comment about LOD only depth issue

Thanks Acuadragon100!

.editorconfig

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ insert_final_newline = false
 max_line_length = 1000
 tab_width = 4
 trim_trailing_whitespace = false
-ij_continuation_indent_size = 8
+ij_continuation_indent_size = 4
 ij_formatter_off_tag = @formatter:off
 ij_formatter_on_tag = @formatter:on
 ij_formatter_tags_enabled = true

api/build.gradle

@@ -2,48 +2,63 @@ import com.github.jengelman.gradle.plugins.shadow.tasks.ShadowJar
 
 plugins {
     id "java"
-
-    id "com.github.johnrengelman.shadow" version '8.1.1' apply false
+    id "com.gradleup.shadow"
 }
 
-
-shadowJar {
-    // required for basic shadowJar setup
-    configurations = [project.configurations.shadow]
+repositories {
+    mavenCentral()
 }
 
-task addSourcesToCompiledJar(type: ShadowJar) {
+tasks.withType(JavaCompile).configureEach {
+    options.release = 8
+    options.encoding = "UTF-8"
+}
 
-    def sourceJarPath = "build/libs/DistantHorizons-api-${rootProject.versionStr}-sources.jar"
-    def secondJarFile = file(sourceJarPath)
+configurations {
+    testImplementation.extendsFrom compileOnly
+}
+
+dependencies {
+    compileOnly "org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-api:${rootProject.log4j_version}"
+    testImplementation "junit:junit:4.13"
+}
+
+java {
+    withSourcesJar()
+}
+
+task createReleaseApiJar(type: ShadowJar) {
+
+    mustRunAfter sourcesJar
+    dependsOn shadowJar
+    
+    // the compiled "-all" jar is used since it's available at the time this task is run 
+    def compiledJarPath = "build/libs/DistantHorizonsApi-${rootProject.api_version}-all.jar"
+    def compiledJarFile = file(compiledJarPath)
     
     // doFirst is so these only run when the task is actually executed
     doFirst {
-        System.out.println("Adding source files from: \n" +
-                "[" + sourceJarPath + "] to compiled API jar: \n" +
-                "[" + shadowJar.archivePath + "]")
+        System.out.println("Adding class files from: \n" +
+                "[" + compiledJarPath + "] to source API jar: \n" +
+                "[" + shadowJar.archiveFile.get().asFile + "]")
         
         // Validate the input JAR file
-        if (!secondJarFile.exists()) {
-            throw new GradleException("Second JAR file not found: [${secondJarFile}]")
+        if (!compiledJarFile.exists()) {
+            throw new GradleException("Compiled JAR file not found: [${compiledJarFile}]")
         }
     }
     
-    // Set the name of the combined JAR file
-    archiveFileName.set("DistantHorizonsApi-${rootProject.api_version}.jar")
-    
-    // Set the destination directory for the combined JAR file
-    destinationDirectory = file('build/libs/merged/')
+    archiveFileName.set("DistantHorizonsApi-${rootProject.api_version}-combined.jar") // jar name
+    destinationDirectory = file('build/libs/') // jar location
     
     // Set the input JAR files to be combined
     from sourceSets.main.allJava
     from {
-        configurations.shadow.collect { it.isDirectory() ? it : zipTree(it) }
+        project.configurations.shadow.collect { it.isDirectory() ? it : zipTree(it) }
     }
     
-    // set the jars to merge
-    from shadowJar.archivePath
-    from secondJarFile
+    // add the class files
+    from zipTree(compiledJarFile)
     
     // alternative method to Include the source files in the combined JAR
     // and/or see which files are being included
@@ -77,6 +92,13 @@ task addSourcesToCompiledJar(type: ShadowJar) {
     }
     
 }
+// always create a combined jar for easy deployment
+assemble.dependsOn(createReleaseApiJar)
+
+shadowJar {
+    // required for basic shadowJar setup
+    configurations = [project.configurations.shadow]
+}
 
 javadoc {
     options {
@@ -87,3 +109,17 @@ javadoc {
         addStringOption('Xdoclint:all,-missing', '-quiet')
     }
 }
+
+// set the jar name
+def configureJar = { task ->
+    // outputs in the format:
+    // "DistantHorizonsApi-6.0.0.jar"
+    // "DistantHorizonsApi-6.0.0-sources.jar"
+    task.archiveBaseName = rootProject.api_name
+    task.archiveVersion = rootProject.api_version
+}
+configureJar(tasks.named("jar").get())
+configureJar(tasks.named("sourcesJar").get())
+configureJar(tasks.named("shadowJar").get())
+
+

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/EDhApiDetailLevel.java

@@ -39,10 +39,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums;
  */
 public enum EDhApiDetailLevel
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	/**
 	 * detail level: 0 <Br>
 	 * width in Blocks: 1

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiBlocksToAvoid.java

@@ -28,10 +28,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
  */
 public enum EDhApiBlocksToAvoid
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	NONE(false),
 	NON_COLLIDING(true);
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiDataCompressionMode.java

@@ -22,7 +22,9 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
 /**
  * UNCOMPRESSED <br>
  * LZ4 <br>
- * XZ <br><br>
+ * Z_STD <br>
+ * Z_STD_STREAM <br>
+ * LZMA2 <br><br>
  * 
  * Note: speed and compression ratios are examples
  * and should only be used for estimated comparisons.
@@ -32,10 +34,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
  */
 public enum EDhApiDataCompressionMode
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	/** 
 	 * Should only be used internally and for unit testing. <br><br> 
 	 * 
@@ -55,19 +53,32 @@ public enum EDhApiDataCompressionMode
 	 */
 	LZ4(1),
 	
-	///**
-	// * Decent speed and good compression. <br><br> 
-	// *
-	// * Read Speed: 9.31 MS / DTO <br>
-	// * Write Speed: 15.13 MS / DTO <br>
-	// * Compression ratio: 0.2606 <br>
-	// */
-	////@DisallowSelectingViaConfigGui
-	//Z_STD(2),
-	
+	/**
+	 * Great speed and good compression. <br><br> 
+	 *
+	 * Read Speed: 2.1 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Write Speed: 4.9 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Compression ratio: 0.2606 <br>
+	 */
+	Z_STD_BLOCK(4),
 	
 	/**
-	 * Extremely slow, but very good compression. <br><br> 
+	 * Similar to {@link EDhApiDataCompressionMode#Z_STD_BLOCK}
+	 * except slower. <br><br>
+	 * 
+	 * This option is only provided for legacy support when processing old databases. <br><br>
+	 * 
+	 * Read Speed: 9.31 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Write Speed: 15.13 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Compression ratio: 0.2606 <br>
+	 */
+	@Deprecated
+	@DisallowSelectingViaConfigGui
+	Z_STD_STREAM(2),
+	
+	/** 
+	 * Extremely slow, but very good compression. <br>
+	 * Often causes whole computer stuttering due to memory bandwidth saturation. <br><br>
 	 * 
 	 * Read Speed: 13.29 MS / DTO <br>
 	 * Write Speed: 70.95 MS / DTO <br>

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiGpuUploadMethod.java

@@ -35,25 +35,12 @@ public enum EDhApiGpuUploadMethod
 	/** Picks the best option based on the GPU the user has. */
 	AUTO(false, false),
 	
-	// commented out since it isn't currently in use
-	//BUFFER_STORAGE_MAPPING(true, true),
-	
 	/** Fast rendering, no stuttering. */
 	BUFFER_STORAGE(false, true),
 	
 	/** Fast rendering but may stutter when uploading. */
 	SUB_DATA(false, false),
 	
-	/**
-	 * May end up storing buffers in System memory. <br>
-	 * Fast rending if in GPU memory, slow if in system memory, <br>
-	 * but won't stutter when uploading.
-	 * 
-	 * @deprecated not currently supported
-	 */
-	@Deprecated
-	BUFFER_MAPPING(true, false),
-	
 	/** Fast rendering but may stutter when uploading. */
 	DATA(false, false);
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiGrassSideRendering.java

@@ -29,10 +29,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
  */
 public enum EDhApiGrassSideRendering
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	AS_GRASS,
 	FADE_TO_DIRT,
 	AS_DIRT;

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiHorizontalQuality.java

@@ -31,11 +31,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
  */
 public enum EDhApiHorizontalQuality
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
 	// Note: any quadraticBase less than 2.0f has issues with DetailDistanceUtil, and will always return the lowest detail level.
 	//  So for now we are limiting the lowest value to 2.0
 	//  LOWEST was originally 1.0f and LOW was 1.5f

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiLodShading.java

@@ -29,10 +29,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
  */
 public enum EDhApiLodShading
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	/** 
 	 * Uses Minecraft's shading for LODs. <Br>
 	 * This means if Minecraft's shading is disabled DH's shading will be as well.

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiLoggerLevel.java

@@ -17,23 +17,37 @@
  *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.tasks;
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
 
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
-
-import javax.annotation.Nullable;
-import java.util.concurrent.CompletableFuture;
-import java.util.function.Consumer;
+import org.apache.logging.log4j.Level;
 
 /**
- * @author Leetom
- * @version 2022-11-25
+ * ALL
+ * DEBUG
+ * INFO
+ * WARN
+ * ERROR
+ * DISABLED
+ * 
+ * @since API 5.0.0
+ * @version 2024-4-6
  */
-public interface IWorldGenTaskTracker
+public enum EDhApiLoggerLevel
 {
-	@Nullable
-	Consumer<FullDataSourceV2> getDataSourceConsumer();
+	// ordered from most to least broad
+	ALL(Level.ALL),
+	DEBUG(Level.DEBUG),
+	INFO(Level.INFO),
+	WARN(Level.WARN),
+	ERROR(Level.ERROR),
+	DISABLED(Level.OFF),
+	;
+	
+	public final Level level;
+	
+	EDhApiLoggerLevel(Level level)
+	{ this.level = level; }
+	
 	
-	CompletableFuture<Boolean> shouldGenerateSplitChild(long pos);
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiLoggerMode.java

@@ -1,55 +0,0 @@
-/*
- *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
- *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
- *
- *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
- *
- *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
- *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
- *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
- *
- *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
- *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
- *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
- *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
- *
- *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
- *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
- */
-
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
-
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.Level;
-
-/**
- * @since API 2.0.0
- * @version 2024-4-6
- */
-public enum EDhApiLoggerMode
-{
-	DISABLED(Level.OFF, Level.OFF),
-	LOG_ALL_TO_FILE(Level.ALL, Level.OFF),
-	LOG_ERROR_TO_CHAT(Level.ALL, Level.ERROR),
-	LOG_WARNING_TO_CHAT(Level.ALL, Level.WARN),
-	LOG_INFO_TO_CHAT(Level.ALL, Level.INFO),
-	LOG_DEBUG_TO_CHAT(Level.ALL, Level.DEBUG),
-	LOG_ALL_TO_CHAT(Level.ALL, Level.ALL),
-	LOG_ERROR_TO_CHAT_AND_FILE(Level.ERROR, Level.ERROR),
-	LOG_WARNING_TO_CHAT_AND_FILE(Level.WARN, Level.WARN),
-	LOG_INFO_TO_CHAT_AND_FILE(Level.INFO, Level.INFO),
-	LOG_DEBUG_TO_CHAT_AND_FILE(Level.DEBUG, Level.DEBUG),
-	LOG_WARNING_TO_CHAT_AND_INFO_TO_FILE(Level.INFO, Level.WARN),
-	LOG_ERROR_TO_CHAT_AND_INFO_TO_FILE(Level.INFO, Level.ERROR),
-	LOG_ERROR_TO_CHAT_AND_WARNING_TO_FILE(Level.ERROR, Level.WARN),
-	;
-	
-	public final Level levelForFile;
-	public final Level levelForChat;
-	
-	EDhApiLoggerMode(Level levelForFile, Level levelForChat)
-	{
-		this.levelForFile = levelForFile;
-		this.levelForChat = levelForChat;
-	}
-	
-}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution.java

@@ -64,10 +64,7 @@ public enum EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution
 	/** How wide each LOD DataPoint is */
 	public final int dataPointWidth;
 	
-	/**
-	 * This is the same as detailLevel in LodQuadTreeNode,
-	 * lowest is 0 highest is 9
-	 */
+	/** This is the same as detailLevel in LodQuadTreeNode */
 	public final byte detailLevel;
 	
 	/* Start/End X/Z give the block positions

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.java

@@ -33,10 +33,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
  */
 public enum EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	/**
 	 * No fading is done, there will be a pronounced border between
 	 * Minecraft and Distant Horizons. <br>

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiRenderingApi.java

@@ -0,0 +1,17 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
+
+/**
+ * VULKAN, <br>
+ * OPEN_GL, <br>
+ *
+ * @see EDhApiRenderingEngine
+ * 
+ * @since API 7.0.0
+ * @version 2026-3-10
+ */
+public enum EDhApiRenderingApi
+{
+	VULKAN,
+	OPEN_GL;
+	
+}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiRenderingEngine.java

@@ -0,0 +1,19 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
+
+/**
+ * AUTO, <br>
+ * OPEN_GL, <br>
+ * BLAZE_3D, <br><br>
+ *
+ * @see EDhApiRenderingApi
+ * 
+ * @since API 7.0.0
+ * @version 2026-3-10
+ */
+public enum EDhApiRenderingEngine
+{
+	AUTO,
+	OPEN_GL,
+	BLAZE_3D;
+	
+}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiServerFolderNameMode.java

@@ -35,11 +35,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
  */
 public enum EDhApiServerFolderNameMode
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
 	/** Only use the server name */
 	NAME_ONLY,
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiVanillaOverdraw.java

@@ -1,56 +0,0 @@
-/*
- *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
- *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
- *
- *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
- *
- *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
- *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
- *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
- *
- *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
- *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
- *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
- *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
- *
- *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
- *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
- */
-
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
-
-/**
- * NEVER, 	<br>
- * DYNAMIC, <br>
- * ALWAYS	<br> <br>
- *
- * This represents how far the LODs should overlap with
- * the vanilla Minecraft terrain.
- *
- * @author James Seibel
- * @since API 2.0.0
- * @version 2024-4-6
- */
-@Deprecated // not currently in use, if the config this enum represents is re-implemented, the deprecated flag can be removed
-public enum EDhApiVanillaOverdraw
-{
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
-	/**
-	 * Don't draw LODs where a minecraft chunk could be.
-	 * Use Overdraw Offset to tweak the border thickness.
-	 */
-	NEVER,
-	
-	/**
-	 * Draw LODs over the farther minecraft chunks.
-	 * Dynamically decides the border thickness
-	 */
-	DYNAMIC,
-	
-	/** Draw LODs over all minecraft chunks. */
-	ALWAYS,
-}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiVerticalQuality.java

@@ -53,7 +53,7 @@ public enum EDhApiVerticalQuality
 	
 	
 	
-	public int calculateMaxVerticalData(byte dataDetail)
+	public int calculateMaxNumberOfVerticalSlicesAtDetailLevel(byte dataDetail)
 	{
 		// for detail levels lower than what the enum defines, use the lowest quality item
 		int index = MathUtil.clamp(0, dataDetail, this.maxVerticalData.length - 1);

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/EDhApiWorldCompressionMode.java

@@ -28,10 +28,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config;
  */
 public enum EDhApiWorldCompressionMode
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	/** 
 	 * Every block/biome change is recorded in the database. <br>
 	 * This is what DH 2.0 and 2.0.1 all used by default and will store a lot of data. 

