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How to Install Resource Packs in Minecraft 1.21

How to Install Resource Packs in Minecraft 1.21

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5 min read

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we’re going to talk about something I don’t mention nearly enough—resource packs. You might know me for my shader tutorials, but resource packs are just as important in transforming the look and feel of Minecraft. In fact, when we’re playing modded Minecraft, a lot of what you see—like themed GUIs or bushier leaves—is often thanks to resource packs.

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What Are Resource Packs?

Resource packs are collections of files that change Minecraft's textures, sounds, models, fonts, and even the GUI. They’re a great way to tweak how Minecraft looks without touching the game mechanics. Whether you want to make the game look crisper, add spooky themes, or completely overhaul the visuals, resource packs are the way to go.

Where to Find Resource Packs

Resource packs have been around almost as long as Minecraft, and so have many of the websites hosting them. While some older sites might feel a bit outdated, there are newer platforms that make it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Here are a few places to download resource packs:

  • Planet Minecraft – One of the oldest and most reliable sources for resource packs.
  • CurseForge – A great platform for both mods and resource packs with easy installation through the CurseForge app.
  • Modrinth – A modern platform with an easy-to-use interface, making it simple to find and download resource packs.

Keep an Eye on Extra Requirements

As you're looking through resource packs, you might notice that some of them mention needing PBR (Physically Based Rendering) or CEM (Custom Entity Models) support. These are advanced features that help packs deliver more realistic textures and customized mob models. For example, PBR can give blocks reflective surfaces, and CEM can change how mobs like pigs or creepers actually look.

To use packs with these features, you’ll need additional mods and shaders, but don’t worry—we’ll cover all of that in a future post. For now, if a pack mentions requiring PBR or CEM, just keep it in mind as something to explore later when you’re ready to get more advanced.

Let’s Download Some Resource Packs

Now that you know where to find resource packs, let’s grab a few and change how Minecraft looks!

Installing Resource Packs in Vanilla Minecraft

Let’s start by installing resource packs manually in vanilla Minecraft:

  1. Download a Resource Pack: Head to one of the sites above, find a pack you like, and download it (usually a .zip file).
  2. Open Minecraft: Launch the game and go to Options > Resource Packs.
  3. Open the Resource Pack Folder: In the Resource Pack menu, click Open Pack Folder. This will open the folder where Minecraft stores resource packs.
  4. Move the Pack: Drag the downloaded .zip file into this folder. No need to unzip it—Minecraft will handle that for you.
  5. Activate the Pack: Back in Minecraft, the new resource pack should appear on the left side. Move it to the right to activate it. You can also reorder packs to control which one takes priority.

Installing Resource Packs with CurseForge and Prism

If you’re using a modding platform like CurseForge or Prism, the process is even easier:

  • CurseForge: Open the CurseForge app, go to your Minecraft profile, and browse for resource packs. You can install them directly from the app, no manual file moving required.
  • Prism: Prism integrates directly with Modrinth, so you can search for and download resource packs right within the launcher. Just click to install, and you’re good to go!

Conclusion

And that’s it! Resource packs are an easy way to make Minecraft look completely different without changing how it plays. Whether you’re going for higher resolution textures, new GUI styles, or something totally out there, you’ve got plenty of options. Keep experimenting, and stay tuned for a future post where we’ll dive into the more advanced stuff like PBR and CEM.