Screenshot 1 of 1. MinecraftHub-generated editorial cover for the Oculus Minecraft mod
What Oculus works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Forge, NeoForge |
| Minecraft versions | 1.16.5, 1.18.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.1 |
| Environment | Client |
The Oculus mod is an unofficial fork of Iris, made to run shader packs under Forge Mod Loader. It ships for Forge (Minecraft 1.16.5 to 1.20.1) and NeoForge (1.20.1 only), runs on the client only, and needs a rendering optimization mod beside it: Embeddium or Rubidium, depending on the release. The newest files date from December 2024, so Oculus suits 1.20.1 and older modpacks, not newer Minecraft releases.
How Oculus relates to Iris
Oculus forks Iris. Its stated aim is that existing ShadersMod and OptiFine shader packs work without modification, and that it behaves well in modded setups. Oculus problems belong in its own issue tracker, not the Iris one. It lists Forge and NeoForge only, with no Fabric or Quilt files.
Which dependency each release needs
Oculus does not run alone, and the required mod changes between releases. Read the dependency list on the exact file you download.
- NeoForge 1.20.1: the newest release (1.20.1-1.8.0) requires Embeddium.
- Forge 1.20.1: five releases require Embeddium.
- Forge, newest file overall (1.19.2-1.6.9a): requires Rubidium, which Asek3 also makes.
- Older Forge files for 1.16.5 to 1.20.1 mostly require Rubidium; two 1.16.5 files list no dependency.
Installing Oculus on Forge or NeoForge
- 1.Install Forge for Minecraft 1.16.5 to 1.20.1, or NeoForge for 1.20.1.
- 2.Download Oculus for that release and loader, plus the dependency its file lists.
- 3.Put both .jar files in the mods folder (.minecraft/mods by default) and launch with the loader's profile.
Limits to know before you install
- No files past Minecraft 1.20.1 on either loader, and none since December 2024.
- NeoForge support covers 1.20.1 only.
- Required on the client, unsupported on servers, so a dedicated server gains nothing from it.
- A second mod (Embeddium or Rubidium) is mandatory, and the right one depends on the file.
Installing Oculus and Rubidium for shaders on Forge 1.20.1
Questions about Oculus.
6 questions
Is the Oculus mod client side?
Yes. Oculus is required on the client and unsupported on servers. Install it only in player instances. A dedicated server does not need it and gains nothing from it.
Does Oculus work on Forge and NeoForge?
Yes. Forge files cover Minecraft 1.16.5 to 1.20.1, and NeoForge files cover 1.20.1 only. Each needs Embeddium or Rubidium in the same mods folder, depending on the release you pick.
Does Oculus have a Fabric version?
No. Oculus lists only Forge and NeoForge files. It exists to bring Iris-style shader loading to Forge Mod Loader, so it will not load on Fabric.
Do Iris shaders work with Oculus?
Oculus aims to run existing ShadersMod and OptiFine shader packs without changes, which is the same pack format Iris targets. That is the creator's stated goal, and results can still vary by pack, so check a pack's own notes.
What is the difference between Iris and Oculus?
Oculus is an unofficial fork of Iris adapted for Forge Mod Loader. On Forge it covers Minecraft 1.16.5 to 1.20.1, and on NeoForge 1.20.1 only. Oculus aims to run existing ShadersMod and OptiFine shader packs without changes. Report Oculus problems to its own tracker.
Does Oculus need Embeddium or Rubidium?
Yes, one of them. The newest NeoForge file and five Forge 1.20.1 files require Embeddium. The newest Forge file overall and many older Forge files require Rubidium. Check the dependency list on your download.