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/quickOptions/EDhApiQualityPreset.java

@@ -35,10 +35,6 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.DisallowSelectingViaConfigGui
  */
 public enum EDhApiQualityPreset
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	@DisallowSelectingViaConfigGui
 	CUSTOM,
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/config/quickOptions/EDhApiThreadPreset.java

@@ -34,10 +34,6 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.DisallowSelectingViaConfigGui
  */
 public enum EDhApiThreadPreset
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	@DisallowSelectingViaConfigGui
 	CUSTOM,
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/rendering/EDhApiDebugRendering.java

@@ -33,11 +33,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering;
  */
 public enum EDhApiDebugRendering
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
 	/** LODs are rendered normally */
 	OFF,
 	
@@ -48,11 +43,7 @@ public enum EDhApiDebugRendering
 	SHOW_BLOCK_MATERIAL,
 	
 	/** Only draw overlapping LOD quads. */
-	SHOW_OVERLAPPING_QUADS,
-	
-	/** LOD colors are based on renderSource flags. */
-	SHOW_RENDER_SOURCE_FLAG;
-	
+	SHOW_OVERLAPPING_QUADS;
 	
 	public static EDhApiDebugRendering next(EDhApiDebugRendering type)
 	{
@@ -65,7 +56,7 @@ public enum EDhApiDebugRendering
 			case SHOW_BLOCK_MATERIAL:
 				return SHOW_OVERLAPPING_QUADS;
 			case SHOW_OVERLAPPING_QUADS:
-				return SHOW_RENDER_SOURCE_FLAG;
+				return OFF;
 			default:
 				return OFF;
 		}
@@ -76,8 +67,6 @@ public enum EDhApiDebugRendering
 		switch (type)
 		{
 			case OFF:
-				return SHOW_RENDER_SOURCE_FLAG;
-			case SHOW_RENDER_SOURCE_FLAG:
 				return SHOW_OVERLAPPING_QUADS;
 			case SHOW_OVERLAPPING_QUADS:
 				return SHOW_DETAIL;

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/rendering/EDhApiFogDrawMode.java

@@ -33,10 +33,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering;
 @Deprecated
 public enum EDhApiFogDrawMode
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
 	/**
 	 * Use whatever Fog setting Optifine is using.
 	 * If Optifine isn't installed this defaults to {@link EDhApiFogDrawMode#FOG_ENABLED}.

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/rendering/EDhApiFogFalloff.java

@@ -30,11 +30,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering;
  */
 public enum EDhApiFogFalloff
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
 	LINEAR(0),
 	EXPONENTIAL(1),
 	EXPONENTIAL_SQUARED(2);

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/rendering/EDhApiHeightFogDirection.java

@@ -33,11 +33,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering;
  */
 public enum EDhApiHeightFogDirection
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
 	ABOVE_CAMERA                (true,  true,  false),
 	BELOW_CAMERA                (true,  false, true),
 	ABOVE_AND_BELOW_CAMERA      (true,  true,  true),

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/rendering/EDhApiRendererMode.java

@@ -20,22 +20,17 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering;
 
 /**
- * Default <br>
- * Debug <br>
- * Disabled <br>
+ * DEFAULT <br>
+ * DEBUG_TRIANGLE <br>
+ * DISABLED <br>
  *
  * @since API 2.0.0
- * @version 2024-4-6
+ * @version 2026-03-23
  */
 public enum EDhApiRendererMode
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
 	DEFAULT,
-	DEBUG,
+	DEBUG_TRIANGLE,
 	DISABLED;
 	
 	
@@ -45,8 +40,8 @@ public enum EDhApiRendererMode
 		switch (type)
 		{
 			case DEFAULT:
-				return DEBUG;
-			case DEBUG:
+				return DEBUG_TRIANGLE;
+			case DEBUG_TRIANGLE:
 				return DISABLED;
 			default:
 				return DEFAULT;
@@ -60,10 +55,10 @@ public enum EDhApiRendererMode
 		{
 			case DEFAULT:
 				return DISABLED;
-			case DEBUG:
+			case DEBUG_TRIANGLE:
 				return DEFAULT;
 			default:
-				return DEBUG;
+				return DEBUG_TRIANGLE;
 		}
 	}
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/rendering/EDhApiTransparency.java

@@ -21,30 +21,13 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering;
 
 /**
  * DISABLED,					<br>
- * FAKE,						<br>
  * COMPLETE,					<br>
  * 
  * @since API 2.0.0
- * @version 2024-4-6
+ * @version 2026-05-19
  */
 public enum EDhApiTransparency
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
-	DISABLED(false, false),
-	FAKE(true, true),
-	COMPLETE(true, false);
-	
-	public final boolean transparencyEnabled;
-	public final boolean fakeTransparencyEnabled;
-	
-	EDhApiTransparency(boolean transparencyEnabled, boolean fakeTransparencyEnabled)
-	{
-		this.transparencyEnabled = transparencyEnabled;
-		this.fakeTransparencyEnabled = fakeTransparencyEnabled;
-	}
-	
+	DISABLED,
+	COMPLETE;
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/worldGeneration/EDhApiDistantGeneratorMode.java

@@ -34,11 +34,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.worldGeneration;
  */
 public enum EDhApiDistantGeneratorMode
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
 	/** Don't generate any new terrain, just generate LODs for already generated chunks. */
 	PRE_EXISTING_ONLY((byte) 1),
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/enums/worldGeneration/EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.java

@@ -31,11 +31,6 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.worldGeneration;
  */
 public enum EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation
 {
-	// Reminder:
-	// when adding items up the API minor version
-	// when removing items up the API major version
-	
-	
 	OVERLAY,
 	CHAT,
 	LOG,

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/IDhApiUnsafeWrapper.java

@@ -19,6 +19,8 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces;
 
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBlockStateWrapper;
+
 /**
  * Implemented by wrappers so developers can
  * access the underlying Minecraft object(s).
@@ -38,7 +40,11 @@ public interface IDhApiUnsafeWrapper
 	 * In order to cast this object to something usable, you may want
 	 * to use <code>obj.getClass()</code> when in your IDE
 	 * in order to determine what object this method returns for
-	 * the specific version of Minecraft you are developing for.
+	 * the specific version of Minecraft you are developing for. <br><br>
+	 * 
+	 * Note:<br>
+	 * This method may return null in some cases, IE {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper}
+	 * when it is wrapping air.
 	 */
 	Object getWrappedMcObject();
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/block/IDhApiBlockStateWrapper.java

@@ -23,7 +23,10 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiBlockMaterial;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.IDhApiUnsafeWrapper;
 
 /**
- * A Minecraft version independent way of handling Blocks.
+ * A Minecraft version independent way of handling Blocks. <br><br>
+ * 
+ * Note: the wrapped object (IE the object returned by {@link IDhApiUnsafeWrapper#getWrappedMcObject}) 
+ * will be null if this object is wrapping air.
  *
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2023-6-11
@@ -39,6 +42,12 @@ public interface IDhApiBlockStateWrapper extends IDhApiUnsafeWrapper
 	/** @since API 1.0.0 */
 	boolean isLiquid();
 	
+	/**
+	 * Returns a value between 0 (fully transparent) and 16 (fully opaque).
+	 * @since 6.1.0 
+	 */
+	int getOpacity();
+	
 	/**
 	 * Returns the full serialized form of the given block
 	 * as defined by DH's serialization methods.

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/config/client/IDhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig.java

@@ -23,10 +23,10 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigGroup;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 
 /**
- * Distant Horizons' fog configuration. <br><br>
+ * Distant Horizons' SSAO configuration. <br><br>
  *
  * @author James Seibel
- * @version 2022-9-6
+ * @version 2026-02-05
  * @since API 1.0.0
  */
 public interface IDhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
@@ -34,32 +34,4 @@ public interface IDhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	/** Determines if Ambient Occlusion is rendered */
 	IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> enabled();
 	
-	/** 
-	 * Determines how many points in space are sampled for the occlusion test. 
-	 * Higher numbers will improve quality and reduce banding, but will increase GPU load. 
-	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> sampleCount();
-	
-	/** Determines the radius Screen Space Ambient Occlusion is applied, measured in blocks. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> radius();
-	
-	/** Determines how dark the Screen Space Ambient Occlusion effect will be. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> strength();
-	
-	/** Increasing the value can reduce banding at the cost of reducing the strength of the effect. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> bias();
-	
-	/** 
-	 * Determines how dark the occlusion shadows can be. <br> 
-	 * 0 = totally black at the corners <br>
-	 * 1 = no shadow
-	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> minLight();
-	
-	/**
-	 * The radius, measured in pixels, that blurring is calculated. <br>
-	 * Higher numbers will reduce banding at the cost of GPU performance.
-	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> blurRadius();
-	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/config/client/IDhApiFarFogConfig.java

@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ public interface IDhApiFarFogConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	 * 0.0 = fog starts at the camera <br>
 	 * 1.0 = fog starts at the edge of the fake chunk render distance <br>
 	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogStartDistance();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogStartDistance();
 	
 	/**
 	 * Defines where the fog ends as a percent of the radius
@@ -54,18 +54,18 @@ public interface IDhApiFarFogConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	 * 0.0 = fog ends at the camera <br>
 	 * 1.0 = fog ends at the edge of the fake chunk render distance <br>
 	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogEndDistance();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogEndDistance();
 	
 	/** Defines how opaque the fog is at its thinnest point. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogMinThickness();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogMinThickness();
 	
 	/** Defines how opaque the fog is at its thickest point. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogMaxThickness();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogMaxThickness();
 	
 	/** Defines how the fog changes in thickness. */
 	IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiFogFalloff> farFogFalloff();
 	
 	/** Defines the fog density. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogDensity();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogDensity();
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/config/client/IDhApiGraphicsConfig.java

@@ -85,6 +85,18 @@ public interface IDhApiGraphicsConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	/** Modifies the quadratic function fake chunks use for horizontal quality drop-off. */
 	IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiHorizontalQuality> horizontalQuality();
 	
+	/** 
+	 * If true DH will try to use the camera position when
+	 * determining LOD quality drop-off. <br>
+	 * If false DH will use the player's position.
+	 * <br><br>
+	 * Enabling helps free-cam mods render correctly. <br>
+	 * Disabling helps multi-camera mods render correctly (ie Immersive Portals or camera mods).
+	 * 
+	 * @since API 7.0.0
+	 */
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> useCameraPositionForQualityDropOff();
+	
 	IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiTransparency> transparency();
 	
 	/** Defines what blocks won't be rendered as LODs. */
@@ -104,7 +116,7 @@ public interface IDhApiGraphicsConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	 * 2 = blending of 5x5			<br>
 	 * ...							<br>
 	 */
-//	IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> getBiomeBlending();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> getBiomeBlending();
 	
 	
 	
@@ -124,19 +136,19 @@ public interface IDhApiGraphicsConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	 * 
 	 * @since API 2.0.0
 	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> overdrawPreventionRadius();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> overdrawPreventionRadius();
 	
 	/**
 	 * Modifies how bright fake chunks are. <br>
 	 * This is done when generating the vertex data and is applied before any shaders.
 	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> brightnessMultiplier();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> brightnessMultiplier();
 	
 	/**
 	 * Modifies how saturated fake chunks are. <br>
 	 * This is done when generating the vertex data and is applied before any shaders.
 	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> saturationMultiplier();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> saturationMultiplier();
 	
 	/** Defines if Distant Horizons should attempt to cull fake chunk cave geometry. */
 	IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> caveCullingEnabled();
@@ -150,12 +162,6 @@ public interface IDhApiGraphicsConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	/** If enabled vanilla chunk rendering is disabled and only fake chunks are rendered. */
 	IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> lodOnlyMode();
 	
-	/**
-	 * Setting this to a non-zero number will modify vanilla Minecraft's LOD Bias,
-	 * increasing how quickly its textures fade away.
-	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> lodBias();
-	
 	/**
 	 * Determines how LODs should be shaded.
 	 *

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/config/client/IDhApiHeightFogConfig.java

@@ -52,24 +52,24 @@ public interface IDhApiHeightFogConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	 * Defines the height fog's base height if {@link IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogDirection()}
 	 * is set to use a specific height.
 	 */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogBaseHeight();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogBaseHeight();
 	
 	/** Defines the height fog's starting height as a percent of the world height. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogStartingHeightPercent();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogStartingHeightPercent();
 	
 	/** Defines the height fog's ending height as a percent of the world height. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogEndingHeightPercent();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogEndingHeightPercent();
 	
 	/** Defines how opaque the height fog is at its thinnest point. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogMinThickness();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogMinThickness();
 	
 	/** Defines how opaque the height fog is at its thickest point. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogMaxThickness();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogMaxThickness();
 	
 	/** Defines how the height fog changes in thickness. */
 	IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiFogFalloff> heightFogFalloff();
 	
 	/** Defines the height fog's density. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogDensity();
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogDensity();
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/config/client/IDhApiNoiseTextureConfig.java

@@ -37,8 +37,8 @@ public interface IDhApiNoiseTextureConfig extends IDhApiConfigGroup
 	/** Defines how many steps of noise should be applied. */
 	IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> noiseSteps();
 	
-	/** Defines how intense the noise will be. */
-	IDhApiConfigValue<Double> noiseIntensity();
+	/** Defines how intense the noise will be, between 0.0 and 1.0. */
+	IDhApiConfigValue<Float> noiseIntensity();
 	
 	/**
 	 * Defines how far should the noise texture render before it fades away. (in blocks) <br>

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/data/IDhApiTerrainDataCache.java

@@ -1,15 +1,18 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.data;
 
 /**
- * Can be used to drastically speed up repeat read operations in {@link IDhApiTerrainDataRepo}.
+ * Can be used to drastically speed up repeat read operations in {@link IDhApiTerrainDataRepo}. <br><br>
+ * 
+ * Once you are done with this cache, closing it will free up any objects
+ * the cache is holding. This can reduce Garbage Collector overhead and reduce stuttering.
  * 
  * @see IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
  * 
  * @author James Seibel
- * @version 2024-7-14
+ * @version 2026-1-29
  * @since API 3.0.0
  */
-public interface IDhApiTerrainDataCache // TODO should this be AutoClosable?
+public interface IDhApiTerrainDataCache extends AutoCloseable
 {
 	/**
 	 * Removes any data that's currently stored in this cache.
@@ -21,4 +24,10 @@ public interface IDhApiTerrainDataCache // TODO should this be AutoClosable?
 	 */
 	void clear();
 	
+	// override without an exception
+	@Override
+	void close();
+	
+	
+	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/data/IDhApiTerrainDataRepo.java

@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.data.DhApiTerrainDataPoint;
  * @see IDhApiTerrainDataCache
  * 
  * @author James Seibel
- * @version 2023-6-22
+ * @version 2026-02-03
  * @since API 1.0.0
  */
 public interface IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
@@ -42,24 +42,17 @@ public interface IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	// getters //
 	//=========//
 	
-	/** @see IDhApiTerrainDataRepo#getSingleDataPointAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper, int, int, int, IDhApiTerrainDataCache) */
-	default DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> getSingleDataPointAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosY, int blockPosZ) { return this.getSingleDataPointAtBlockPos(levelWrapper, blockPosX, blockPosY, blockPosZ, null); }
 	/** 
 	 * Returns the terrain datapoint at the given block position, at/or containing the given Y position. 
 	 * @since API 3.0.0
 	 */
 	DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> getSingleDataPointAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosY, int blockPosZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache);
-	
-	/** @see IDhApiTerrainDataRepo#getColumnDataAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper, int, int, IDhApiTerrainDataCache) */
-	default DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> getColumnDataAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosZ) { return this.getColumnDataAtBlockPos(levelWrapper, blockPosX, blockPosZ, null); }
 	/** 
 	 * Returns every datapoint in the column located at the given block X and Z position top to bottom. 
 	 * @since API 3.0.0 
 	 */
 	DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> getColumnDataAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache);
 	
-	/** @see IDhApiTerrainDataRepo#getAllTerrainDataAtChunkPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper, int, int, IDhApiTerrainDataCache) */
-	default DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtChunkPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ) { return this.getAllTerrainDataAtChunkPos(levelWrapper, chunkPosX, chunkPosZ, null); }
 	/**
 	 * Returns every datapoint in the given chunk's X and Z position. <br><br>
 	 *
@@ -71,8 +64,6 @@ public interface IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	 */
 	DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtChunkPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache);
 	
-	/** @see IDhApiTerrainDataRepo#getAllTerrainDataAtRegionPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper, int, int, IDhApiTerrainDataCache) */
-	default DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtRegionPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int regionPosX, int regionPosZ) { return this.getAllTerrainDataAtRegionPos(levelWrapper, regionPosX, regionPosZ, null); }
 	/**
 	 * Returns every datapoint in the given region's X and Z position. <br><br>
 	 *
@@ -84,8 +75,6 @@ public interface IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	 */
 	DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtRegionPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int regionPosX, int regionPosZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache);
 	
-	/** @see IDhApiTerrainDataRepo#getAllTerrainDataAtDetailLevelAndPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper, byte, int, int, IDhApiTerrainDataCache) */
-	default DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtRegionPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, byte detailLevel, int posX, int posZ) { return this.getAllTerrainDataAtDetailLevelAndPos(levelWrapper, detailLevel, posX, posZ, null); }
 	/**
 	 * Returns every datapoint in the column located at the given detail level and X/Z position. <br>
 	 * This can be used to return terrain data for non-standard sizes (IE 2x2 blocks or 2x2 chunks).
@@ -101,21 +90,6 @@ public interface IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	
 	
