What The Aether works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge |
| Minecraft versions | 1.12.2, 1.19.2, 1.20.1, 1.20.4, 1.21.1 |
| Environment | Client, Server |
The Aether is a Minecraft Java mod that adds a bright, heavenly sky dimension as a counterpart to the Nether. It is the modern continuation of the original Aether mod, runs on Fabric and NeoForge for the current release, with an older Forge build for legacy setups, and is required on both client and server. You reach it by building a Glowstone portal in the shape of a Nether portal and activating it with a bucket of water, then explore floating islands filled with new mobs, materials, dungeons, and bosses.
What The Aether adds in-game
The dimension generates as a chain of grassy islands above an open void, with Skyroot trees, Holystone, and floating Aercloud platforms used for soft landings. Exploration is built around three progression dungeons, each guarded by a boss and holding unique loot and gear.
- A floating-island sky dimension with its own biomes, blocks, and ambient mobs.
- The Bronze Dungeon, home of the Slider boss.
- The Silver Dungeon, ruled by the Valkyrie Queen.
- The Gold Dungeon, where the Sun Spirit waits.
- New tools, armor, and accessories, including items that change how you move and fall.
How to install The Aether
- 1.Install your mod loader of choice: Fabric or Forge and NeoForge, for a supported Minecraft version.
- 2.Download The Aether for your loader and Minecraft version from the Modrinth project page.
- 3.Download the required oωo (owo-lib) library for the same loader and version.
- 4.Place both files in your .minecraft/mods folder (or the server's mods folder).
- 5.Launch Minecraft with the matching loader profile and open a world to start playing.
Supported loaders and Minecraft versions
- Loaders: Fabric, NeoForge, and a legacy Forge build (see the note below).
- Fabric and NeoForge track the current release, Minecraft 1.21.1; Forge has not kept pace.
- Required on both the client and the server; every player and the host must run the same version.
- Works in multiplayer when the server and all clients share the same Aether and loader build.
The Aether 1.21.1 mod review
Questions about The Aether.
5 questions
How do I install The Aether?
Install Fabric, Forge, or NeoForge for your Minecraft version, then download The Aether and the required owo-lib for that same loader and version. Drop both jar files into your mods folder, launch the matching loader profile, and the dimension is ready. On a server, place both files in the server's mods folder so every client and the host run identical builds.
Does The Aether work with Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge?
Fabric and NeoForge are the current, actively updated loaders for The Aether, both reaching Minecraft 1.21.1. Forge exists too, but its last build for a still-current version was January 2025's release for 1.20.1, and the only newer Forge upload, from March 2025, only backports to the much older 1.12.2. Pick Fabric or NeoForge unless you specifically need one of those older Forge versions.
Which Minecraft version does The Aether support?
Fabric and NeoForge both reach Minecraft 1.21.1, the current release. Forge lags behind: its last build for a still-current version targeted 1.20.1 in January 2025, and its most recent upload, from March 2025, only backports to the older 1.12.2. Download the file that lists your exact loader and version, since a build made for one loader will not run on another.
How do you get to the Aether dimension?
Build a portal frame in the same shape as a Nether portal but using Glowstone blocks instead of obsidian, then activate it with a bucket of water rather than flint and steel. Stepping through carries you up to the floating islands of the Aether, where you can start exploring its dungeons and bosses.
Does The Aether work on multiplayer servers?
Yes. The mod is required on both the client and the server and is designed to run in multiplayer. Install the same Aether and loader build on the server and on every player's client. Mismatched versions between the host and a client will stop that player from connecting.
