Screenshot 1 of 4. A narrow stone-walled passage opens onto blue water with pale fog, shown in PSX-Core Shader.
What PSX-Core Shader works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Iris, OptiFine |
| Minecraft versions | 1.8, 1.16.5, 1.17.1, 1.18.2, 1.19.4, 1.20.6, 1.21.11, 26.1.2, 26.2, 26.3 |
PSX-Core Shader recreates PlayStation 1 visuals in Java, as a shader pack for Iris and OptiFine. It is a psx core shader in the literal sense: low color depth, wobbling geometry and warped textures laid over untouched vanilla art. It changes rendering only, so there is nothing to configure on the world side.
Shader loaders and versions
- Iris and OptiFine: Minecraft 1.8 to 26.3.
What it recreates
Each effect targets a known quirk of 1990s hardware. Most are adjustable in the shader settings, so you can dial the retro look up or down.
- Ordered dithering
- 5-bit per-channel color quantization
- Gouraud shading with banded light levels
- Vertex snapping
- Affine texture mapping
- Fog, on by default and meant to unsettle
Installing it
- 1.Install Iris on Fabric or NeoForge, or install OptiFine.
- 2.Get the .zip from the CurseForge page and place it in your shaderpacks folder.
- 3.Open Video Settings, then Shader Packs, and select PSX-Core Shader.
- 4.Open the shader settings to switch fog off or adjust the other effects.
New to shader loaders? The shader install guide covers the folder layout for both loaders. If the pack will not load, try fixing shaders that are not working.
Trade-offs and compatibility
Testing was thorough only with Iris on 1.21.11. Older releases are reported to work, but bugs are likely, and Dooji asks for reports on the issue tracker. The pack works with Distant Horizons and Voxy. The look is deliberately harsh, with crunchy color and shaky edges, so it suits players who want authentic PS1 grit rather than a polished upgrade. For a different take on the style, see Modern PSX Shaders.
Questions about PSX-Core Shader.
4 questions
How do I install PSX-Core Shader?
Install Iris or OptiFine, then put the pack's .zip in your shaderpacks folder. Open Video Settings, choose Shader Packs, and select PSX-Core Shader. Fog and most other effects can then be adjusted from the shader settings screen.
Does PSX-Core Shader work with Iris and OptiFine?
Yes. Its builds are listed for both loaders. Testing was thorough only on Iris with 1.21.11, so Iris is the safer choice. Older releases are said to work too, though bugs may appear and can be reported on the issue tracker.
Does PSX-Core Shader work with Distant Horizons?
Yes. The pack states that it works with both Distant Horizons and Voxy, so distant terrain can share the same PS1 look as nearby blocks.
Can I add PSX-Core Shader to a modpack?
Yes, but only by listing it as a dependency of the modpack. The licence prohibits reuploading, repacking and mirroring, so the shader file should never be bundled inside the pack.