 	
-	/** @see IDhApiTerrainDataRepo#raycast(IDhApiLevelWrapper, double, double, double, float, float, float, int, IDhApiTerrainDataCache) */
-	default DhApiResult<DhApiRaycastResult> raycast(
-			IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper,
-			double rayOriginX, double rayOriginY, double rayOriginZ,
-			float rayDirectionX, float rayDirectionY, float rayDirectionZ,
-			int maxRayBlockLength)
-	{
-		return this.raycast(
-				levelWrapper,
-				rayOriginX, rayOriginY, rayOriginZ,
-				rayDirectionX, rayDirectionY, rayDirectionZ,
-				maxRayBlockLength,
-				null);
-	}
-	
 	/**
 	 * Returns the datapoint and position of the LOD
 	 * at the end of the given ray. <br><br>
@@ -161,9 +135,16 @@ public interface IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	//=========//
 	
 	/** 
+	 * Creates a new cache you manage that can be used to speed up repeat
+	 * read operations. <br>
+	 * Without a cache each operation must: hit the backing database file,
+	 * decompress it, and parse it; which is a fairly slow process. <br>
+	 * 
 	 * @return a {@link IDhApiTerrainDataCache} backed by {@link java.lang.ref.SoftReference}'s.
-	 * @since API 3.0.0
+	 * @since API 5.0.0
 	 */
-	IDhApiTerrainDataCache getSoftCache();
+	IDhApiTerrainDataCache createSoftCache();
+	
+	
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/events/IDhApiEventInjector.java

@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ public interface IDhApiEventInjector extends IDependencyInjector<IDhApiEvent>
 	 * @return true if the handler was unbound, false if the handler wasn't bound.
 	 * @throws IllegalArgumentException if the implementation object doesn't implement the interface
 	 */
-	// Note to self: Don't try adding a generic type to IDhApiEvent, the constructor won't accept it
+	// Note to DH Devs: Don't try adding a generic type to IDhApiEvent, the constructor won't accept it
 	boolean unbind(Class<? extends IDhApiEvent> dependencyInterface, Class<? extends IDhApiEvent> dependencyClassToRemove) throws IllegalArgumentException;
 	
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/override/rendering/IDhApiFramebuffer.java

@@ -19,9 +19,21 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.override.rendering;
 
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiRenderingEngine;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.override.IDhApiOverrideable;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render.IDhApiRenderProxy;
 
 /**
+ * <b>Note: </b><br>
+ * This is only used if Distant Horizons' 
+ * {@link IDhApiRenderProxy#getRenderingApi()} returns {@link EDhApiRenderingEngine#OPEN_GL}
+ * and {@link IDhApiRenderProxy#isNativeRenderer()} returns true.
+ * ie this is only used when DH is doing native OpenGL rendering,
+ * if DH is using Blaze3D this interface will be ignored.
+ * 
+ * @see IDhApiRenderProxy#getRenderingApi()
+ * @see IDhApiRenderProxy#isNativeRenderer()
+ * 
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2024-1-24
  * @since API 2.0.0

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/override/rendering/IDhApiGenericObjectShaderProgram.java

@@ -19,7 +19,9 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.override.rendering;
 
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiRenderingEngine;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.override.IDhApiOverrideable;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render.IDhApiRenderProxy;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render.IDhApiRenderableBoxGroup;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiRenderParam;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiVec3d;
@@ -27,7 +29,16 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.render.DhApiRenderableBox;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.render.DhApiRenderableBoxGroupShading;
 
 /**
+ * <b>Note: </b><br>
+ * This is only used if Distant Horizons' 
+ * {@link IDhApiRenderProxy#getRenderingApi()} returns {@link EDhApiRenderingEngine#OPEN_GL}
+ * and {@link IDhApiRenderProxy#isNativeRenderer()} returns true.
+ * ie this is only used when DH is doing native OpenGL rendering,
+ * if DH is using Blaze3D this interface will be ignored.
+ *
  * @see IDhApiShaderProgram
+ * @see IDhApiRenderProxy#getRenderingApi() 
+ * @see IDhApiRenderProxy#isNativeRenderer()
  * 
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2024-7-11

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/override/rendering/IDhApiShaderProgram.java

@@ -19,12 +19,23 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.override.rendering;
 
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiRenderingEngine;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.override.IDhApiOverrideable;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render.IDhApiRenderProxy;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiRenderParam;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiVec3f;
 
 /**
+ * <b>Note: </b><br>
+ * This is only used if Distant Horizons' 
+ * {@link IDhApiRenderProxy#getRenderingApi()} returns {@link EDhApiRenderingEngine#OPEN_GL}
+ * and {@link IDhApiRenderProxy#isNativeRenderer()} returns true.
+ * ie this is only used when DH is doing native OpenGL rendering,
+ * if DH is using Blaze3D this interface will be ignored.
+ *
  * @see IDhApiGenericObjectShaderProgram
+ * @see IDhApiRenderProxy#getRenderingApi()
+ * @see IDhApiRenderProxy#isNativeRenderer()
  * 
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2024-1-24

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/override/worldGenerator/IDhApiWorldGenerator.java

@@ -169,7 +169,7 @@ public interface IDhApiWorldGenerator extends Closeable, IDhApiOverrideable
 	 *
 	 * After the {@link IDhApiWorldGenerator} has been generated, it should be passed into the
 	 * resultConsumer's {@link Consumer#accept(Object)} method.
-	 * Note: if air blocks aren't included in the with the {@link DhApiChunk} with proper lighting, lower detail levels will appear as black/unlit.
+	 * Note: if air blocks aren't included in the {@link IDhApiFullDataSource} with proper lighting, lower detail levels will appear as black/unlit.
 	 *
 	 * @implNote the default implementation of this method throws an {@link UnsupportedOperationException},
 	 * and must be overridden when {@link #getReturnType()} returns {@link EDhApiWorldGeneratorReturnType#API_CHUNKS}.

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/render/IDhApiCustomRenderObjectFactory.java

@@ -3,6 +3,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiVec3d;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiVec3f;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.render.DhApiRenderableBox;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.dependencyInjection.IBindable;
 
 import java.util.List;
 
@@ -18,7 +19,7 @@ import java.util.List;
  * @version 2024-7-3
  * @since API 3.0.0
  */
-public interface IDhApiCustomRenderObjectFactory
+public interface IDhApiCustomRenderObjectFactory extends IBindable
 {
 	/**
 	 * Creates a {@link IDhApiRenderableBoxGroup} from for the given {@link DhApiRenderableBox}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/render/IDhApiRenderProxy.java

@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render;
 
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiRenderingApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiRenderingEngine;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiAfterDhInitEvent;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.DhApiResult;
 
 
@@ -44,6 +47,33 @@ public interface IDhApiRenderProxy
 	 */
 	DhApiResult<Boolean> clearRenderDataCache();
 	
+	/**
+	 * Returns which specific {@link EDhApiRenderingApi}
+	 * Distant Horizons will use for rendering. <br><br>
+	 * 
+	 * @throws IllegalStateException if no renderer has been bound yet, 
+	 *      wait till after {@link DhApiAfterDhInitEvent} has been fired
+	 * 
+	 * @see DhApiAfterDhInitEvent
+	 * @since API 7.0.0
+	 */
+	EDhApiRenderingApi getRenderingApi() throws IllegalStateException;
+	/**
+	 * Returns true if the current renderer
+	 * is calling the base rendering API's method calls. <br>
+	 * ie GL.drawArrays() for OpenGL. <Br><br>
+	 *
+	 * If DH is using a rendering interpretation layer like Blaze3D (Mojang's rendering API) 
+	 * this will return false.
+	 *
+	 * @throws IllegalStateException if no renderer has been bound yet, 
+	 *      wait till after {@link DhApiAfterDhInitEvent} has been fired
+	 *
+	 * @see DhApiAfterDhInitEvent
+	 * @since API 7.0.0
+	 */
+	boolean isNativeRenderer() throws IllegalStateException;
+	
 	
 	
 	//=======================//
@@ -51,14 +81,16 @@ public interface IDhApiRenderProxy
 	//=======================//
 	
 	/**
-	 * Returns the name of Distant Horizons' depth texture. <br>
-	 * Will return {@link DhApiResult#success} = false and {@link DhApiResult#payload} = -1 if the texture hasn't been created yet.
+	 * Returns the OpenGL name of Distant Horizons' depth texture. <br>
+	 * Will return {@link DhApiResult#success} = false and {@link DhApiResult#payload} = -1 if the texture hasn't been created yet
+	 * or a rendering API other than OpenGL is in use.
 	 */
 	DhApiResult<Integer> getDhDepthTextureId();
 	
 	/**
-	 * Returns the name of Distant Horizons' color texture. <br>
-	 * Will return {@link DhApiResult#success} = false and {@link DhApiResult#payload} = -1 if the texture hasn't been created yet.
+	 * Returns the OpenGL name of Distant Horizons' color texture. <br>
+	 * Will return {@link DhApiResult#success} = false and {@link DhApiResult#payload} = -1 if the texture hasn't been created yet
+	 * or a rendering API other than OpenGL is in use
 	 */
 	DhApiResult<Integer> getDhColorTextureId();
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/render/IDhApiRenderableBoxGroup.java

@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ public interface IDhApiRenderableBoxGroup extends List<DhApiRenderableBox>
 	 * This is a good place to change the origin or notify of any box changes. 
 	 */
 	void setPreRenderFunc(Consumer<DhApiRenderParam> renderEventParam);
-	void setPostRenderFunc(Consumer<DhApiRenderParam> renderEventParam); // TODO name?
+	void setPostRenderFunc(Consumer<DhApiRenderParam> renderEventParam);
 	
 	/**
 	 * If a cube's color, position, or other property is changed this method

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/interfaces/world/IDhApiLevelWrapper.java

@@ -21,8 +21,14 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.world;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.IDhApiUnsafeWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.worldGeneration.EDhApiLevelType;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBiomeWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBlockStateWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render.IDhApiCustomRenderRegister;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiBlockColorOverrideEvent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.DhApiResult;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.data.IDhApiFullDataSource;
 
+import java.awt.*;
 import java.io.File;
 
 /**
@@ -90,6 +96,26 @@ public interface IDhApiLevelWrapper extends IDhApiUnsafeWrapper
 	 */
 	File getDhSaveFolder();
 	
+	/**
+	 * Returns the color DH would use for the given block/biome
+	 * pair at the given world position before any API color overrides
+	 * are considered. <br>
+	 * API color overrides are ignored to prevent infinite
+	 * loops if this event is triggered inside said API override.
+	 * <br><br>
+	 * 
+	 * Returns {@link DhApiResult#success} = false if {@link IDhApiLevelWrapper#getLevelType()} returns a {@link EDhApiLevelType#SERVER_LEVEL}
+	 * (server levels have no concept of textures or colors).
+	 * 
+	 * @see DhApiBlockColorOverrideEvent
+	 * @since API 7.0.0
+	 */
+	DhApiResult<Color> getBlockColorPreApi(
+		IDhApiBlockStateWrapper blockStateWrapper,
+		IDhApiBiomeWrapper biomeWrapper,
+		int blockWorldPosX, int blockWorldPosY, int blockWorldPosZ,
+		IDhApiFullDataSource dataSource);
+	
 	
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiBeforeBufferRenderEvent.java

@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiVec3f;
 
 /**
  * Called before Distant Horizons starts rendering a buffer. <br>
- * This event cannot be cancelled, use {@link DhApiBeforeRenderEvent} if you want to cancel rendering.
+ * This event cannot be canceled, use {@link DhApiBeforeRenderEvent} if you want to cancel rendering.
  * 
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2023-1-31
@@ -59,23 +59,25 @@ public abstract class DhApiBeforeBufferRenderEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiB
 		 * Measured in blocks.
 		 * Should be applied to the model view matrix to move the buffer into its proper place. 
 		 */
-		public final DhApiVec3f modelPos;
+		public DhApiVec3f modelPos;
 		
 		
-		public EventParam(DhApiRenderParam parent, DhApiVec3f modelPos)
+		
+		public EventParam() { }
+		
+		public void update(DhApiRenderParam parent, DhApiVec3f modelPos)
 		{
-			super(parent);
+			super.update(parent);
 			this.modelPos = modelPos;
 		}
 		
 		
+		
 		@Override 
-		public EventParam copy()
-		{
-			return new EventParam(
-					this, this.modelPos.copy()
-			);
-		}
+		public boolean getCopyBeforeFire() { return false; }
+		
+		@Override
+		public EventParam copy() { return this; }
 	}
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiBeforeColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent.java

@@ -31,7 +31,10 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhAp
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2025-6-9
  * @since API 4.1.0
+ * @deprecated Only used for the legacy OpenGL renderer <Br>
+ *             Using {@link DhApiAfterColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent} instead is recommended.
  */
+@Deprecated
 public abstract class DhApiBeforeColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiTextureCreatedParam>
 {
 	/** Fired before Distant Horizons creates. */

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiBeforeFogRenderEvent.java

@@ -0,0 +1,128 @@
+/*
+ *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
+ *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
+ *
+ *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
+ *
+ *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
+ *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
+ *
+ *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBiomeWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBlockStateWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.world.IDhApiLevelWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiCancelableEvent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEventParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiCancelableEventParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiFogRenderParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiMutableFogRenderParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiRenderParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.data.IDhApiFullDataSource;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.ColorUtil;
+
+/**
+ * Fired before DH renders its fog.
+ * Canceling this event disables fog for that frame.
+ * 
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2026-05-20
+ * @since API 7.0.0
+ */
+public abstract class DhApiBeforeFogRenderEvent implements IDhApiCancelableEvent<DhApiBeforeFogRenderEvent.EventParam>
+{
+	/** Fired before fog is generated. */
+	public abstract void beforeRender(DhApiCancelableEventParam<DhApiBeforeFogRenderEvent.EventParam> event);
+	
+	
+	//=========================//
+	// internal DH API methods //
+	//=========================//
+	
+	@Override
+	public final void fireEvent(DhApiCancelableEventParam<DhApiBeforeFogRenderEvent.EventParam> event) { this.beforeRender(event); }
+	
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// parameter object //
+	//==================//
+	
+	public static class EventParam implements IDhApiEventParam
+	{
+		private DhApiRenderParam renderParam;
+		private DhApiFogRenderParam originalFogRenderParam;
+		private DhApiMutableFogRenderParam fogRenderParam;
+		
+		
+		
+		//=============//
+		// constructor //
+		//=============//
+		//region
+		
+		public EventParam() {}
+		
+		public void update(DhApiRenderParam renderParam, DhApiFogRenderParam fogRenderParam)
+		{
+			this.renderParam = renderParam;
+			this.originalFogRenderParam = fogRenderParam;
+			this.fogRenderParam = new DhApiMutableFogRenderParam(fogRenderParam);
+		}
+		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+		//=================//
+		// getters/setters //
+		//=================//
+		//region
+		
+		public DhApiRenderParam getRenderParam() { return this.renderParam; }
+		
+		/** immutable, stores what DH would do without API intervention so API users have a reference point */
+		public DhApiFogRenderParam getOriginalFogRenderParam() { return this.originalFogRenderParam; }
+		/** mutable, can be modified by API users */
+		public DhApiMutableFogRenderParam getFogRenderParam() { return this.fogRenderParam; }
+		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+		//==========================//
+		// base api event overrides //
+		//==========================//
+		//region
+		
+		/**
+		 * Returns the same instance of this event.
+		 * Copying this event isn't supported
+		 * since the internal parameters must be mutated
+		 * by API users in order to be tracked by DH's internal
+		 * logic.
+		 */
+		@Override
+		public DhApiBeforeFogRenderEvent.EventParam copy() { return this; }
+		
+		@Override
+		public boolean getCopyBeforeFire() { return false; }
+		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+	}
+	
+	
+}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiBeforeGenericObjectRenderEvent.java

@@ -54,44 +54,45 @@ public abstract class DhApiBeforeGenericObjectRenderEvent implements IDhApiCance
 	
 	public static class EventParam extends DhApiRenderParam implements IDhApiEventParam
 	{
-		public final long boxGroupId;
-		public final String resourceLocationNamespace;
-		public final String resourceLocationPath;
+		public long boxGroupId;
+		public String resourceLocationNamespace;
+		public String resourceLocationPath;
 		
