One of the other things that really helps the game stay so popular are the mods and shaders that breathe new life into the game on a nearly constant basis. While mods are good for those who like to mess around with different gameplay elements, many players just want to give Minecraft a new lick of paint.

That’s why we’ve put together this list, especially in lieu of the news that the Super Duper Graphics update is no more. 

How to install Minecraft shaders

Right, first up: head over to this page and download the most recent version of Optifine. Once that’s done, you’ll need to install it, so open it up and run the file.

Once that’s done, you need to actually download the shaders. We’ll post a link to each of them below, but once they’re downloaded, head to: C:\Users[AccountName]\AppData\Roaming.minecraft\shaderpacks. 

Drop the compressed ZIP file for the shader pack in that folder and you’ll be able to load it up in the Video Settings in the game itself. Easy stuff. Now then, onto the shaders themselves. 

Sildur’s Shaders

This shaders pack is possibly one of the best around.

One of the reasons is that there are multiple different versions to test out, each of which requires more or less power. This means that you can even run it on a lower-end PC, which is a great option to have.

There’s also a lot of customization available here, so your version of the world might look very different from someone else’s. 

You can download it here. 

BSL Shaders

If what you’re after is sheer, overwhelming beauty, then this is probably the shader for you.

It does a wonderful job of changing the game’s lighting, adding amazing reflections, and even changing the clouds to look like you could take a bite out of them. 

So pretty. 

You can download it here. 

Naelego’s Cel Shaders

 

I’m a stickler for cel-shading in games. It turns games into magical cartoon worlds that look as good now as they did 15 years ago.

It’s no surprise then, that this is one of my personal favorites. It’s stunning to look at, and you should check it out, especially if you’re a fan of the Borderlands series or TellTale games. 

You can download it here. 

Chocpaic13’s Shaders

This is another beautiful shader, but one that won’t push your PC too hard. It’s a good balance between the overpowered ones available and the more normal ones, especially looking to some of the subtle shades. It’s also a popular one because of that.

While this shader is still very pretty, it comes without some of the higher-end changes of the other shaders. 

You can download it here. 

KUDA Shaders

This pack was in development for a long time before release. As a result, it manages to be one of the most impressive when it comes to lighting effects. It’s also incredibly stable.

This shader pack is a great choice for those who want to watch the sun as it rises over the horizon. 

You can download it here. 

Sonic Ether’s Unbelievable Shaders

If there was a single shader that could be called synonymous, it would probably be this one. With a huge slew of additions and changes including lifelike plant-life, stunning water, and terrifying nights, this is one of the best packs around.

It’s just stunning. Plus, the lighting effects are some of the best around. 

You can download it here. 

Jelly World Shaders

Honestly, this is only a pack for those who have strong stomachs, but it’s an interesting effect.

With this shader, the entire world wibbles and wobbles like jelly on a plate, and it gives the entire game a supremely strange feeling.

If you can hold your food down, you’ll have a great time. Otherwise, it may be a bit too much. 

You can download it here. 

Acid Shaders

Another strange one, this pack turns the game into a runaway rollercoaster. Your eyes will be assaulted by a never-ending stream of strangeness, but it could be a lot of fun if you fancy something a bit different.

Maybe use it while listening to Tool. 

You can download it here. 

Vanilla Plus Shaders

If the idea of changing things so much puts you off, then this might the one for you. It is full of subtle tweaks that make Minecraft look like the game you remember, rather than the game it actually is.

It lacks the bravado of the other shaders on this list, but it has a bit more heart. 

You can download it here. 

Beyond Belief Shaders

This shader does one thing better than any other on this list, and that one thing is water.

If you’re one of the many players who love a bit of the wet stuff, then you’ll find none more suited to you. It makes the game’s water look almost real, and it’s a truly astounding thing to witness. 

You can download it here. 

Continuum Shaders

This is a perfect shader pack for those who like taking a good photo, but it will let you down if you’re after a really smooth experience.

It’s probably the best-looking one in the business, but the jitters and jumps you’ll experience while using it could well put you off entirely. 

You can download it here. 


That’s it for our list of the best 1.14 Minecraft shaders for 2019. However, there are loads out there. The modding scene in Minecraft is monumental, and you’d do very well to check out this article on them.

And if you’re looking for Minecraft seeds, be sure to head over to this huge, growing list and check out some of our more recent entries below: 

15 Best Jungle Seeds of 2019 Top 20 Seeds for August Top 20 Seeds for July Top 20 Seeds for June