---
title: "How to Set Up Vanilla+ Performance Stack (Fabric + Sodium + Iris) & Download Mods in Prism Launcher"
description: "Step-by-step walkthrough for creating a Vanilla+ Performance Stack (Fabric + Sodium + Iris) instance (1.16.5 – 1.21.4+), installing Fabric Loader + Fabric API + Sodium + Iris, and adding mods in Prism Launcher."
canonical: https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/vanilla-plus-sodium-iris-setup-and-mods-guide
updated: 2026-10-17
---

# How to Set Up Vanilla+ Performance Stack (Fabric + Sodium + Iris) in Prism Launcher

Complete setup checklist for Vanilla+ Performance Stack (Fabric + Sodium + Iris) on Windows: version selection, Fabric Loader + Fabric API + Sodium + Iris, and shader/mod installation.

## Facts (2026-10-17)

- **Target Loader:** Vanilla+ Performance Stack (Fabric + Sodium + Iris)
- **Supported Versions:** 1.16.5 – 1.21.4+
- **Required Library:** Fabric Loader + Fabric API + Sodium + Iris

## Step-by-step Vanilla+ Performance Stack (Fabric + Sodium + Iris) instance creation

1. Launch Prism Launcher (available at [/download](https://prismlauncher.ink/download)) and click **Add Instance** on the top toolbar.
2. Pick your target Minecraft version (1.16.5 – 1.21.4+) and select [Vanilla+ Performance Stack (Fabric + Sodium + Iris)](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/vanilla-plus-sodium-iris) under the Mod Loader section, then click **OK**.
3. Right-click the new instance → **Edit** → **Mods** → **Download mods** and install `Fabric Loader + Fabric API + Sodium + Iris` along with your favorite mods.

## Verifying Java and RAM before first launch

Open the **Settings** tab inside Edit Instance to confirm your Java installation matches the Minecraft version and set Maximum Memory to 4096 MiB (or 6144–8192 MiB for heavy mod lists).

If a newly added mod causes a crash, untick it in the **Mods** list without deleting the JAR file to test cleanly.

## FAQ

### Do I need to install Fabric Loader + Fabric API + Sodium + Iris manually?

When you use Prism Launcher's built-in **Download mods** browser, it automatically flags and queues required dependencies like Fabric Loader + Fabric API + Sodium + Iris.

### Can I add shaders to this loader?

Yes. Install Iris Shaders (for Fabric/NeoForge) or Oculus (for Forge 1.20.1) in the Mods tab, then add your shaderpack ZIP in the Shader Packs tab.

## Related

- [Vanilla+ Performance Stack (Fabric + Sodium + Iris) in Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/vanilla-plus-sodium-iris)
- [Prism Launcher Mod Loaders](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders)
- [How to Install Shaders (Iris + Complementary / BSL) in Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/howto/how-to-install-shaders-iris-complementary-prism)
- [Prism Launcher Instance Management](https://prismlauncher.ink/instances)
- [Fabric Loader in Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/fabric-loader)

## Download

Free and open source: [Download Prism Launcher](https://prismlauncher.ink/download)

Markdown mirror: https://prismlauncher.ink/loaders/vanilla-plus-sodium-iris-setup-and-mods-guide.md