Not sure which one you have?

If your computer is a laptop that was not sold as a "gaming" laptop, start with the slower list. You can always try the faster list later and see how it feels.

Slower computers

Laptops and computers without a graphics card.

Find these in Options, then Video Settings.

SettingSet it toWhy
Render Distance6The biggest one. Less to load means less waiting.
GraphicsFastLeaves and glass are cheaper to draw.
CloudsOffFree speed.
ParticlesDecreasedCreate machines make lots of particles.
Smooth LightingOffThe world loads faster.
Biome BlendOff (or 1)The world loads faster.
Entity ShadowsOffFewer things to draw.
Mipmap Levels0Saves graphics memory.
Always Defer Chunk Updates (in the Performance tab)OnKeeps the game smooth while new areas load.
ShadersOffShaders need a real graphics card.

Memory: give the game 4 GB if your computer has 8 GB of memory, or 6 GB if it has 16 GB. Giving it more than that can make a laptop slower, not faster.

Faster computers

Gaming computers with a graphics card.

SettingSet it toWhy
Render Distance8Our server sends 8. Higher shows nothing more here.
GraphicsFancyLooks nicer and your computer can handle it.
Smooth LightingOnSofter, nicer shadows.
ParticlesAllSee every spark and puff of smoke.
Biome Blend3 to 5Smoother colors between biomes.
ShadersYour choiceFun to try, but turn them off if the game stutters.

Memory: 6 to 8 GB is plenty. More than 8 does not help.

How to change the memory

Modrinth App: open the CreateBuilders instance, click the gear (Settings), then Java and memory, and move the memory slider.

Prism Launcher: right click the instance, choose Edit, thenSettings, then Java, and change Maximum memory.

Close the game before you change it. The new amount works next time you start the game.

Smoother play (optional)

Java cleans up unused memory while you play. The newer way to do that, called ZGC, does it in the background, so the game pauses less often. Our servers use it. Your game can too, by adding one line to the launcher's Java settings:

-XX:+UseZGC -XX:+ZGenerational

Modrinth App: open the CreateBuilders instance, click the gear (Settings), then Java and memory, turn on Custom Java arguments, and paste the line in.

Prism Launcher: right click the instance, choose Edit, thenSettings, then Java, tick Java arguments, and paste the line in.

It needs Java 21, which both launchers already use for this pack. If the game will not start after the change, delete the line again.

Still slow?

Close other programs, especially web browsers with lots of tabs. Plug a laptop into the charger, because many laptops slow down on battery. If it is still slow, ask in#support on our Discord.