 		
-		public EventParam(
-				DhApiRenderParam renderParam,
-				IDhApiRenderableBoxGroup boxGroup
-			) 
+		
+		//==============//
+		// constructors //
+		//==============//
+		//region
+		
+		public EventParam() { }
+		
+		/** internal DH method */
+		public void update(DhApiRenderParam renderParam, IDhApiRenderableBoxGroup boxGroup)
 		{
-			super(renderParam); 
+			super.update(renderParam);
 			
 			this.boxGroupId = boxGroup.getId();
 			this.resourceLocationNamespace = boxGroup.getResourceLocationNamespace();
 			this.resourceLocationPath = boxGroup.getResourceLocationPath();
 		}
-		public EventParam(
-				DhApiRenderParam renderParam,
-				long boxGroupId, String resourceLocationNamespace, String resourceLocationPath
-			)
-		{
-			super(renderParam);
 		
-			this.boxGroupId = boxGroupId;
-			this.resourceLocationNamespace = resourceLocationNamespace;
-			this.resourceLocationPath = resourceLocationPath;
-		}
+		//endregion
 		
 		
 		
+		//================//
+		// base overrides //
+		//================//
+		//region
+		
 		@Override
-		public EventParam copy()
-		{
-			return new EventParam(
-				this, 
-				this.boxGroupId, this.resourceLocationNamespace, this.resourceLocationPath
-			);
-		}
+		public EventParam copy() { return this; }
+		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
 	}
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiBlockColorOverrideEvent.java

@@ -0,0 +1,187 @@
+/*
+ *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
+ *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
+ *
+ *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
+ *
+ *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
+ *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
+ *
+ *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBiomeWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBlockStateWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.world.IDhApiLevelWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEvent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEventParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiEventParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.data.IDhApiFullDataSource;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.ColorUtil;
+
+/**
+ * Performance note: this event will be fired millions of times on concurrent threads, 
+ * make it thread safe and as fast as possible. <br> 
+ * (If every LOD block goes through this event, On a 512 render distance world, 
+ * at the medium quality preset, it will be triggered around 40,000,000 times.)
+ * <Br><Br>
+ * 
+ * This event is fired when DH needs to convert a {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper}
+ * into a color for rendering. This event is fired after DH attempts to determine
+ * the color itself (using the base color, tinting, etc.). <Br>
+ * Using this event will override the tinting config for this block
+ * unless you re-implement that logic yourself.
+ * <Br><Br>
+ * 
+ * This event will only trigger for {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper}s that have been registered
+ * via {@link DhApiBlockStateWrapperCreatedEvent.EventParam#setAllowApiColorOverride(boolean)}.
+ * 
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2026-05-18
+ * @since API 6.0.0
+ * @see IDhApiBlockStateWrapper
+ */
+public abstract class DhApiBlockColorOverrideEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiBlockColorOverrideEvent.EventParam>
+{
+	public abstract void onBlockColorOverridden(DhApiEventParam<EventParam> event);
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========================//
+	// internal DH API methods //
+	//=========================//
+	
+	@Override
+	public final void fireEvent(DhApiEventParam<EventParam> event) { this.onBlockColorOverridden(event); }
+	
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// parameter object //
+	//==================//
+	
+	public static class EventParam implements IDhApiEventParam
+	{
+		private IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper;
+		private IDhApiFullDataSource dataSource;
+		private IDhApiBlockStateWrapper blockStateWrapper = null;
+		private IDhApiBiomeWrapper biomeWrapper = null;
+		private int colorAsInt = -1;
+		private int blockPosX = 0, blockPosY = 0, blockPosZ = 0;
+		
+		
+		
+		//=============//
+		// constructor //
+		//=============//
+		//region
+		
+		public EventParam() {}
+		
+		public void update(
+			IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper,
+			IDhApiFullDataSource dataSource,
+			IDhApiBlockStateWrapper blockStateWrapper,
+			IDhApiBiomeWrapper biomeWrapper,
+			int colorAsInt,
+			int blockPosX, int blockPosY, int blockPosZ)
+		{
+			this.levelWrapper = levelWrapper;
+			this.dataSource = dataSource;
+			this.blockStateWrapper = blockStateWrapper;
+			this.biomeWrapper = biomeWrapper;
+			this.colorAsInt = colorAsInt;
+			
+			this.blockPosX = blockPosX;
+			this.blockPosY = blockPosY;
+			this.blockPosZ = blockPosZ;
+		}
+		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+		//=================//
+		// getters/setters //
+		//=================//
+		//region
+		
+		public IDhApiBlockStateWrapper getBlockStateWrapper() { return this.blockStateWrapper; }
+		/** @since API 7.0.0 */
+		public IDhApiBiomeWrapper getBiomeWrapper() { return this.biomeWrapper; }
+		
+		/** the level DH is resolving this block's color in. */
+		public IDhApiLevelWrapper getLevelWrapper() { return this.levelWrapper; }
+		/** 
+		 * The DH datasource that contains this block's position. Can be used to access adjacent
+		 * {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper}'s and {@link IDhApiBiomeWrapper}'s for adjacent aware tinting.
+		 * @since API 7.0.0
+		 */
+		public IDhApiFullDataSource getDataSource() { return this.dataSource; }
+		
+		public int getColorAsInt() { return this.colorAsInt; }
+		public int getAlpha() { return ColorUtil.getAlpha(this.colorAsInt); }
+		public int getRed() { return ColorUtil.getRed(this.colorAsInt); }
+		public int getGreen() { return ColorUtil.getGreen(this.colorAsInt); }
+		public int getBlue() { return ColorUtil.getBlue(this.colorAsInt); }
+		public void setColor(int red, int green, int blue) throws IllegalArgumentException { this.setColor(this.getAlpha(), red, green, blue); }
+		/** 
+		 * Note: when if you set a partially transparent alpha channel the underlying {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper#getOpacity()}
+		 * method should also return a non-opaque value.
+		 * Otherwise LODs may behave incorrectly.
+		 */
+		public void setColor(int alpha, int red, int green, int blue) throws IllegalArgumentException
+		{
+			ColorUtil.throwIfColorValueOutOfIntRange("alpha", alpha);
+			ColorUtil.throwIfColorValueOutOfIntRange("red", red);
+			ColorUtil.throwIfColorValueOutOfIntRange("green", green);
+			ColorUtil.throwIfColorValueOutOfIntRange("blue", blue);
+			
+			this.colorAsInt = ColorUtil.argbToInt(alpha, red, green, blue);
+		}
+		
+		/** @return the block's X value in the world */
+		public int getBlockPosX() { return blockPosX; }
+		/** @return the block's Y value in the world */
+		public int getBlockPosY() { return blockPosY; }
+		/** @return the block's Z value in the world */
+		public int getBlockPosZ() { return blockPosZ; }
+		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+		//==========================//
+		// base api event overrides //
+		//==========================//
+		//region
+		
+		/** 
+		 * Returns the same instance of this event.
+		 * Copying this event isn't supported
+		 * since the internal parameters must be mutated
+		 * by API users in order to be tracked by DH's internal
+		 * logic.
+		 */
+		@Override
+		public EventParam copy() { return this; }
+		
+		@Override 
+		public boolean getCopyBeforeFire() { return false; }
+		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+	}
+	
+}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiBlockStateWrapperCreatedEvent.java

@@ -0,0 +1,131 @@
+/*
+ *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
+ *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
+ *
+ *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
+ *
+ *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
+ *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
+ *
+ *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiBlockMaterial;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBlockStateWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEvent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEventParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiEventParam;
+
+/**
+ * Can be used to modify {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper}'s as they're created.
+ * This can be helpful for modded blocks that are mis-categorized by DH's base logic. <br><br>
+ *
+ * Note: this is only fired once per {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} that is created
+ * and those {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} will only be created once per JVM session.
+ * 
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2026-04-14
+ * @since API 6.0.0
+ * @see IDhApiBlockStateWrapper
+ */
+public abstract class DhApiBlockStateWrapperCreatedEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiBlockStateWrapperCreatedEvent.EventParam>
+{
+	public abstract void blockStateWrapperCreated(DhApiEventParam<EventParam> event);
+	
+	
+	//=========================//
+	// internal DH API methods //
+	//=========================//
+	
+	@Override
+	public final void fireEvent(DhApiEventParam<EventParam> event) { this.blockStateWrapperCreated(event); }
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// parameter object //
+	//==================//
+	
+	public static class EventParam implements IDhApiEventParam
+	{
+		/** 
+		 * A copy of the wrapper that will be created. <Br>
+		 * Note: modifying this object won't change anything
+		 * a new wrapper will be created after this event finishes.
+		 */
+		private final IDhApiBlockStateWrapper blockStateWrapper;
+		
+		private boolean overridesSet = false;
+		private EDhApiBlockMaterial blockMaterial = null;
+		private Integer opacity = null;
+		private Boolean allowApiColorOverride = null;
+		
+		
+		
+		//=============//
+		// constructor //
+		//=============//
+		
+		public EventParam(IDhApiBlockStateWrapper blockStateWrapper) { this.blockStateWrapper = blockStateWrapper; }
+		
+		
+		
+		//=================//
+		// getters/setters //
+		//=================//
+		
+		public IDhApiBlockStateWrapper getBlockStateWrapper() { return this.blockStateWrapper; }
+		
+		/** if set this will override the value currently set in the given {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} */
+		public void setBlockMaterial(EDhApiBlockMaterial blockMaterial) 
+		{
+			this.blockMaterial = blockMaterial; 
+			this.overridesSet = true;
+		}
+		public EDhApiBlockMaterial getBlockMaterial() { return this.blockMaterial; }
+		
+		/** if set this will override the value currently set in the given {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} */
+		public void setOpacity(int opacity) 
+		{
+			this.opacity = opacity;
+			this.overridesSet = true;
+		}
+		public Integer getOpacity() { return this.opacity; }
+		
+		/** if set to true this {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} will trigger {@link DhApiBlockColorOverrideEvent} */
+		public void setAllowApiColorOverride(boolean allowApiColorOverride) 
+		{
+			this.allowApiColorOverride = allowApiColorOverride;
+			this.overridesSet = true;
+		}
+		public Boolean getAllowApiColorOverride() { return this.allowApiColorOverride; }
+		
+		/** If true then one or more options for this block were set to be changed */
+		public boolean getOverridesSet() { return this.overridesSet; }
+		
+		
+		
+		/** 
+		 * Returns the same instance of this event.
+		 * Copying this event isn't supported
+		 * since the internal parameters must be mutated
+		 * by API users in order to be tracked by DH's internal
+		 * logic.
+		 */
+		@Override
+		public EventParam copy() { return this; }
+		
+		@Override 
+		public boolean getCopyBeforeFire() { return false; }
+		
+	}
+	
+}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiChunkModifiedEvent.java

@@ -34,6 +34,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhAp
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2023-6-23
  * @see IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
+ * @see DhApiChunkProcessingEvent
  * @since API 1.0.0
  */
 public abstract class DhApiChunkModifiedEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiChunkModifiedEvent.EventParam>

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiChunkProcessingEvent.java

@@ -0,0 +1,198 @@
+/*
+ *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
+ *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
+ *
+ *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
+ *
+ *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
+ *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
+ *
+ *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBiomeWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBlockStateWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.factories.IDhApiWrapperFactory;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.world.IDhApiLevelWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEvent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEventParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiEventParam;
+
+/**
+ * Used to override which blocks may be stored in a given chunk.
+ * This can be used for X-ray prevention or to replace problematic mod blocks
+ * that don't fit into the {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} format DH requires
+ * (IE modded blocks that use NBT data
+ * to determine their model and/or texture). <br/><br/>
+ *
+ * This event is fired for each block or biome change when DH is processing a chunk.
+ * A change happens when DH finds a different block or biome while walking through a chunk.
+ * For example with the block sequence:<br/>
+ * <code> stone -> stone -> air -> stone </code> <br/>
+ * This event would be fired for the first, third, and forth blocks in the sequence
+ * (IE the first stone, first air, and last stone respectively). <br/> <br/>
+ * 
+ * The order DH will process blocks is undefined so a specific ordering shouldn't be relied upon for your logic to function. <br/> <br/>
+ * 
+ * <b>Threading note:</b> this event may be called concurrently across multiple threads. <br/>
+ * <b>Performance note:</b> this event will be called very frequently, avoid expensive lookups or other slow operations if possible. <br/>
+ * 
+ * @see DhApiLevelLoadEvent
+ * @see IDhApiWrapperFactory
+ *
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2025-09-29
+ * @see DhApiChunkModifiedEvent
+ * @since API 4.1.0
+ */
+public abstract class DhApiChunkProcessingEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiChunkProcessingEvent.EventParam>
+{
+	public abstract void blockOrBiomeChangedDuringChunkProcessing(DhApiEventParam<EventParam> event);
+	
+	
+	//=========================//
+	// internal DH API methods //
+	//=========================//
+	
+	@Override
+	public final void fireEvent(DhApiEventParam<EventParam> event) { this.blockOrBiomeChangedDuringChunkProcessing(event); }
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// parameter object //
+	//==================//
+	
+	public static class EventParam implements IDhApiEventParam
+	{
+		/** The saved level. */
+		public final IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper;
+		
+		/** the processed chunk's X pos in chunk coordinates */
+		public final int chunkX;
+		/** the processed chunk's Z pos in chunk coordinates */
+		public final int chunkZ;
+		
+		
+		public int relativeBlockPosX;
+		public int blockPosY;
+		public int relativeBlockPosZ;
+		
+		public IDhApiBlockStateWrapper currentBlock;
+		public IDhApiBiomeWrapper currentBiome;
+		
+		private IDhApiBlockStateWrapper newBlock;
+		private IDhApiBiomeWrapper newBiome;
+		
+		
+		
+		//=============//
+		// constructor //
+		//=============//
+		
+		public EventParam(IDhApiLevelWrapper newLevelWrapper, int chunkX, int chunkZ)
+		{
+			this.levelWrapper = newLevelWrapper;
+			this.chunkX = chunkX;
+			this.chunkZ = chunkZ;
+		}
+		
+		/** 
+		 * Internal method use by Distant Horizons
+		 * to set up this event.
+		 */
+		public void updateForPosition(
+				int relativeBlockPosX, int blockPosY, int relativeBlockPosZ,
+				IDhApiBlockStateWrapper currentBlock,
+				IDhApiBiomeWrapper currentBiome)
+		{
+			this.relativeBlockPosX = relativeBlockPosX;
+			this.blockPosY = blockPosY;
+			this.relativeBlockPosZ = relativeBlockPosZ;
+			
+			this.newBlock = null;
+			this.newBiome = null;
+			
+			this.currentBlock = currentBlock;
+			this.currentBiome = currentBiome;
+		}
+		
+		
+		
+		//=================//
+		// getters/setters //
+		//=================//
+		
+		/**
+		 * Sets the {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} that should be used at this event's current position in the chunk.
+		 * If you don't want to modify the block at this event's current position, 
+		 * either don't call this method or pass in null. <br>
+		 * Passing in null will remove the override, meaning the original block will be used. <br><br>
+		 *
+		 * A {@link IDhApiWrapperFactory} should be used to get the {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} that's returned. 
+		 * Attempting to create your own {@link IDhApiBlockStateWrapper} will cause a {@link ClassCastException}. <br/> <br/>
+		 *
+		 * If multiple API users are listening to this event the override may already have been set.
+		 * With that in mind it is recommended to check if an override has already been set via
+		 * {@link EventParam#getBlockOverride()} to handle that occurrence. <br>
+		 * Note that the order of API events firing is undefined so a specific order shouldn't be relied upon. <br><br>
+		 * 
+		 * @see IDhApiWrapperFactory
+		 */
+		public void setBlockOverride(IDhApiBlockStateWrapper block) { this.newBlock = block; }
+		/** 
+		 * Returns the currently overriding block for this position.
+		 * This will be null if no other API event has set the override.
+		 */
+		public IDhApiBlockStateWrapper getBlockOverride() { return this.newBlock; }
+		
+		
+		
+		/**
+		 * Sets the {@link IDhApiBiomeWrapper} that should be used at this event's current position in the chunk.
+		 * If you don't want to modify the biome at this event's current position, 
+		 * either don't call this method or pass in null. <br>
+		 * Passing in null will remove the override, meaning the original biome will be used. <br><br>
+		 *
+		 * A {@link IDhApiWrapperFactory} should be used to get the {@link IDhApiBiomeWrapper} that's returned. 
+		 * Attempting to create your own {@link IDhApiBiomeWrapper} will cause a {@link ClassCastException}. <br/> <br/>
+		 *
+		 * If multiple API users are listening to this event the override may already have been set.
+		 * With that in mind it is recommended to check if an override has already been set via
+		 * {@link EventParam#getBiomeOverride()} ()} to handle that occurrence. <br>
+		 * Note that the order of API events firing is undefined so a specific order shouldn't be relied upon. <br><br>
+		 *
+		 * @see IDhApiWrapperFactory
+		 */
+		public void setBiomeOverride(IDhApiBiomeWrapper biome) { this.newBiome = biome; }
+		/**
+		 * Returns the currently overriding biome for this position.
+		 * This will be null if no other API event has set the override.
+		 */
+		public IDhApiBiomeWrapper getBiomeOverride() { return this.newBiome; }
+		
+		
+		
+		/** 
+		 * Returns the same instance of this event.
+		 * Copying this event isn't recommended due to 
+		 * how often it would be called per chunk, creating
+		 * unnecessary garbage collector pressure.
+		 */
+		@Override
+		public EventParam copy() { return this; }
+		
+		@Override 
+		public boolean getCopyBeforeFire() { return false; }
+		
+	}
+	
+}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/abstractEvents/DhApiColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent.java

