Nova Better FPS in Minecraft
A client is only nice to use if the game stays smooth. Here is what Nova does about frame rate, and what you can change yourself.
What is already done for you
- Sodium is installed with the client and replaces the game’s chunk renderer.
- The launcher starts the game with a low-pause garbage collector, which removes most of the stutters players blame on mods.
- Nova’s HUD draws in batches, and its effects are measured frame by frame before each update ships.
Settings that help most
- Performance module: turn off entity shadows and lower entity distance.
- Shaders: use Low on laptops, or turn them off entirely for maximum FPS.
- Render distance: 8–12 chunks is plenty for most servers.
- Close browsers and recording software you are not using — they compete for the same GPU.
Your own mods
Performance mods such as Sodium Extra work next to Nova. Add them in the launcher; it checks that they match your game version and the Sodium version Nova installs.
Questions
Does Nova lower my FPS?
Nova adds a small amount of work for its HUD and effects. Most of the frame is the game itself and, if enabled, shaders. You can turn off any module you do not use.
Is Sodium included?
Yes. The launcher installs Sodium and keeps it up to date.
Can I add Sodium Extra?
Yes. Add it in the launcher — it works with the Sodium version Nova ships.
Try it
Download the launcher for Windows or macOS, sign in with your Microsoft account and press Play. A starter set of modules is free to use.
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