Stratum
Stratum is a Minecraft resource pack focused on realistic visuals and shader support.
What Stratum is
Stratum is a Minecraft resource pack focused on realistic visuals and shader support. Its materials support physically based rendering, while parallax occlusion mapping uses height-map information to create simulated surface depth with a compatible shader. Normal and specular maps provide additional texture detail and reflectivity when used with compatible shaders. The pack is designed with Continuum shaders in mind, and its maker says it also takes steps to support other popular shaders. Stratum works only with Minecraft Java Edition and officially supports versions 1.12.2 through 1.21.11; the appropriate pack version must match the game version. OptiFine is required for textures to load properly, while Iris may work but is not fully verified. A free 128×128 version is available and is described as current with the paid higher-resolution options. Paid one-time tiers cost 5.00 USD, 15.00 USD, or 25.00 USD and offer resolutions up to 2048x, with future updates included. The pack remains in Early Access, so some textures may be missing, and system requirements rise with resolution.
Good
- Free 128×128 version is available.
- Supports physically based rendering materials.
- Includes normal and specular maps.
- Officially supports Minecraft 1.12.2 through 1.21.11.
- Paid tiers include future updates.
Watch out
- Minecraft Java Edition only.
- OptiFine is required for proper texture loading.
- Some textures may be missing.
- Refund policy says all sales are final.
Who it suits
Stratum suits Minecraft Java Edition players seeking shader-supported, realistic textures who can use OptiFine. Players should consider the resolution-specific system requirements and the pack’s ongoing development status.
Verdict
Stratum offers shader-oriented materials and a free entry option, with paid tiers for higher resolutions. Check edition compatibility, graphics requirements, and the Early Access status before choosing a version.
Plans and prices
From Stratum's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Stratum Tier 1 | $5, paid once | 256x version · One-time purchase; includes future updates. |
| Stratum Tier 2 | $15, paid once | 256x · 512x · One-time purchase; includes future updates. |
| Stratum Tier 3 | $25, paid once | 256x · 512x · 1024x · 2048x · One-time purchase; includes future updates. |
| Tier 1 | — | 256x version · One-time purchase; lifetime access and updates |
| Tier 2 | — | 256x · 512x versions · One-time purchase; lifetime access and updates |
| Tier 3 | — | 256x · 512x · 1024x · 2048x versions · One-time purchase; lifetime access and updates |
The facts
Each one read from Stratum's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Compatibility
- Stratum is compatible only with Minecraft Java Edition; the maker says OptiFine is required for textures to load properly, while Iris may work but is not fully verified.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Depth effects
- It supports Parallax Occlusion Mapping (POM) when used with a compatible shader pack.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Development status
- Stratum is an Early Access pack still in development, so some textures may be missing.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Game compatibility
- Stratum is compatible only with Minecraft Java Edition; Windows 10 and Pocket versions are not supported.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Game versions
- The FAQ says Stratum officially supports Minecraft 1.12.2 through 1.21.11.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Maps
- The pack includes normal and specular maps for texture detail and reflectivity when used with compatible shaders.checked 8 Oct 2026
- PBR textures
- The pack supports physically based rendering, which lets compatible shaders render light interacting with its textures.checked 8 Oct 2026
- POM support
- Stratum includes parallax occlusion mapping, which uses height-map information to simulate 3D texture details with compatible shaders.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy and payment security
- The privacy policy says sensitive credit information is encrypted via SSL and transactions are processed through a gateway provider rather than stored or processed on the maker’s servers.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Privacy and security
- The privacy policy says sensitive payment information is encrypted via SSL and transactions are processed through a gateway provider rather than stored or processed on the maker's servers.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- Stratum is a high-quality Minecraft resource pack focused on realism and shader support.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Refunds
- The maker states that all sales are final because the products are digital and may be copied after download.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Rendering
- The pack supports physically based rendering (PBR) materials.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Required software
- Optifine is required for textures to load properly, while Iris may work but has not been fully tested or verified.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Shader compatibility
- Stratum is designed with Continuum shaders in mind, and the maker says it also takes steps to work with other popular Minecraft shaders.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker offers help by email or Discord for questions about projects, installation, and configuration.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Surface maps
- It includes normal and specular maps for texture detail and reflectivity when used with compatible shaders.checked 7 Oct 2026
- System requirements
- Requirements vary by resolution; the page lists 4GB VRAM and 8GB RAM for 128x, and more than 48GB VRAM and 96GB RAM for the latest 2048x build.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Version support
- The FAQ says Stratum officially supports Minecraft 1.12.2 through 1.21.11 and requires selecting the appropriate pack version for the game version.checked 8 Oct 2026
- What it is
- Stratum is a Minecraft resource pack focused on realism and shader support.checked 8 Oct 2026
Money
- Free version
- A free 128×128 version is available and is described as up to date with the paid higher-resolution versions.checked 8 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- Continuum Graphics LLC describes itself as a small team of graphics developers and artists who mod games.checked 7 Oct 2026
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