@@ -31,9 +31,11 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhAp
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2024-3-2
  * @since API 2.0.0
- * @deprecated Replaced by {@link DhApiBeforeColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent} since this event's name isn't obvious when it fires.
+ * @deprecated Only used for the legacy OpenGL renderer <Br>
+ *              Replaced by {@link DhApiBeforeColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent} since this event's name isn't obvious when it fires.
+ *              Using {@link DhApiAfterColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent} instead is recommended
  */
-@Deprecated
+@Deprecated // internal notes: this method must be kept around due to Iris using it and we don't want to break old Iris support
 public abstract class DhApiColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent.EventParam>
 {
 	/** Fired before Distant Horizons creates. */

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/interfaces/IDhApiEventParam.java

@@ -9,5 +9,23 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.util.IDhApiCopyable;
  */
 public interface IDhApiEventParam extends IDhApiCopyable
 {
+	/** 
+	 * Internal DH use. <br> <br>
+	 * 
+	 * Most API events will clone their parameters
+	 * before firing to prevent API implementors
+	 * from modifying the properties causing
+	 * any subsequent listeners to see the wrong data. <br><br>
+	 * 
+	 * However, this can be overridden for API events that shouldn't 
+	 * be cloned before firing.
+	 * Generally that would be done for performance reasons
+	 * where an event may fire hundreds or thousands of times 
+	 * in quick succession or where the event parameter is needed
+	 * internally by DH after firing.
+	 * 
+	 * @since API 4.1.0 
+	 */
+	default boolean getCopyBeforeFire() { return true; }
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/sharedParameterObjects/DhApiFogRenderParam.java

@@ -0,0 +1,202 @@
+/*
+ *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
+ *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
+ *
+ *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
+ *
+ *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
+ *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
+ *
+ *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiFogFalloff;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiHeightFogDirection;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiHeightFogMixMode;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiFarFogConfig;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiFogConfig;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiHeightFogConfig;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEventParam;
+
+import java.awt.*;
+
+/**
+ * Contains all the information needed to render Distant Horizons' fog.
+ * 
+ * @see IDhApiFogConfig
+ * @see IDhApiFarFogConfig
+ * @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig
+ * 
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2026-05-20
+ * @since API 7.0.0
+ */
+public class DhApiFogRenderParam implements IDhApiEventParam
+{
+	protected Color fogColor;
+	public Color getFogColor() { return this.fogColor; }
+	
+	// far fog //
+	//region
+	
+	protected EDhApiFogFalloff farFogFalloff;
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogFalloff() */
+	public EDhApiFogFalloff getFarFogFalloff() { return this.farFogFalloff; }
+	
+	protected float farFogStartPercent;
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogStartDistance() */
+	public float getFarFogStartPercent() { return this.farFogStartPercent; }
+	
+	protected float farFogEndPercent;
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogEndDistance() */
+	public float getFarFogEndPercent() { return this.farFogEndPercent; }
+	
+	protected float farFogMinThickness;
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogMinThickness() */
+	public float getFarFogMinThickness() { return this.farFogMinThickness; }
+	
+	protected float farFogMaxThickness;
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogMaxThickness() */
+	public float getFarFogMaxThickness() { return this.farFogMaxThickness; }
+	
+	protected float farFogDensity;
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogDensity() */
+	public float getFarFogDensity() { return this.farFogDensity; }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	// height fog //
+	//region
+	
+	protected EDhApiFogFalloff heightFogFalloff;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogFalloff() */
+	public EDhApiFogFalloff getHeightFogFalloff() { return this.heightFogFalloff; }
+	
+	protected EDhApiHeightFogMixMode heightFogMixingMode;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogMixMode() */
+	public EDhApiHeightFogMixMode getHeightFogMixingMode() { return this.heightFogMixingMode; }
+	
+	protected EDhApiHeightFogDirection heightFogDirection;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogDirection() */
+	public EDhApiHeightFogDirection getHeightFogDirection() { return this.heightFogDirection; }
+	
+	protected float heightFogBaseHeight;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogBaseHeight() */
+	public float getHeightFogBaseHeight() { return this.heightFogBaseHeight; }
+	
+	protected float heightFogStartPercent;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogStartingHeightPercent() */
+	public float getHeightFogStartPercent() { return this.heightFogStartPercent; }
+	
+	protected float heightFogEndPercent;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogEndingHeightPercent() */
+	public float getHeightFogEndPercent() { return this.heightFogEndPercent; }
+	
+	protected float heightFogMinThickness;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogMinThickness() */
+	public float getHeightFogMinThickness() { return this.heightFogMinThickness; }
+	
+	protected float heightFogMaxThickness;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogMaxThickness() */
+	public float getHeightFogMaxThickness() { return this.heightFogMaxThickness; }
+	
+	protected float heightFogDensity;
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogDensity() */
+	public float getHeightFogDensity() { return this.heightFogDensity; }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//==============//
+	// constructors //
+	//==============//
+	//region
+	
+	public DhApiFogRenderParam(DhApiFogRenderParam parent)
+	{
+		this(
+			parent.fogColor,
+			
+			// far fog
+			parent.farFogFalloff,
+			parent.farFogStartPercent, parent.farFogEndPercent,
+			parent.farFogMinThickness, parent.farFogEndPercent,
+			parent.farFogDensity,
+			
+			// height fog
+			parent.heightFogFalloff,
+			parent.heightFogMixingMode, parent.heightFogDirection,
+			parent.heightFogBaseHeight,
+			parent.heightFogStartPercent, parent.heightFogEndPercent,
+			parent.heightFogMinThickness, parent.heightFogMaxThickness,
+			parent.heightFogDensity
+		);
+	}
+	public DhApiFogRenderParam(
+		Color fogColor,
+		
+		// far fog
+		EDhApiFogFalloff farFogFalloff,
+		float farFogStartPercent, float farFogEndPercent,
+		float farFogMinThickness, float farFogMaxThickness,
+		float farFogDensity,
+		
+		// height fog
+		EDhApiFogFalloff heightFogFalloff,
+		EDhApiHeightFogMixMode heightFogMixingMode, EDhApiHeightFogDirection heightFogDirection,
+		float heightFogBaseHeight,
+		float heightFogStartPercent, float heightFogEndPercent,
+		float heightFogMinThickness, float heightFogMaxThickness,
+		float heightFogDensity
+	)
+	{
+		this.fogColor = fogColor;
+		
+		// far fog
+		this.farFogFalloff = farFogFalloff;
+		this.farFogStartPercent = farFogStartPercent;
+		this.farFogEndPercent = farFogEndPercent;
+		this.farFogMinThickness = farFogMinThickness;
+		this.farFogMaxThickness = farFogMaxThickness;
+		this.farFogDensity = farFogDensity;
+		
+		// height fog
+		this.heightFogFalloff = heightFogFalloff;
+		this.heightFogMixingMode = heightFogMixingMode;
+		this.heightFogDirection = heightFogDirection;
+		this.heightFogBaseHeight = heightFogBaseHeight;
+		this.heightFogStartPercent = heightFogStartPercent;
+		this.heightFogEndPercent = heightFogEndPercent;
+		this.heightFogMinThickness = heightFogMinThickness;
+		this.heightFogMaxThickness = heightFogMaxThickness;
+		this.heightFogDensity = heightFogDensity;
+	}
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//================//
+	// base overrides //
+	//================//
+	//region
+	
+	@Override
+	public DhApiFogRenderParam copy() { return new DhApiFogRenderParam(this); }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	
+}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/sharedParameterObjects/DhApiMutableFogRenderParam.java

@@ -0,0 +1,117 @@
+/*
+ *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
+ *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
+ *
+ *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
+ *
+ *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
+ *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
+ *
+ *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiFogFalloff;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiHeightFogDirection;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiHeightFogMixMode;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiFarFogConfig;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiFogConfig;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiHeightFogConfig;
+
+import java.awt.*;
+
+/**
+ * A mutable version of {@link DhApiFogRenderParam} to allow
+ * API modification of DH's fog rendering.
+ *
+ * @see IDhApiFogConfig
+ * @see IDhApiFarFogConfig
+ * @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig
+ * @see DhApiFogRenderParam
+ * 
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2026-05-20
+ * @since API 7.0.0
+ */
+public class DhApiMutableFogRenderParam extends DhApiFogRenderParam
+{
+	public void setFogColor(Color fogColor) { this.fogColor = fogColor; }
+	
+	// far fog //
+	//region
+	
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogFalloff() */
+	public void setFarFogFalloff(EDhApiFogFalloff farFogFalloff) { this.farFogFalloff = farFogFalloff; }
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogStartDistance() */
+	public void setFarFogStartPercent(float farFogStartPercent) { this.farFogStartPercent = farFogStartPercent; }
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogEndDistance() */
+	public void setFarFogEndPercent(float farFogEndPercent) { this.farFogEndPercent = farFogEndPercent; }
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogMinThickness() */
+	public void setFarFogMinThickness(float farFogMinThickness) { this.farFogMinThickness = farFogMinThickness; }
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogMaxThickness() */
+	public void setFarFogMaxThickness(float farFogMaxThickness) { this.farFogMaxThickness = farFogMaxThickness; }
+	/** @see IDhApiFarFogConfig#farFogDensity() */
+	public void setFarFogDensity(float farFogDensity) { this.farFogDensity = farFogDensity; }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	// height fog //
+	//region
+	
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogFalloff() */
+	public void setHeightFogFalloff(EDhApiFogFalloff heightFogFalloff) { this.heightFogFalloff = heightFogFalloff; }
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogMixMode() */
+	public void setHeightFogMixingMode(EDhApiHeightFogMixMode heightFogMixingMode) { this.heightFogMixingMode = heightFogMixingMode; }
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogDirection() */
+	public void setHeightFogDirection(EDhApiHeightFogDirection heightFogDirection) { this.heightFogDirection = heightFogDirection; }
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogBaseHeight() */
+	public void setHeightFogBaseHeight(float heightFogBaseHeight) { this.heightFogBaseHeight = heightFogBaseHeight; }
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogStartingHeightPercent() */
+	public void setHeightFogStartPercent(float heightFogStartPercent) { this.heightFogStartPercent = heightFogStartPercent; }
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogEndingHeightPercent() */
+	public void setHeightFogEndPercent(float heightFogEnd) { this.heightFogEndPercent = heightFogEnd; }
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogMinThickness() */
+	public void setHeightFogMinThickness(float heightFogMinThickness) { this.heightFogMinThickness = heightFogMinThickness; }
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogMaxThickness() */
+	public void setHeightFogMaxThickness(float heightFogMaxThickness) { this.heightFogMaxThickness = heightFogMaxThickness; }
+	/** @see IDhApiHeightFogConfig#heightFogDensity() */
+	public void setHeightFogDensity(float heightFogDensity) { this.heightFogDensity = heightFogDensity; }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//==============//
+	// constructors //
+	//==============//
+	//region
+	
+	public DhApiMutableFogRenderParam(DhApiFogRenderParam parent)
+	{ super(parent); }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//================//
+	// base overrides //
+	//================//
+	//region
+	
+	@Override
+	public DhApiMutableFogRenderParam copy() { return new DhApiMutableFogRenderParam(this); }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	
+}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/methods/events/sharedParameterObjects/DhApiRenderParam.java

@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiRenderPass;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.world.IDhApiLevelWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiWorldLoadEvent;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEventParam;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiMat4f;
 
@@ -27,66 +29,83 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiMat4f;
  * Contains information relevant to Distant Horizons and Minecraft rendering.
  *
  * @author James Seibel
- * @version 2024-1-31
+ * @version 2025-12-23
  * @since API 1.0.0
  */
 public class DhApiRenderParam implements IDhApiEventParam
 {
 	/** Indicates what render pass DH is currently rendering */
-	public final EDhApiRenderPass renderPass;
+	public EDhApiRenderPass renderPass;
 	
 	/** Indicates how far into this tick the frame is. */
-	public final float partialTicks;
+	public float partialTicks;
 	
 	/**
 	 * Indicates DH's near clip plane, measured in blocks. 
 	 * Note: this may change based on time, player speed, and other factors. 
 	 */
-	public final float nearClipPlane;
+	public float nearClipPlane;
 	/**
 	 * Indicates DH's far clip plane, measured in blocks. 
 	 * Note: this may change based on time, player speed, and other factors. 
 	 */
-	public final float farClipPlane;
+	public float farClipPlane;
 	
 	/** The projection matrix Minecraft is using to render this frame. */
-	public final DhApiMat4f mcProjectionMatrix;
+	public final DhApiMat4f mcProjectionMatrix = new DhApiMat4f();
 	/** The model view matrix Minecraft is using to render this frame. */
-	public final DhApiMat4f mcModelViewMatrix;
+	public final DhApiMat4f mcModelViewMatrix = new DhApiMat4f();
+	public final DhApiMat4f mcInverseMvmProjectionMatrix = new DhApiMat4f();
 	
 	/** The projection matrix Distant Horizons is using to render this frame. */
-	public final DhApiMat4f dhProjectionMatrix;
+	public final DhApiMat4f dhProjectionMatrix = new DhApiMat4f();
 	/** The model view matrix Distant Horizons is using to render this frame. */
-	public final DhApiMat4f dhModelViewMatrix;
+	public final DhApiMat4f dhModelViewMatrix = new DhApiMat4f();
+	/** combination of the MVM and projection matrices */
+	public final DhApiMat4f dhMvmProjMatrix = new DhApiMat4f();
+	public final DhApiMat4f dhInverseMvmProjectionMatrix = new DhApiMat4f();
 	
-	public final int worldYOffset;
+	public int worldYOffset;
+	
+	/**
+	 * The level currently being rendered.
+	 * 
+	 * @since API 5.1.0 
+	 */
+	public IDhApiLevelWrapper clientLevelWrapper;
 	
 	
 	
 	//==============//
 	// constructors //
 	//==============//
+	//region
 	
+	public DhApiRenderParam() {}
 	
-	public DhApiRenderParam(DhApiRenderParam parent)
+	/** Internal DH method */
+	public void update(DhApiRenderParam param) 
 	{
-		this(
-				parent.renderPass,
-				parent.partialTicks,
-				parent.nearClipPlane, parent.farClipPlane,
-				parent.mcProjectionMatrix.copy(), parent.mcModelViewMatrix.copy(),
-				parent.dhProjectionMatrix.copy(), parent.dhModelViewMatrix.copy(),
-				parent.worldYOffset
+		this.update(
+			param.renderPass,
+			param.partialTicks,
+			param.nearClipPlane, param.farClipPlane,
+			param.mcProjectionMatrix, param.mcModelViewMatrix,
+			param.dhProjectionMatrix, param.mcModelViewMatrix, 
+			param.worldYOffset,
+			param.clientLevelWrapper
 		);
 	}
-	public DhApiRenderParam(
+	/** Internal DH method */
+	public void update(
 			EDhApiRenderPass renderPass,
 			float newPartialTicks,
 			float nearClipPlane, float farClipPlane,
 			DhApiMat4f newMcProjectionMatrix, DhApiMat4f newMcModelViewMatrix,
 			DhApiMat4f newDhProjectionMatrix, DhApiMat4f newDhModelViewMatrix,
-			int worldYOffset
-			)
+			int worldYOffset,
+			IDhApiLevelWrapper clientLevelWrapper
+		)
 	{
 		this.renderPass = renderPass;
 		
