Dynamic Lights
🟡 Updated this year🖼️ Gallery (6 images)
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 0.1% endorsement rate
- 🏆 #12 of 1071 adventure mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
# Tschipcraft's Dynamic Lights
Server-side dynamic lighting for 1. 17.x-26. 2.x
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|For heavily modded setups, modpacks, as well as for playing on external servers, I recommend (https://modrinth.com/project/yBW8D80W) or similar client-side mods instead.
[-> For details, check this wiki page](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/wiki/Tschipcraft%27s-Dynamic-Lights-vs.-LambDynamicLights-%26-others).|
## 💡 Features
This data pack/mod brings dynamic lighting to Minecraft without any client-side requirements. Supported entities and items (like torches, glowstone, or enchanted gear), held or worn by players, mobs, or placed in item frames, will emit light using the (https://minecraft.wiki/w/Light_(block)) added in Snapshot 21w13a.
[50+ supported vanilla items](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/wiki/Supported-Items) out of the box Multiple light levels: 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 Water-sensitive behavior with sounds for some items Enchanted items glow by default (light level 6), with special cases for Fire Aspect, Riptide, Channeling (light level 9) Amethyst-trimmed armor emits light Mobs, falling blocks, and display entities can emit light if carrying a supported item ~~Curios API support for modded inventory slots~~ See issue [#76](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/76)
Since this project is completely server-side, players joining a server with Dynamic Lights installed will not need to install anything on their end for it to work! However, you can still use the mod version on the client for single-player worlds only. Joining a server that does not have Dynamic Lights installed will have no effect.
[-> For a complete list of supported items & entities, and available settings, take a look at the wiki <-](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/wiki)
## ℹ️ Limitations
Since this is a data pack at its core, there are some limitations compared to other purely modded solutions.
Limitations (click to expand)
- Dynamic Lights may stutter while moving around. This project solely relies on vanilla light blocks, which are restricted to the block grid. Smooth transitions between blocks are not feasible
- This pack currently uses marker entities to keep track of dynamic light positions. If these entities are cleared by you or plugins like (https://www.spigotmc.org/resources/entitytrackerfixer-1-13-1-20-6-support-optimize-your-server. 114924/), light blocks will be left behind. See issue [#25](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/25)
- Vanilla light blocks are unfortunately immovable by pistons and block explosion damage. This can cause some redstone contraptions to malfunction. Please report any issues, I try to prevent common cases. See e.g. fixed issues [#51](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/51), [#15](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/15), [#12](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/12), [#10](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/10)
- In Minecraft 1. 21. 4 and below, dynamic light updates will always trigger block updates. This could cause floating blocks affected by gravity, like sand or gravel, to fall
- Some shader packs that ignore the vanilla lightmap, such as (https://modrinth.com/project/kmwfVOoi), will not display the dynamic lights. See issue [#59](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/59)
- Dynamic Lights cannot function in 1x1 block spaces occupied by non-solid blocks, as there is simply no space for placing light blocks. See issues [#39](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/39) and [#43](https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/43)
- Dynamic Lights per player operate globally. (https://github.com/Tschipcraft/dynamiclights/issues/3#issuecomment-1450437262)
## 🔧 Installation & Use
Install either as:
Data Pack ➜ Place `.zip` in your world's `datapacks` folder * Mod ➜ Drop into your `mods` folder and opt
Dynamic Lights is a server-side mod that brings dynamic lighting to Minecraft 1.17.x-26.2.x without client-side requirements. It makes held or worn items like torches and enchanted gear emit light, with multiple light levels and water-sensitive behavior. Ideal for vanilla or lightly modded servers.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge adoption: 4,219 endorsements and 7.2M downloads show it's a proven, popular mod
- Server-side only means no client mods needed for players, perfect for vanilla servers
- Active development: last updated June 2026, so it's kept current with recent versions
⚠️ Cons
- Author warns against using it for heavily modded setups or modpacks, recommending client-side alternatives instead
- Light emission is based on block light, so it may not look as smooth as client-side dynamic lighting mods
This is for server admins who want dynamic lighting without forcing players to install client mods. It's also great for vanilla survival players who want torches to light up when held. If you run a heavily modded pack, look elsewhere.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since it's server-side, install it on your server and players don't need to do anything—just join and enjoy the light.
- Test with a torch in hand and in an item frame to see the different light levels and water behavior.
- If you're on a modded server, consider using a client-side mod like LambDynamicLights instead for better visuals.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Minecraft Data Packs
- Author
- Tschipcraft
- Version
- 1.9.3
- Downloads
- 7,212,406
- Endorsements
- 4,219
- Category
- adventure
- Created
- 1/1/2023
- Updated
- 6/24/2026
- Game Versions
- 1.17, 1.17.1-pre1, 1.17.1-pre2, 1.17.1-pre3, 1.17.1-rc1
- Tags
- adventure, game-mechanics, utility
🔧 How to Install Minecraft Data Packs Mods
Download from Modrinth. Use Prism Launcher or drop into your mods folder.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Minecraft Data Packs →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Minecraft Data Packs commands, item IDs, and more.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which Minecraft Data Packs versions does Dynamic Lights support?
The author lists 1.17, 1.17.1-pre1, 1.17.1-pre2, 1.17.1-pre3, 1.17.1-rc1, 1.17.1-rc2. Other versions may work but are untested by the author.
What is the latest version of Dynamic Lights?
Version 1.9.3, published 2026-06-24 with 7.2M downloads recorded at the source.
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