YUNG's Better Strongholds completely replaces the vanilla stronghold structure with a more varied and detailed design. It runs server-side on Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge, covering Minecraft Java Edition from 1.19.2 through 1.21.4 including current 26.1.x quarterly releases. Client players do not need the mod installed to join a server running it.
Installation
YUNG's Better Strongholds requires YUNG's API to be installed on the same loader version. Both JARs go in the mods folder. Because the mod is server-side, singleplayer works automatically through the integrated server, and multiplayer servers only need it installed on the server side.
- 1.Download YUNG's Better Strongholds from Modrinth, matching your loader (Fabric, Forge, or NeoForge) and Minecraft version.
- 2.Download YUNG's API for the same loader and version.
- 3.Place both JARs into your instance's mods folder.
- 4.Launch and generate a new world, or explore areas that haven't been chunk-loaded yet in an existing save.
Loader and Version Compatibility
- Fabric: supported from 1.19.2
- Forge: supported from 1.19.2
- NeoForge: supported including 26.1.x (2026 quarterly releases)
- Dependency: YUNG's API (required, same loader version)
- Side: server-side only
- License: LGPL-3.0 (open source)
Part of the YUNG's Suite
YUNG's Better Strongholds is part of a larger series by YUNGNICKYOUNG that redesigns vanilla Minecraft structures one by one, including mineshafts, ocean monuments, and dungeons. Each mod in the series follows the same approach: replace the vanilla structure generation while keeping the original gameplay loop intact, so the End Portal is still reachable by following Eyes of Ender exactly as in vanilla.
All YUNG's Structure Mods Showcase (includes Better Strongholds at 5:05)
Questions about this entry.
How do I install YUNG's Better Strongholds?
Download YUNG's Better Strongholds and YUNG's API from Modrinth for your loader and Minecraft version. Place both JARs in your mods folder. For servers, install on the server only; clients do not need the mod. New strongholds appear in chunks that haven't been generated yet.
Does YUNG's Better Strongholds work with Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge?
Yes. Separate JARs are available for Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge from Minecraft 1.19.2 onward, including the 2026 quarterly versioning (26.1.x). Download the version that matches your specific loader from the Modrinth project page.
Do my players need to install YUNG's Better Strongholds to join my server?
No. The mod is server-side only. The server generates the redesigned strongholds, but clients connect without any mod changes. Both vanilla and modded clients are compatible.
Will YUNG's Better Strongholds affect my existing world?
Only unloaded chunks are affected. Any stronghold in a chunk your world has already generated stays as the vanilla layout. To see the redesigned structures, explore new terrain or start a fresh world. Removing the mod later leaves previously generated structures unchanged.
Which Minecraft version does YUNG's Better Strongholds support?
Minecraft Java Edition from 1.19.2 through 1.21.4, with NeoForge builds available for the 2026 quarterly releases (26.1.x). Check the Modrinth page for the most current supported version across each loader.