@@ -95,26 +114,52 @@ public class DhApiRenderParam implements IDhApiEventParam
 		this.farClipPlane = farClipPlane;
 		this.nearClipPlane = nearClipPlane;
 		
-		this.mcProjectionMatrix = newMcProjectionMatrix;
-		this.mcModelViewMatrix = newMcModelViewMatrix;
+		// mc matricies
+		{
+			this.mcProjectionMatrix.set(newMcProjectionMatrix);
+			this.mcModelViewMatrix.set(newMcModelViewMatrix);
 			
-		this.dhProjectionMatrix = newDhProjectionMatrix;
-		this.dhModelViewMatrix = newDhModelViewMatrix;
+			// inverse mvm Proj
+			this.mcInverseMvmProjectionMatrix.set(newMcProjectionMatrix);
+			this.mcInverseMvmProjectionMatrix.invert();
+		}
+		
+		// dh matricies
+		{
+			this.dhProjectionMatrix.set(newDhProjectionMatrix);
+			this.dhModelViewMatrix.set(newDhModelViewMatrix);
+			
+			// proj
+			this.dhMvmProjMatrix.set(this.dhProjectionMatrix);
+			this.dhMvmProjMatrix.multiply(this.dhModelViewMatrix);
+			
+			// inverse mvm Proj
+			this.dhInverseMvmProjectionMatrix.set(this.dhMvmProjMatrix);
+			this.dhInverseMvmProjectionMatrix.invert();
+		}
 		
 		this.worldYOffset = worldYOffset;
+		this.clientLevelWrapper = clientLevelWrapper;
 		
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
 	
 	
 	//================//
 	// base overrides //
 	//================//
+	//region
 	
 	@Override
-	public DhApiRenderParam copy()
-	{
-		return new DhApiRenderParam(this); 
-	}
+	public boolean getCopyBeforeFire() { return false; }
+	
+	@Override
+	public DhApiRenderParam copy() { return this; }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
 	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/objects/DhApiResult.java

@@ -46,7 +46,7 @@ public class DhApiResult<T>
 	
 	
 	
-	// these constructors are private because the create... methods below are easier to understand
+	// these constructors are private because the create methods below are easier to understand
 	private DhApiResult(boolean success, String message) { this(success, message, null); }
 	private DhApiResult(boolean success, String message, T payload)
 	{

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/objects/data/DhApiChunk.java

@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ import java.util.List;
  * Contains a list of {@link DhApiTerrainDataPoint} representing the blocks in a Minecraft chunk.
  *
  * @author Builderb0y, James Seibel
- * @version 2024-7-21
+ * @version 2025-12-11
  * @since API 2.0.0
  * 
  * @see IDhApiWrapperFactory
@@ -54,27 +54,12 @@ public class DhApiChunk
 	// constructors //
 	//==============//
 	
-	/** 
-	 * Deprecated due to the topYBlockPos and bottomYBlockPos variables being put in the wrong order. 
-	 * They should have been in bottom -> top order. 
-	 * 
-	 * @see DhApiChunk#create(int, int, int, int) 
-	 */
-	@Deprecated
-	public DhApiChunk(int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ, int topYBlockPos, int bottomYBlockPos) 
-	{ this(chunkPosX, chunkPosZ, bottomYBlockPos, topYBlockPos, false); }
-	
-	/**
-	 * @since API 3.0.0 
-	 */
+	/** @since API 3.0.0 */
 	public static DhApiChunk create(int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ, int bottomYBlockPos, int topYBlockPos)
-	{ return new DhApiChunk(chunkPosX, chunkPosZ, bottomYBlockPos, topYBlockPos, false); }
+	{ return new DhApiChunk(chunkPosX, chunkPosZ, bottomYBlockPos, topYBlockPos); }
 	
-	/** 
-	 * Only visible to internal DH methods 
-	 * @param ignoredParameter is only present to differentiate the two constructors and isn't actually used
-	 */
-	private DhApiChunk(int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ, int bottomYBlockPos, int topYBlockPos, boolean ignoredParameter)
+	/** Only visible to internal DH methods */
+	private DhApiChunk(int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ, int bottomYBlockPos, int topYBlockPos)
 	{
 		this.chunkPosX = chunkPosX;
 		this.chunkPosZ = chunkPosZ;

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/objects/data/DhApiTerrainDataPoint.java

@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ import java.util.ArrayList;
  * Holds a single datapoint of terrain data.
  *
  * @author James Seibel
- * @version 2024-7-20
+ * @version 2025-11-15
  * @since API 1.0.0
  */
 public class DhApiTerrainDataPoint
@@ -47,6 +47,10 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataPoint
 	
 	public final int blockLightLevel;
 	public final int skyLightLevel;
+	/**
+	 * An unsigned block position of the bottom vertex for this LOD relative to the level's minimum height. 
+	 * Should be greater than or equal to 0.
+	 */
 	public final int bottomYBlockPos;
 	public final int topYBlockPos;
 	
@@ -59,28 +63,7 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataPoint
 	// constructors //
 	//==============//
 	
-	/**
-	 * Deprecated due to the topYBlockPos and bottomYBlockPos variables being put in the wrong order. 
-	 * They should have been in bottom -> top order. 
-	 *
-	 * @see DhApiTerrainDataPoint#create(byte, int, int, int, int, IDhApiBlockStateWrapper, IDhApiBiomeWrapper) 
-	 */
-	@Deprecated
-	public DhApiTerrainDataPoint(
-			byte detailLevel, 
-			int blockLightLevel, int skyLightLevel, 
-			int topYBlockPos, int bottomYBlockPos, 
-			IDhApiBlockStateWrapper blockStateWrapper, IDhApiBiomeWrapper biomeWrapper)
-	{
-		this(detailLevel, blockLightLevel, skyLightLevel,
-			bottomYBlockPos, topYBlockPos,
-			blockStateWrapper, biomeWrapper, 
-			false);
-	}
-	
-	/**
-	 * @since API 3.0.0 
-	 */
+	/** @since API 3.0.0 */
 	public static DhApiTerrainDataPoint create(
 			byte detailLevel,
 			int blockLightLevel, int skyLightLevel,
@@ -91,20 +74,15 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataPoint
 		return new DhApiTerrainDataPoint(
 			detailLevel, blockLightLevel, skyLightLevel,
 			bottomYBlockPos, topYBlockPos,
-			blockStateWrapper, biomeWrapper,
-			false); 
+			blockStateWrapper, biomeWrapper); 
 	}
 	
-	/**
-	 * Only visible to internal DH methods 
-	 * @param ignoredParameter is only present to differentiate the two constructors and isn't actually used
-	 */
+	/** Only visible to internal DH methods */
 	private DhApiTerrainDataPoint(
 			byte detailLevel,
 			int blockLightLevel, int skyLightLevel,
 			int bottomYBlockPos, int topYBlockPos,
-			IDhApiBlockStateWrapper blockStateWrapper, IDhApiBiomeWrapper biomeWrapper,
-			boolean ignoredParameter
+			IDhApiBlockStateWrapper blockStateWrapper, IDhApiBiomeWrapper biomeWrapper
 		)
 	{
 		this.detailLevel = detailLevel;
@@ -118,4 +96,24 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataPoint
 		this.biomeWrapper = biomeWrapper;
 	}
 	
+	
+	
+	//================//
+	// base overrides //
+	//================//
+	
+	@Override 
+	public String toString()
+	{
+		return "[Block:" + this.blockStateWrapper.getSerialString() + 
+				",Biome:" + this.biomeWrapper.getName() + 
+				",TopY:" + this.topYBlockPos + 
+				",BottomY:" + this.bottomYBlockPos + 
+				",BlockLight:" + this.blockLightLevel +
+				",SkyLight:" + this.skyLightLevel + 
+				"]";
+	}
+	
+	
+	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/objects/math/DhApiMat4f.java

@@ -21,6 +21,8 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.util.IDhApiCopyable;
 
+import java.nio.FloatBuffer;
+
 /**
  * An (almost) exact copy of Minecraft's 1.16.5
  * implementation of a 4x4 float matrix. <br><br>
@@ -33,7 +35,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.util.IDhApiCopyable;
  * </code>
  * 
  * @author James Seibel
- * @version 2024-6-30
+ * @version 2026-05-22
  */
 public class DhApiMat4f implements IDhApiCopyable
 {
@@ -62,6 +64,7 @@ public class DhApiMat4f implements IDhApiCopyable
 	//==============//
 	// constructors //
 	//==============//
+	//region
 	
 	public DhApiMat4f() { /* all values are 0 */ }
 	
@@ -71,14 +74,17 @@ public class DhApiMat4f implements IDhApiCopyable
 		this.m01 = sourceMatrix.m01;
 		this.m02 = sourceMatrix.m02;
 		this.m03 = sourceMatrix.m03;
+		
 		this.m10 = sourceMatrix.m10;
 		this.m11 = sourceMatrix.m11;
 		this.m12 = sourceMatrix.m12;
 		this.m13 = sourceMatrix.m13;
+		
 		this.m20 = sourceMatrix.m20;
 		this.m21 = sourceMatrix.m21;
 		this.m22 = sourceMatrix.m22;
 		this.m23 = sourceMatrix.m23;
+		
 		this.m30 = sourceMatrix.m30;
 		this.m31 = sourceMatrix.m31;
 		this.m32 = sourceMatrix.m32;
@@ -109,12 +115,74 @@ public class DhApiMat4f implements IDhApiCopyable
 		this.m33 = values[15];
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	
 	//=========//
 	// methods //
 	//=========//
+	//region
+	
+	/** Returns the values of this matrix in row major order (AKA rows then columns) */
+	public float[] getValuesAsArray()
+	{
+		float[] array = new float[16];
+		this.putValuesInArray(array);
+		return array;
+	}
+	
+	/** 
+	 * Returns the values of this matrix in row major order (AKA rows then columns) 
+	 * @since API 7.0.0
+	 */
+	public void putValuesInArray(float[] array)
+	{
+		array[0] = this.m00;
+		array[1] = this.m01;
+		array[2] = this.m02;
+		array[3] = this.m03;
+		
+		array[4] = this.m10;
+		array[5] = this.m11;
+		array[6] = this.m12;
+		array[7] = this.m13;
+		
+		array[8] = this.m20;
+		array[9] = this.m21;
+		array[10] = this.m22;
+		array[11] = this.m23;
+		
+		array[12] = this.m30;
+		array[13] = this.m31;
+		array[14] = this.m32;
+		array[15] = this.m33;
+	}
+	
+	
+	/** @since API 7.0.0 */
+	public void set(DhApiMat4f mat)
+	{
+		this.m00 = mat.m00;
+		this.m01 = mat.m01;
+		this.m02 = mat.m02;
+		this.m03 = mat.m03;
+		
+		this.m10 = mat.m10;
+		this.m11 = mat.m11;
+		this.m12 = mat.m12;
+		this.m13 = mat.m13;
+		
+		this.m20 = mat.m20;
+		this.m21 = mat.m21;
+		this.m22 = mat.m22;
+		this.m23 = mat.m23;
+		
+		this.m30 = mat.m30;
+		this.m31 = mat.m31;
+		this.m32 = mat.m32;
+		this.m33 = mat.m33;
+	}
 	
 	public void setIdentity()
 	{
@@ -279,47 +347,14 @@ public class DhApiMat4f implements IDhApiCopyable
 		this.m33 *= scalar;
 	}
 	
-	
-	
-	
-	//==================//
-	// Distant Horizons //
-	//      methods     //
-	//==================//
-	
-	private static int getArrayIndex(int xIndex, int zIndex) { return (zIndex * 4) + xIndex; }
-	
-	/** Returns the values of this matrix in row major order (AKA rows then columns) */
-	public float[] getValuesAsArray()
-	{
-		return new float[]{
-				this.m00,
-				this.m01,
-				this.m02,
-				this.m03,
-				
-				this.m10,
-				this.m11,
-				this.m12,
-				this.m13,
-				
-				this.m20,
-				this.m21,
-				this.m22,
-				this.m23,
-				
-				this.m30,
-				this.m31,
-				this.m32,
-				this.m33,
-		};
-	}
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	
 	//================//
 	// base overrides //
 	//================//
+	//region
 	
 	@Override
 	public boolean equals(Object obj)
@@ -388,4 +423,8 @@ public class DhApiMat4f implements IDhApiCopyable
 	@Override
 	public DhApiMat4f copy() { return new DhApiMat4f(this); }
 	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
 }

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/api/objects/render/DhApiRenderableBox.java

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ public class DhApiRenderableBox
 	public DhApiVec3d maxPos;
 	
 	public Color color;
+	/** @see EDhApiBlockMaterial */
 	public byte material;
 	
 	

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/coreapi/DependencyInjection/ApiEventInjector.java

@@ -143,19 +143,23 @@ public class ApiEventInjector extends DependencyInjector<IDhApiEvent> implements
 					
 					
 					// attempt to clone the event input if possible
-					// this is done to reduce the likely hood that one event listener 
-					// will make change the event parameter for other listeners 
+					// this is done to reduce the likelihood that one event listener 
+					// will change the event parameter for other listeners 
 					T input = eventInput;
 					if (eventInput instanceof IDhApiEventParam)
 					{
-						try
+						IDhApiEventParam dhApiEventParam = (IDhApiEventParam) eventInput;
+						if (dhApiEventParam.getCopyBeforeFire())
 						{
-							//noinspection unchecked
-							input = (T) ((IDhApiEventParam) eventInput).copy();
-						}
-						catch (Exception e)
-						{
-							LOGGER.error("Unable to clone event parameter ["+eventInput.getClass().getSimpleName()+"], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].", e);
+							try
+							{
+								//noinspection unchecked
+								input = (T) dhApiEventParam.copy();
+							}
+							catch (Exception e)
+							{
+								LOGGER.error("Unable to clone event parameter [" + eventInput.getClass().getSimpleName() + "], error: [" + e.getMessage() + "].", e);
+							}
 						}
 					}
 					

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/coreapi/DependencyInjection/DependencyInjector.java

@@ -35,7 +35,19 @@ import java.util.Map;
  */
 public class DependencyInjector<BindableType extends IBindable> implements IDependencyInjector<BindableType> // Note to self: Don't try adding a generic type to IDhApiEvent, the constructor won't accept it
 {
-	protected final Map<Class<? extends BindableType>, ArrayList<BindableType>> dependencies = new HashMap<>();
+	/** 
+	 * empty list is to reduce GC pressure slightly in the common path
+	 * that {@link DependencyInjector#getInternalLogic(Class, boolean)} is called
+	 * when nothing has been bound.
+	 */
+	private static final ArrayList<?> EMPTY_GET_ALL_LIST = new ArrayList<>();
+	static
+	{
+		EMPTY_GET_ALL_LIST.add(null);
+	}
+	
+	
+	protected final HashMap<Class<? extends BindableType>, ArrayList<BindableType>> dependencies = new HashMap<>();
 	
 	/** Internal class reference to BindableType since we can't get it any other way. */
 	protected final Class<? extends BindableType> bindableInterface;
@@ -43,11 +55,11 @@ public class DependencyInjector<BindableType extends IBindable> implements IDepe
 	protected final boolean allowDuplicateBindings;
 	
 	
-	public DependencyInjector(Class<BindableType> newBindableInterface)
-	{
-		this.bindableInterface = newBindableInterface;
-		this.allowDuplicateBindings = false;
-	}
+	
+	//==============//
+	// constructors //
+	//==============//
+	//region
 	
 	public DependencyInjector(Class<BindableType> newBindableInterface, boolean newAllowDuplicateBindings)
 	{
@@ -55,18 +67,30 @@ public class DependencyInjector<BindableType extends IBindable> implements IDepe
 		this.allowDuplicateBindings = newAllowDuplicateBindings;
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	
+	//=========//
+	// binding //
+	//=========//
+	//region
+	
 	@Override
 	public void bind(Class<? extends BindableType> dependencyInterface, BindableType dependencyImplementation) throws IllegalStateException, IllegalArgumentException
 	{
 		// duplicate check if requested
-		if (this.dependencies.containsKey(dependencyInterface) && !this.allowDuplicateBindings)
+		if (this.dependencies.containsKey(dependencyInterface) 
+			&& !this.allowDuplicateBindings)
 		{
 			throw new IllegalStateException("The dependency [" + dependencyInterface.getSimpleName() + "] has already been bound.");
 		}
 		
