leaves is a client-side Java Edition mod that adds culling to leaf blocks, providing a large performance boost over vanilla. It recreates the OptiFine feature Smart Leaves and runs on Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge and Forge. Install it on the client only, because server support is unavailable.
Loader coverage is uneven. Fabric reaches from 1.16 to 26.3, Quilt from 1.17 to 26.3 (it uses the Fabric build), and NeoForge from 1.20.4 to 26.3. Forge covers 1.19.2 to 1.20.1 only, and its newest release, 4.1.1 for 1.20.1, dates from December 2025. The newest Fabric, Quilt and NeoForge builds are 4.1.2 for 26.3, published on October 10, 2026.
Required libraries by loader
- Fabric and Quilt: the newest builds need Fabric API. Older builds differ, so check the dependencies listed on the file for your version.
- NeoForge: the newest builds need MidnightLib. The two builds for 26.1 and 26.2 need no library.
- Forge: builds for 1.19.3 to 1.20.1 need MidnightLib. The 1.19.2 builds need none.
- Side: client required, server unsupported.
Installation
- 1.Install Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge or Forge for the Minecraft version you want to play. The Java mod install guide covers the basics.
- 2.Pick the Cull Leaves file made for that loader and version, plus the libraries listed above for it.
- 3.Put every .jar file in the mods folder of the game directory (.minecraft/mods by default).
- 4.Launch the game with the loader's profile.
Compatibility and pairing
Cull Leaves is compatible with Sodium, Canvas and LambdaBetterGrass. It also pairs with the creator's Better Leaves resource pack for extra frame rate. The trade-off is the library chain, since the newest build on every loader needs Fabric API or MidnightLib, and Forge players cannot move past 1.20.1.
Questions about Cull Leaves.
5 questions
Does Cull Leaves work on servers?
Cull Leaves is needed on the client only, and server support is unsupported. A multiplayer host does not need to install it. Players can add or remove it on their own client without coordinating with the server.
How do I tell Cull Leaves from similarly named mods?
This page covers Cull Leaves, published by Motschen, with its source at TeamMidnightDust/CullLeaves on GitHub. If you were looking for a mod with a similar name, check its creator and repository before you install it.
Does Cull Leaves need Fabric API or MidnightLib?
It depends on the loader. The newest Fabric and Quilt builds need Fabric API. The newest NeoForge builds and the Forge builds for 1.19.3 to 1.20.1 need MidnightLib. Some older Fabric builds need both, so check the build for your version.
Is Cull Leaves compatible with Sodium?
Yes. Cull Leaves is compatible with Sodium, Canvas and LambdaBetterGrass, so it can run alongside them. It adds culling to leaf blocks, which is the same job OptiFine does with Smart Leaves.
Which Minecraft versions does Cull Leaves support?
Fabric covers 1.16 to 26.3, Quilt 1.17 to 26.3, and NeoForge 1.20.4 to 26.3. Forge covers 1.19.2 to 1.20.1 only, with its last release in December 2025. Pick the file that matches both your loader and your game version.
