OptiForge Mod 1.17.1 → 1.16.5

When is the next OptiForge mod update coming in 2022?

OptiFine is a popular mod that adds graphics customization options to Minecraft. Forge is a Minecraft mod loader that hooks into Minecraft’s code. They don’t always play nice together.

This is because OptiFine is a unique mod that does not rely on Forge to be loaded. Having OptiFine in a mod pack can cause glitches and bugs, with many mod makers refusing to deal with it. Thanks to the mod maker ZekerZhayard, we now have OptiForge, which fixes the most common OptiFine/Forge issues.

However, as of 2022, OptiFine and Forge have become more compatible. OptiFine now lists the major version of Forge it is compatible with. As long as you match the right version of OptiFine with the right version of Forge, you should be fine. This made ZekerZhayard reluctant to continue updating OptiForge.

Is there OptiForge for the latest version of Minecraft?

As of February 2022, the last OptiForge update is from October 3, 2021, and applies to Minecraft 1.17. The update history on the official CurseForge page reveals there is an update every 3–4 months. If there are no OptiForge updates past March–April 2022, it’s confirmed ZekerZhayard abandoned the project.

On one of the issues on the official OptiForge GitHub page, the last comment by ZekerZhayard was made on November 19, 2021. In it, the OptiForge maker says, "I almost stopped updating OptiForge, on the one hand because OptiFine itself is compatible with Forge in a way that I am satisfied with, on the other hand because I am busy in real life now."

GitHub users have opened discussion threads on the OptiForge GitHub page, asking ZekerZhayard for help with their issues. The last two were made on December 26, 2021, and January 7, 2022. Neither was commented on by ZekerZhayard.

Can I continue the OptiForge mod?

Yes. ZekerZhayard licensed the OptiForge under the MIT license, which states (paraphrased), "Everyone is permitted to, free of charge, obtain a copy of the Software (…) and deal in the Software without limitation, including any and all rights to view, use, copy, modify, publish merge, sublicense, distribute, and/or sell copies of the Software (…)".

You can take over the OptiForge mod and continue updating it. However, ZekerZhayard did mention in his last comment on GitHub that "making additional mods for a closed source mod is very time-consuming". He is referring to the fact OptiFine/Forge makers keep cards close to their chest. You will have little, if any, help from OptiFine and Forge developers on troubleshooting issues.

Is there an OptiForge version for Minecraft version 1.12?

No. There is no need for OptiForge in such a scenario since OptiFine already works on Minecraft 1.12.

How to make OptiFine more compatible with other mods?

The maker of OptiFine uses the nickname "sp614x". His suggestion on making OptiFine compatible with other mods comes from a 2011 MinecraftForum.net thread on OptiFine. He says, "Always make sure to install OptiFine last. The only exception are mods which are designed to be installed after OptiFine and say so in their install instructions. If you need Forge, install OptiFine AFTER Forge."

Does using OptiFine increase Minecraft performance?

Yes! You can get triple the frames-per-second you used to get on vanilla Minecraft. This means smoother gameplay and less lag when things get hectic. Many other graphics mods for Minecraft require having OptiFine installed first.

What are the best OptiFine alternatives?

Over time, the Minecraft code has become much neater, reducing the need for OptiFine. Also, OptiFine started aggressively changing how Minecraft works without revealing what was being done.

OptiFine alternatives come courtesy of user LambdAurora, who created a list of them.

Sodium is a client-side optimization mod. It is an open-source mod, meaning you can view and edit its code without anyone’s permission. Boasts doubling and tripling the FPS. Does not work with OptiFine installed. Works on the Minecraft client only.

Starlight is a Fabric mod that fixes lighting errors in Minecraft. Works on client and server (only one side needs to have it). Compatible with Minecraft clients running Phosphor/Vanilla/Starlight versions. It is licensed under LGPL (Lesser General Public License) — you can freely use it, but if you make your version of Starlight’s code, you must release it under LGPL.

Can I use OptiFine in my mod pack?

No. sp614x reserves all rights to OptiFine, meaning you cannot distribute or modify it without his express written permission. However, you can make a mod pack for your personal use. As long as you’re distributing it publicly or making money out of it, you should be fine.

Conclusion

The real cause of OptiForge being discontinued is that OptiFine is closed source software. sp614x wields enormous power in deciding what happens with the mod and who gets to contribute. Everyone else is at his mercy.

Always check to see if the mod you’re using is open or closed source. When possible, use and contribute to open-source alternatives.