+		if (dependencyImplementation == null)
+		{
+			throw new NullPointerException("Can't bind null to ["+dependencyInterface.getSimpleName()+"]");
+		}
+		
 		
 		// make sure the given dependency implements the necessary interfaces
 		boolean implementsInterface = this.checkIfClassImplements(dependencyImplementation.getClass(), dependencyInterface) ||
@@ -129,25 +153,84 @@ public class DependencyInjector<BindableType extends IBindable> implements IDepe
 	@Override
 	public boolean checkIfClassExtends(Class<?> classToTest, Class<?> extensionToLookFor) { return extensionToLookFor.isAssignableFrom(classToTest); }
 	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//===========//
+	// unbinding //
+	//===========//
+	//region
+	
+	public void replaceBinding(Class<? extends BindableType> dependencyInterface, BindableType dependencyImplementation) throws IllegalStateException, IllegalArgumentException
+	{
+		this.unbindAll(dependencyInterface);
+		this.bind(dependencyInterface, dependencyImplementation);
+	}
+	
+	public void unbindAll(Class<? extends BindableType> dependencyInterface) throws IllegalStateException, IllegalArgumentException
+	{
+		// remove the dependency if present
+		this.dependencies.remove(dependencyInterface);
+	}
+	
+	public void unbind(Class<? extends BindableType> dependencyInterface, BindableType dependencyImplementation) throws IllegalStateException, IllegalArgumentException
+	{
+		// check if this object is bound
+		if (!this.dependencies.containsKey(dependencyInterface))
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		
+		// make sure the given dependency implements the necessary interfaces
+		boolean implementsInterface = this.checkIfClassImplements(dependencyImplementation.getClass(), dependencyInterface)
+				|| this.checkIfClassExtends(dependencyImplementation.getClass(), dependencyInterface);
+		boolean implementsBindable = this.checkIfClassImplements(dependencyImplementation.getClass(), this.bindableInterface);
+		
+		// display any errors
+		if (!implementsInterface)
+		{
+			throw new IllegalArgumentException("The dependency [" + dependencyImplementation.getClass().getSimpleName() + "] doesn't implement or extend: [" + dependencyInterface.getSimpleName() + "].");
+		}
+		if (!implementsBindable)
+		{
+			throw new IllegalArgumentException("The dependency [" + dependencyImplementation.getClass().getSimpleName() + "] doesn't implement the interface: [" + IBindable.class.getSimpleName() + "].");
+		}
+		
+		
+		// make sure the hashSet has an array to hold the dependency
+		if (!this.dependencies.containsKey(dependencyInterface))
+		{
+			this.dependencies.put(dependencyInterface, new ArrayList<BindableType>());
+		}
+		
+		// remove the dependency if present
+		this.dependencies.get(dependencyInterface).remove(dependencyImplementation);
+		this.dependencies.remove(dependencyInterface);
+	}
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// getters //
+	//=========//
+	//region
 	
 	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
 	@Override
 	public <T extends BindableType> T get(Class<T> interfaceClass) throws ClassCastException
-	{
-		return (T) this.getInternalLogic(interfaceClass, false).get(0);
-	}
+	{ return (T) this.getInternalLogic(interfaceClass, false).get(0); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public <T extends BindableType> ArrayList<T> getAll(Class<T> interfaceClass) throws ClassCastException
-	{
-		return this.getInternalLogic(interfaceClass, false);
-	}
+	{ return this.getInternalLogic(interfaceClass, false); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public <T extends BindableType> T get(Class<T> interfaceClass, boolean allowIncompleteDependencies) throws ClassCastException
-	{
-		return (T) this.getInternalLogic(interfaceClass, allowIncompleteDependencies).get(0);
-	}
+	{ return (T) this.getInternalLogic(interfaceClass, allowIncompleteDependencies).get(0); }
 	
 	/**
 	 * Always returns a list of size 1 or greater,
@@ -175,11 +258,10 @@ public class DependencyInjector<BindableType extends IBindable> implements IDepe
 		
 		
 		// return an empty list to prevent null pointers
-		ArrayList<T> emptyList = new ArrayList<T>();
-		emptyList.add(null);
-		return emptyList;
+		return (ArrayList<T>)EMPTY_GET_ALL_LIST;
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	/** Removes all bound dependencies. */

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/coreapi/ModInfo.java

@@ -31,26 +31,31 @@ public final class ModInfo
 	public static final String DEDICATED_SERVER_INITIAL_PATH = "dedicated_server_initial";
 	
 	/** Incremented every time any packets are added, changed or removed, with a few exceptions. */
-	public static final int PROTOCOL_VERSION = 11;
-	public static final String WRAPPER_PACKET_PATH = "message";
+	public static final int PROTOCOL_VERSION = 15;
+
+	/** 
+	 * The full plugin channel name (RESOURCE_NAMESPACE:WRAPPER_PACKET_PATH) 
+	 * must be 20 characters or fewer for compatibility with MC 1.13 and older. 
+	 */
+	public static final String WRAPPER_PACKET_PATH = "msg";
 	
 	/** The internal mod name */
 	public static final String NAME = "DistantHorizons";
 	/** Human-readable version of NAME */
 	public static final String READABLE_NAME = "Distant Horizons";
-	public static final String VERSION = "2.3.5-b-dev";
+	public static final String VERSION = "3.0.4-b-dev";
 	/** Returns true if the current build is an unstable developer build, false otherwise. */
 	public static final boolean IS_DEV_BUILD = VERSION.toLowerCase().contains("dev");
 	
 	/** This version should only be updated when breaking changes are introduced to the DH API */
-	public static final int API_MAJOR_VERSION = 4;
+	public static final int API_MAJOR_VERSION = 7;
 	/** This version should be updated whenever new methods are added to the DH API */
-	public static final int API_MINOR_VERSION = 1;
+	public static final int API_MINOR_VERSION = 0;
 	/** This version should be updated whenever non-breaking fixes are added to the DH API */
 	public static final int API_PATCH_VERSION = 0;
 	
 	/** If the config file has an older version it'll be re-created from scratch. */
-	public static final int CONFIG_FILE_VERSION = 3;
+	public static final int CONFIG_FILE_VERSION = 4;
 	
 	/** All DH owned threads should start with this string to allow for easier debugging and profiling. */
 	public static final String THREAD_NAME_PREFIX = "DH-";

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/coreapi/interfaces/config/IConfigEntry.java

@@ -1,83 +0,0 @@
-/*
- *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
- *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
- *
- *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
- *
- *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
- *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
- *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
- *
- *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
- *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
- *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
- *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
- *
- *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
- *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
- */
-
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config;
-
-
-import java.util.function.Consumer;
-
-/**
- * Use for making the config variables
- *
- * @author coolGi
- * @version 2022-5-26
- */
-public interface IConfigEntry<T>
-{
-	
-	/** Gets the default value of the option */
-	T getDefaultValue();
-	
-	void setApiValue(T newApiValue);
-	T getApiValue();
-	
-	/** Returns true if this config can be set via the API. */
-	boolean getAllowApiOverride();
-	
-	void set(T newValue);
-	T get();
-	T getTrueValue();
-	
-	/** Sets the value without saving */
-	void setWithoutSaving(T newValue);
-	
-	/** Gets the min value */
-	T getMin();
-	/** Sets the min value */
-	void setMin(T newMin);
-	/** Gets the max value */
-	T getMax();
-	/** Sets the max value */
-	void setMax(T newMax);
-	/** Sets the min and max in 1 setter */
-	void setMinMax(T newMin, T newMax);
-	
-	/** Gets the comment */
-	String getComment();
-	/** Sets the comment */
-	void setComment(String newComment);
-	
-	/**
-	 * Checks if the option is valid
-	 *
-	 * 0 == valid
-	 * 2 == invalid
-	 * 1 == number too high
-	 * -1 == number too low
-	 */
-	byte isValid(); // TODO replace with an enum
-	/** Checks if a value is valid */
-	byte isValid(T value);
-	
-	/** Is the value of this equal to another */
-	boolean equals(IConfigEntry<?> obj);
-	
-	void addValueChangeListener(Consumer<T> onValueChangeFunc);
-	
-}

api/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/coreapi/util/ColorUtil.java

@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
  *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util;
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util;
 
 import java.awt.*;
 
@@ -89,6 +89,16 @@ public class ColorUtil
 	/** @param newBlue should be a value between 0 and 255 */
 	public static int setBlue(int color, int newBlue) { return (getAlpha(color) << 24) | (getRed(color) << 16) | (getGreen(color) << 8) | newBlue; }
 	
+	/** @throws IllegalArgumentException if the given int value is out of the range 0 - 255 (exclusive) */
+	public static void throwIfColorValueOutOfIntRange(String colorName, int value) throws IllegalArgumentException
+	{
+		if (value < 0
+			|| value > 255)
+		{
+			throw new IllegalArgumentException("["+colorName+"] with the value ["+value+"] is out of the expected range 0 - 255 (exclusive).");
+		}
+	}
+	
 	
 	
 	public static int applyShade(int color, int shade)

core/build.gradle

@@ -1,18 +1,23 @@
 plugins {
     id "java"
-    id "com.github.johnrengelman.shadow" version '8.1.1' apply false // Set this to true if you're using the standalone Core project
+    id "com.gradleup.shadow"
 }
 
-apply plugin: "application"
+repositories {
+    mavenCentral()
+    maven { url "https://repo.enonic.com/public/" }
+}
 
-application {
-    mainClass.set("com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.jar.JarMain")
+tasks.withType(JavaCompile).configureEach {
+    options.release = 8
+    options.encoding = "UTF-8"
 }
 
 configurations {
     shadowedArtifact // Used by DH to specify that we want to implement the shadowed core JAR file instead of the regular JAR file
     shade
     implementation.extendsFrom shade
+    testImplementation.extendsFrom compileOnly
 }
 
 OperatingSystem os = org.gradle.nativeplatform.platform.internal.DefaultNativePlatform.currentOperatingSystem;
@@ -20,36 +25,45 @@ OperatingSystem os = org.gradle.nativeplatform.platform.internal.DefaultNativePl
 // Set the OS lwjgl is using to the current os
 project.ext.lwjglNatives = "natives-" + os.toFamilyName()
 
-dependencies { // All of these dependencies are in Vanilla Minecraft, but we need to depend on it as we arent importing Minecraft in the core
-    // Imports most of lwjgl's libraries (well, only the ones that we need)
-    implementation platform("org.lwjgl:lwjgl-bom:${rootProject.lwjgl_version}") // TODO: Use Minecraft's version for lwjgl_version (which changes in nearly every version) instead of a hard defined version for all versions
+dependencies {
+    // API project dependency
+    implementation project(":api")
 
-    // REMEMBER: Dont shadow stuff here, these are just the libs that are included in Minecraft so that the core can use
-    implementation "org.lwjgl:lwjgl"
-    implementation "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-assimp"
-    implementation "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-glfw"
-    implementation "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-openal"
-    implementation "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-opengl"
-    implementation "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-stb"
-    implementation "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-tinyfd"
-    runtimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl::$lwjglNatives"
-    runtimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-assimp::$lwjglNatives"
-    runtimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-glfw::$lwjglNatives"
-    runtimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-openal::$lwjglNatives"
-    runtimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-opengl::$lwjglNatives"
-    runtimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-stb::$lwjglNatives"
-    runtimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-tinyfd::$lwjglNatives"
+    // MC-provided libraries (available at runtime via Minecraft)
+    compileOnly platform("org.lwjgl:lwjgl-bom:${rootProject.lwjgl_version}")
+    compileOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl"
+    compileOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-assimp"
+    compileOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-glfw"
+    compileOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-stb"
+    compileOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-tinyfd"
+    testRuntimeOnly platform("org.lwjgl:lwjgl-bom:${rootProject.lwjgl_version}")
+    testRuntimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl::$lwjglNatives"
+    testRuntimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-assimp::$lwjglNatives"
+    testRuntimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-glfw::$lwjglNatives"
+    testRuntimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-stb::$lwjglNatives"
+    testRuntimeOnly "org.lwjgl:lwjgl-tinyfd::$lwjglNatives"
 
-    // FIXME for some reason this line doesn't actually shade in the library
-//    shade "it.unimi.dsi:fastutil:${rootProject.fastutil_version}" // Add our own fastutil version
+    compileOnly("org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-api:${rootProject.log4j_version}")
+    compileOnly("org.apache.logging.log4j:log4j-core:${rootProject.log4j_version}")
+    compileOnly("it.unimi.dsi:fastutil:${rootProject.fastutil_version}")
+    compileOnly("org.joml:joml:${rootProject.joml_version}")
+    compileOnly("io.netty:netty-buffer:${rootProject.netty_version}")
+    compileOnly("org.jetbrains:annotations:16.0.2")
+    compileOnly("com.google.code.findbugs:jsr305:3.0.2")
+    compileOnly("com.google.guava:guava:31.1-jre")
 
+    // DH's bundled libraries (shadowed + relocated in loader jars)
+    implementation("com.github.luben:zstd-jni:${rootProject.zstd_version}")
+    implementation("org.lz4:lz4-java:${rootProject.lz4_version}")
+    implementation("org.tukaani:xz:${rootProject.xz_version}")
+    implementation("org.xerial:sqlite-jdbc:${rootProject.sqlite_jdbc_version}")
+    implementation("com.electronwill.night-config:toml:${rootProject.nightconfig_version}")
+    implementation("com.electronwill.night-config:json:${rootProject.nightconfig_version}")
 
-    // Some other dependencies
-    implementation("org.jetbrains:annotations:16.0.2")
-    implementation("com.google.code.findbugs:jsr305:3.0.2")
-    implementation("com.google.common:google-collect:0.5")
-    implementation("com.google.guava:guava:31.1-jre")
-    
+    // JUnit (core tests only)
+    compileOnly("junit:junit:4.13")
+    compileOnly("org.junit.jupiter:junit-jupiter:5.8.2")
+    compileOnly("org.junit.jupiter:junit-jupiter-engine:5.8.2")
 }
 
 artifacts {

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/Initializer.java

@@ -19,43 +19,69 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core;
 
+import com.github.luben.zstd.ZstdOutputStream;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render.IDhApiCustomRenderObjectFactory;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiBeforeRenderEvent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.ClientApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.eventHandlers.IgnoredDimensionCsvHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.generic.GenericRenderObjectFactory;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.enums.MinecraftTextFormat;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.DatabaseUpdater;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.IWrapperFactory;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftClientWrapper;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.ModInfo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.DhApiWorldProxy;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.DhApiConfig;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.data.DhApiTerrainDataRepo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.DhApi;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.DhApiRenderProxy;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftClientWrapper;
 import net.jpountz.lz4.LZ4FrameOutputStream;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
 import org.sqlite.SQLiteJDBCLoader;
-import org.sqlite.util.OSInfo;
 import org.tukaani.xz.XZOutputStream;
 
-import java.awt.*;
-import java.io.File;
+import java.lang.management.GarbageCollectorMXBean;
+import java.lang.management.ManagementFactory;
+import java.util.List;
 
 /** Handles first time Core setup. */
 public class Initializer
 {
-	private static final Logger LOGGER = LogManager.getLogger(ModInfo.NAME + "-" + Initializer.class.getSimpleName());
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder().build();
+	
 	private static final IMinecraftClientWrapper MC_CLIENT = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftClientWrapper.class);
 	
 	
-	public static void init()
+	
+	public static void preConfigInit()
 	{
+		//============================//
+		// check referenced libraries //
+		//============================//
+		//region
+		
+		LOGGER.info("Running library validation...");
+		
 		// confirm that all referenced libraries are available to use
 		try
 		{
 			// if any library isn't present in the jar its class
 			// will throw an error (not an exception)
-			Class<?> fastCompressor = LZ4FrameOutputStream.class;
-			Class<?> smallCompressor = XZOutputStream.class;
+			Class<?> lz4Compressor = LZ4FrameOutputStream.class;
+			Class<?> zstdCompressor = ZstdOutputStream.class;
+			
+			{
+				byte[] testCompressByteArray = new byte[1024];
+				for (int i = 0; i < testCompressByteArray.length; i++)
+				{
+					testCompressByteArray[i] = (byte) (i % 126);
+				}
+				byte[] compressedBytes = com.github.luben.zstd.Zstd.compress(testCompressByteArray);
+				com.github.luben.zstd.Zstd.decompress(compressedBytes);
+			}
+			
+			Class<?> lzmaCompressor = XZOutputStream.class;
 			//Class<?> networking = ByteBuf.class;
 			Class<?> config = com.electronwill.nightconfig.core.Config.class;
 			Class<?> oldFastUtil = it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.LongArrayList.class; // available in 8.2.1
@@ -63,30 +89,6 @@ public class Initializer
 			Class<?> sqliteJava = org.sqlite.SQLiteConnection.class;
 			Class<?> sqliteNative = org.sqlite.core.NativeDB.class;
 			
