🔥 TinyTorch

A Minecraft Fabric mod that makes lighting more realistic and atmospheric by reducing torch brightness and adding optional flickering effects.

Features

✨ Core Features

• Reduced Light Radius: Normal torch brightness reduced from light level 14 to configurable level (default: 8)
• Works for all torch types: Both standing and wall torches affected
• Configurable: All settings customizable via tinytorch.json

🎭 Optional Effects

• Flicker Effect: Light level oscillates randomly ±1 every few ticks to simulate flickering flame
• Particle Effects: Small smoke and spark particles appear occasionally around torches
• Held Light: Torches emit weak light (level 4-5) when held in main/offhand
• Smart Updates: Held light only updates when player moves for performance

⚡ Advanced Features

• Light Falloff Curve: Sharper brightness drop-off after a few blocks (dark corners stay dark)
• Material-Based Lighting:
  • Stone/Cobblestone/Deepslate absorb light slightly
  • Iron/Copper/Gold blocks reflect light slightly
• Performance Optimized: Lightweight implementation compatible with OptiFine/Sodium

Configuration

The mod creates a tinytorch.json config file in your config directory:

{
  "torch_light_level": 8,
  "held_light_level": 5, 
  "enable_flicker": true,
  "flicker_speed": 5,
  "use_falloff_curve": true,
  "held_light": true
}

Config Options

• torch_light_level (0-15): Light level emitted by placed torches (default: 8)
• held_light_level (0-15): Light level when holding a torch (default: 5)
• enable_flicker (true/false): Enable flickering flame effect (default: true)
• flicker_speed (1+): Ticks between flicker changes, higher = slower (default: 5)
• use_falloff_curve (true/false): Use custom sharp light falloff (default: true)
• held_light (true/false): Enable dynamic lighting when holding torches (default: true)

Gameplay Impact

• Caves become darker even with torches, forcing closer placement
• Building interiors have cozy, dim lighting atmosphere
• Night exploration feels eerie but natural
• Torches glow gently in-hand when walking at night
• Strategic lighting becomes more important for visibility

Installation

1. Install Fabric Loader
2. Install Fabric API
3. Download TinyTorch jar
4. Place in your mods folder

Compatibility

• ✅ Fabric API: Required
• ✅ OptiFine: Compatible
• ✅ Sodium: Compatible
• ✅ Shaders: Works with vanilla lighting pipeline
• ✅ Multiplayer: Server-side mod, clients benefit from effects

Technical Details

• Minecraft Version: 1.21.1
• Fabric Loader: 0.17.3+
• Java: 21+
• License: CC0-1.0

Building

./gradlew build

Built jar will be in build/libs/

Contributing

Contributions welcome! Please ensure:

• Code follows existing style
• Features are configurable
• Performance impact is minimal
• Works on both client and server

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Made with ❤️ for atmospheric Minecraft lighting