NewCraftRank SitesA free website and storeMake yours ›
1.10.41CraftRank Launcher is out Download ›AshlarFree server software built on Paper, with DDoS and backdoor protection See Ashlar ›Server ownersYour own launcher with your name, logo and one click onto your server See themes ›CommunityAsk questions, share builds and find people to play with Join the forum ›
Resources / Texture packs / VanillaXBR

VanillaXBR

Minecraft upscaled. A smooth and familiar look to the game.

Texture packsFree1.16 – 1.21
by misterk7_- · listed from Modrinth
Download › Install with the launcher

Direct download from Modrinth · 281,759 downloads

VanillaXBR screenshot 1VanillaXBR screenshot 2VanillaXBR screenshot 3

What it does

VanillaXBR is a texture pack made by misterk7_-. Minecraft upscaled. A smooth and familiar look to the game.

It supports Minecraft 1.16 – 1.21. It has been downloaded 281,759 times on Modrinth. The last update came out on Nov 15, 2024.

Supported versions

1.211.201.191.181.171.16

Release history

VanillaXBR has had 17 releases on Modrinth since Aug 14, 2022. None of them came out in the past year. The newest is 0.29, released on Nov 15, 2024. It is made for Minecraft 1.21.2, 1.21.3. It runs on Minecraft. The download is 13.4 MB.

VersionReleasedMinecraftType
0.29Nov 15, 20241.21.2, 1.21.3Release
0.28Aug 19, 20241.21, 1.21.1Release
0.27Aug 19, 20241.20.5, 1.20.6Release
anniversaryJun 22, 2024–Beta
0.26Dec 24, 20231.20.3, 1.20.4Release

Latest release on GitHub

VanillaXBR is open source. Its newest release on GitHub is VanillaXBR - v0.29 - (1.21.2 / 1.21.3), published on Nov 15, 2024.

Hello! 1.21.3 is ready with the exception of the experimental features.

  • Redstone torches have a new model. Feedback needed! (see photo; cut corners)
  • Added all 1.21.3 textures. (bundles, banner items, torch model)

Experimental features will be worked on before the next Minecraft drop. If you need to, use this unofficial upscale made using PackXBR for them in the meantime. Give feedback on the torch model on our Discord server.

Before that: VanillaXBR - 1.20.6 and 1.21 (Aug 19, 2024), VanillaXBR - v0.26 (Dec 24, 2023).

Description from the author on Modrinth

Hello!

This is a Resource Pack that gives the game a smooth but familiar look.

If you want textures that preserve the essence of the originals and don't over-detail then this is the pack for you. Pixels are accurately blended into each other to create a more high-defenition version of the Minecraft textures. In fact the effect is so subtle that it looks vanilla from a distance.

VanillaXBR utilises an image-upscaling algorithm in creating parts of its textures which ensures that nothing of the vanilla Minecraft look is lost.

So if you love Vanilla, look no further than this!

How was this made?

This resource pack utilises a scaling method on the textures called 'xBR'. If you've used a retro console emulator before then you may recognise it.

xBR was made by Hyllian to upscale pixel art four times its original size. I'd like to give credit to him, as this pack would have not been possible without it.

The tools I used to utilise the xBR algorithm outside of the emulators it was designed for were scripted versions of ImageResizer and Zenju's xBRZ. I then went into paint.net to edit and combine textures in post. Feel free to make your own xBR Resource Packs by upscaling your own textures! I would love to see what you come up with.

Introducing PackXBR! The easiest way to make your own textures fit with VanillaXBR.

Add-ons

- SnapshotXBR - A quick and dirty (lazy) upscale for the latest Minecraft versions.

  • ^ Incl. version 1.21.4 > 1.21.10, + 25w41a.

Special thanks to vanillatweaks.net for inspiration

#- Lower Terrain Sides
#- Visual Honey
#- Lower Fire
#- Gui Scale 3x Fix (explaination & recommended text-fixing pack from @obscure)
#- xBR Clouds (fast clouds setting only)

Missing something you want? Try using PackXBR to upscale a resource pack designed for vanilla!

A lazy upscale is a bad upscale.

(disclaimer) While most upscale projects take a hands-off approach to upscaling, VanillaXBR stands out. Its an iterative process where I upscale, layer, refine and etch each part of a texture manually. I give a level of care and attention which ensures that the textures produced are of the highest possible quality with no compromises.

Unlike an AI-based algorithm, xBR is a humanly designed scaling algorithm that I utilise to create textures that take a derived art style. I portray them accurately instead of what would have been an inconsistent and blurry mess. I understand the typical presumptions someone might have upon looking at this pack at first, so please take a moment to look and appreciate my textures before judging! Understand how this is not (and will never be) a lazy upscale.

Links

Originating from... Planet Minecraft.

Community... Discord Server.

Written by misterk7_-. Read it with pictures on Modrinth.

How to install VanillaXBR

  1. Download the .zip file from Modrinth. Do not unzip it.

  2. In Minecraft, open Options, then Resource Packs, then Open Pack Folder.

  3. Drop the .zip file into that folder and go back to the game.

  4. Move VanillaXBR to the right-hand list and click Done.

  5. It is made for Minecraft 1.16 – 1.21. On other versions Minecraft marks it as incompatible, but it often still works.

Compatibility

Minecraft versions
1.21, 1.20, 1.19, 1.18, 1.17, 1.16
Edition
Java
Needs
Nothing else
License
CC BY
Price
Free
Upkeep
Actively updated (Nov 10, 2026)

VanillaXBR compared with similar ones Compare all alternatives

ResourceDownloadsVersionsLast updatePrice
VanillaXBRthe one you looked at282K1.16 – 1.21Nov 15, 2024Free
Dramatic Skysthebaum6411.5M1.8 – 26.xSep 19, 2026Free
Default HD Sun and Moonthebaum64806K1.8 – 26.xSep 19, 2026Free
Legacy Skin Packsomo50489K1.20 – 26.xOct 15, 2025Free

Questions

Does VanillaXBR work on Minecraft 26.x?

Not yet. The newest version it supports is Minecraft 1.21.

Is VanillaXBR free?

Yes. VanillaXBR is free to download from Modrinth.

Is VanillaXBR still updated?

Yes. The last update came out in the past day.

What are the best alternatives to VanillaXBR?

The closest ones are Dramatic Skys, Default HD Sun and Moon and Legacy Skin Packs. Compare all alternatives

Alternatives to VanillaXBR

Dramatic SkysTexture packs · 1.8 – 26.x

Dramatic Skys is an add on pack that will make the skies in your game HD with realistic clouds and lighting. This pack works with any other resource pack…

Free11,454,722 downloads
Compare all alternatives ›

Reviews

–★★★★★
0 reviews
50
40
30
20
10

Log in to leave a review.