-			//// maybe these lines are needed to shade SQLite, James isn't sure.
-			//// Although they never seemed to fail, which is a bit odd.
-			//try
-			//{
-			//	// needed by Forge to load the Java database connection
-			//	Class.forName("org.sqlite.JDBC");
-			//	LOGGER.info("loaded normal SQLITE");
-			//}
-			//catch (ClassNotFoundException e)
-			//{
-			//	LOGGER.warn("normal: " + e.getMessage(), e);
-			//}
-			//
-			//try
-			//{
-			//	// needed by Forge to load the Java database connection
-			//	Class.forName("DistantHorizons.libraries.sqlite.JDBC");
-			//	LOGGER.info("loaded shaded SQLITE");
-			//}
-			//catch (ClassNotFoundException e)
-			//{
-			//	LOGGER.warn("shaded: " + e.getMessage(), e);
-			//}
-			
 			boolean sqliteLoaded = SQLiteJDBCLoader.initialize();
 			if (!sqliteLoaded)
 			{
@@ -95,12 +97,18 @@ public class Initializer
 		}
 		catch (Throwable e)
 		{
-			LOGGER.fatal("Critical programmer error: One or more libraries aren't present. Error: [" + e.getMessage() + "].", e);
-			// throwing here should crash the game, notifying the developer that something is wrong
-			throw new RuntimeException(e);
+			MC_CLIENT.crashMinecraft("Distant Horizons critical setup error: One or more libraries are either in-accessible, corrupted, or overwritten by another mod. Error: [" + e.getMessage() + "].", e);
 		}
 		
-		// confirm the resource directory is present
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+		//==========================//
+		// check resource directory //
+		//==========================//
+		//region
+		
 		try
 		{
 			int scriptCount = DatabaseUpdater.getAutoUpdateScriptCount();
@@ -111,10 +119,18 @@ public class Initializer
 		}
 		catch (Exception e)
 		{
-			LOGGER.fatal("Critical programmer error: Can't read SQL Scripts resource folder is either missing or malformed. Error: [" + e.getMessage() + "].");
-			throw new RuntimeException(e);
+			MC_CLIENT.crashMinecraft("Critical programmer error: Can't read SQL Scripts resource folder is either missing or malformed. Error: [" + e.getMessage() + "].", e);
 		}
 		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+		//===========================//
+		// Java AWT Headless setting // 
+		//===========================//
+		//region
+		
 		// This code has been disabled since it can cause Mac
 		// to lock up and refuse the load (there's a bug with Java.awt texture loading)
 		//if (MC_CLIENT != null)
@@ -131,18 +147,103 @@ public class Initializer
 		//	}
 		//}
 		
+		//endregion
+		
+		
+		
+		//===================//
+		// API delayed setup //
+		//===================//
+		//region
+		
 		// link Core's config to the API
 		DhApi.Delayed.configs = DhApiConfig.INSTANCE;
 		DhApi.Delayed.terrainRepo = DhApiTerrainDataRepo.INSTANCE;
 		DhApi.Delayed.worldProxy = DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE;
 		DhApi.Delayed.renderProxy = DhApiRenderProxy.INSTANCE;
-		DhApi.Delayed.customRenderObjectFactory = GenericRenderObjectFactory.INSTANCE;
 		DhApi.Delayed.wrapperFactory = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IWrapperFactory.class);
 		if (DhApi.Delayed.wrapperFactory == null)
 		{
-			LOGGER.error("Programmer Error: No ["+IWrapperFactory.class.getSimpleName()+"] assigned to the DhApi.");
+			MC_CLIENT.crashMinecraft("Programmer Error: No ["+IWrapperFactory.class.getSimpleName()+"] assigned to the DhApi.", new Exception());
 		}
 		
+		DhApi.Delayed.customRenderObjectFactory = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IDhApiCustomRenderObjectFactory.class);
+		if (DhApi.Delayed.customRenderObjectFactory == null)
+		{
+			MC_CLIENT.crashMinecraft("Programmer Error: No ["+IDhApiCustomRenderObjectFactory.class.getSimpleName()+"] assigned to the DhApi.", new Exception());
+		}
+		
+		DhApi.events.bind(DhApiBeforeRenderEvent.class, IgnoredDimensionCsvHandler.INSTANCE);
+		
+		//endregion
+		
 	}
 	
+	/** fired after DH's config has been set up */
+	public static void postConfigInit()
+	{
+		
+		
+		//==============================//
+		// G1 Garbage collector warning //
+		//==============================//
+		//region
+		
+		// log a warning if G1GC is being used
+		// (this garbage collector is known to cause stuttering)
+		{
+			boolean g1GcInUse = false;
+			
+			StringBuilder garbageCollectorNames = new StringBuilder();
+			List<GarbageCollectorMXBean> gcMxBeans = ManagementFactory.getGarbageCollectorMXBeans();
+			for (GarbageCollectorMXBean gcMxBean : gcMxBeans)
+			{
+				if (!garbageCollectorNames.toString().isEmpty())
+				{
+					garbageCollectorNames.append(", ");
+				}
+				garbageCollectorNames.append(gcMxBean.getName());
+				
+				// "G1 Young Generation" // "G1 Concurrent GC" // "G1 Old Generation"
+				if (gcMxBean.getName().toLowerCase().contains("g1 "))
+				{
+					g1GcInUse = true;
+				}
+			}
+			LOGGER.info("Garbage collectors: ["+garbageCollectorNames+"]");
+			
+			
+			if (g1GcInUse)
+			{
+				String warningMessageHeader = "Distant Horizons: G1 Garbage collector detected.";
+				String warningMessageBody = 
+					"This can cause FPS stuttering. \n" +
+					"It's recommended to use a concurrent garbage collector \n" +
+					"like ZGC (Java 21+) or Shenandoah (Java 8 through 17) \n" +
+					"for a smoother experience."
+					;
+				
+				if (Config.Common.Logging.Warning.logGarbageCollectorWarning.get())
+				{
+					LOGGER.warn(
+						warningMessageHeader + "\n" +
+						warningMessageBody +
+						"");
+				}
+				
+				if (Config.Common.Logging.Warning.showGarbageCollectorWarning.get())
+				{
+					ClientApi.INSTANCE.showChatMessageNextFrame(
+						MinecraftTextFormat.ORANGE + warningMessageHeader + MinecraftTextFormat.CLEAR_FORMATTING + "\n" +
+						warningMessageBody +
+						"");
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		
+		//endregion
+		
+	}
+	
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig.java

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.client;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 
 public class DhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig implements IDhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig
@@ -35,30 +35,6 @@ public class DhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig implements IDhApiAmbientOcclusionConfig
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> enabled()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Boolean, Boolean>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.enableSsao); }
-	
-	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> sampleCount()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Integer, Integer>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.sampleCount); }
-	
-	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> radius()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.radius); }
-	
-	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> strength()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.strength); }
-	
-	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> bias()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.bias); }
-	
-	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> minLight()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.minLight); }
-	
-	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> blurRadius()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Integer, Integer>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.blurRadius); }
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Boolean, Boolean>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.enableSsao); }
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiDebuggingConfig.java

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.client;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiDebuggingConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiDebugRendering;
 
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ public class DhApiDebuggingConfig implements IDhApiDebuggingConfig
 	
 	
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiDebugRendering> debugRendering()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiDebugRendering, EDhApiDebugRendering>(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.debugRendering); }
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiDebugRendering, EDhApiDebugRendering>(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.debugRenderingColors); }
 	
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> debugKeybindings()
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Boolean, Boolean>(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.enableDebugKeybindings); }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiFarFogConfig.java

@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.client;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiFogFalloff;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiFarFogConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 
 public class DhApiFarFogConfig implements IDhApiFarFogConfig
@@ -34,27 +34,27 @@ public class DhApiFarFogConfig implements IDhApiFarFogConfig
 	
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogStartDistance()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogStart); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogStartDistance()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogStart); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogEndDistance()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogEnd); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogEndDistance()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogEnd); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogMinThickness()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogMin); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogMinThickness()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogMin); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogMaxThickness()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogMax); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogMaxThickness()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogMax); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiFogFalloff> farFogFalloff()
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiFogFalloff, EDhApiFogFalloff>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogFalloff); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> farFogDensity()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogDensity); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> farFogDensity()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.farFogDensity); }
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiFogConfig.java

@@ -25,9 +25,10 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiFarFogConfig;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiFogConfig;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiHeightFogConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.converters.ApiFogDrawModeConverter;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.converters.ApiFogDrawModeConverter;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.converters.InvertedBoolConverter;
 
 public class DhApiFogConfig implements IDhApiFogConfig
 {
@@ -67,7 +68,7 @@ public class DhApiFogConfig implements IDhApiFogConfig
 	@Override
 	@Deprecated
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> disableVanillaFog()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.disableVanillaFog); }
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.enableVanillaFog, new InvertedBoolConverter()); }
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> enableVanillaFog()
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.enableVanillaFog); }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiGenericRenderingConfig.java

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.client;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiGenericRenderingConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 
 public class DhApiGenericRenderingConfig implements IDhApiGenericRenderingConfig

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiGraphicsConfig.java

@@ -23,10 +23,10 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.*;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiTransparency;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.*;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiRendererMode;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.converters.RenderModeEnabledConverter;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.converters.RenderModeEnabledConverter;
 
 public class DhApiGraphicsConfig implements IDhApiGraphicsConfig
 {
@@ -85,22 +85,25 @@ public class DhApiGraphicsConfig implements IDhApiGraphicsConfig
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiHorizontalQuality> horizontalQuality()
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiHorizontalQuality, EDhApiHorizontalQuality>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.horizontalQuality); }
 	
+	@Override
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> useCameraPositionForQualityDropOff()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Boolean, Boolean>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.useCameraPositionForQualityDropOff); }
+	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiTransparency> transparency()
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiTransparency, EDhApiTransparency>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.transparency); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiBlocksToAvoid> blocksToAvoid()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiBlocksToAvoid, EDhApiBlocksToAvoid>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.blocksToIgnore); }
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiBlocksToAvoid, EDhApiBlocksToAvoid>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Culling.blocksToIgnore); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> tintWithAvoidedBlocks()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Boolean, Boolean>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.tintWithAvoidedBlocks); }
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Boolean, Boolean>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Culling.tintWithAvoidedBlocks); }
 	
-	// TODO re-implement
-//	@Override
-//	public IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> getBiomeBlending()
-//	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Integer, Integer>(Quality.lodBiomeBlending); }
+	@Override
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> getBiomeBlending()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Integer, Integer>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.lodBiomeBlending); }
 	
 	
 	
@@ -109,16 +112,16 @@ public class DhApiGraphicsConfig implements IDhApiGraphicsConfig
 	//===========================//
 
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> overdrawPreventionRadius()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Culling.overdrawPrevention); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> overdrawPreventionRadius()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Culling.overdrawPrevention); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> brightnessMultiplier()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.brightnessMultiplier); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> brightnessMultiplier()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.brightnessMultiplier); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> saturationMultiplier()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.saturationMultiplier); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> saturationMultiplier()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.saturationMultiplier); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> caveCullingEnabled()
@@ -136,10 +139,6 @@ public class DhApiGraphicsConfig implements IDhApiGraphicsConfig
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> lodOnlyMode()
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Boolean, Boolean>(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.lodOnlyMode); }
 	
-	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> lodBias()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.lodBias); }
-	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiLodShading> lodShading()
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiLodShading, EDhApiLodShading>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.lodShading); }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiHeightFogConfig.java

@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiHeightFogMixMode;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiHeightFogDirection;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiHeightFogConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 
 public class DhApiHeightFogConfig implements IDhApiHeightFogConfig
@@ -44,31 +44,31 @@ public class DhApiHeightFogConfig implements IDhApiHeightFogConfig
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiHeightFogDirection, EDhApiHeightFogDirection>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogDirection); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogBaseHeight()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogBaseHeight); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogBaseHeight()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogBaseHeight); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogStartingHeightPercent()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogStart); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogStartingHeightPercent()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogStart); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogEndingHeightPercent()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogEnd); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogEndingHeightPercent()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogEnd); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogMinThickness()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogMin); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogMinThickness()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogMin); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogMaxThickness()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogMax); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogMaxThickness()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogMax); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiFogFalloff> heightFogFalloff()
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiFogFalloff, EDhApiFogFalloff>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogFalloff); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> heightFogDensity()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogDensity); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> heightFogDensity()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Fog.HeightFog.heightFogDensity); }
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiMultiThreadingConfig.java

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.client;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiMultiThreadingConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 
 public class DhApiMultiThreadingConfig implements IDhApiMultiThreadingConfig

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiMultiplayerConfig.java

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.client;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiMultiplayerConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiServerFolderNameMode;
 

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/client/DhApiNoiseTextureConfig.java

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.client;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.client.IDhApiNoiseTextureConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 
 public class DhApiNoiseTextureConfig implements IDhApiNoiseTextureConfig
@@ -41,8 +41,8 @@ public class DhApiNoiseTextureConfig implements IDhApiNoiseTextureConfig
 	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Integer, Integer>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.NoiseTexture.noiseSteps); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiConfigValue<Double> noiseIntensity()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Double, Double>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.NoiseTexture.noiseIntensity); }
+	public IDhApiConfigValue<Float> noiseIntensity()
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Float, Float>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.NoiseTexture.noiseIntensity); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Integer> noiseDropoff()

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/config/common/DhApiWorldGenerationConfig.java

@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.config.common;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.both.IDhApiWorldGenerationConfig;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config.DhApiConfigValue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.DhApiConfigValue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.worldGeneration.EDhApiDistantGeneratorMode;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/data/DhApiTerrainDataCache.java

@@ -2,10 +2,10 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.external.methods.data;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.data.IDhApiTerrainDataCache;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.Long2ReferenceOpenHashMap;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.LongSet;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 import java.lang.ref.SoftReference;
@@ -13,15 +13,16 @@ import java.lang.ref.SoftReference;
 public class DhApiTerrainDataCache implements IDhApiTerrainDataCache
 {
 	private final Object modificationLock = new Object();
-	private Long2ReferenceOpenHashMap<SoftReference<FullDataSourceV2>> posToFullDataRef = new Long2ReferenceOpenHashMap<>();
+	private final Long2ReferenceOpenHashMap<SoftReference<FullDataSourceV2>> posToFullDataRef = new Long2ReferenceOpenHashMap<>();
 	
-	private static final Logger LOGGER = LogManager.getLogger(DhApiTerrainDataCache.class.getSimpleName());
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder().build();
 	
 	
 	
 	//==================//
 	// internal methods //
 	//==================//
+	//region
 	
 	public void add(long pos, FullDataSourceV2 dataSource)
 	{
@@ -48,11 +49,14 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataCache implements IDhApiTerrainDataCache
 		}
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
 	
 	
 	//=============//
 	// API methods //
 	//=============//
+	//region
 	
 	@Override 
 	public void clear()
@@ -82,6 +86,23 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataCache implements IDhApiTerrainDataCache
 		}
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//================//
+ 	// base overrides //
+	//================//
+	//region
+	
+	@Override 
+	public void close() { this.clear(); }
+	
+	@Override 
+	public String toString() { return "Size: " + this.posToFullDataRef.size(); }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
 	
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/external/methods/data/DhApiTerrainDataRepo.java

@@ -31,25 +31,25 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.FullDataPointIdMap;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IDhLevel;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhLodPos;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.DebugRenderer;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.AbstractDebugWireframeRenderer;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.DhApiTerrainDataPointUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.FullDataPointUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.RayCastUtil;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.Vec3f;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.DhVec3f;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.AbstractDhWorld;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.IWrapperFactory;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.chunk.IChunkWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftRenderWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.BitShiftUtil;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.Vec3d;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.Vec3i;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.DhVec3d;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.DhVec3i;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.LongArrayList;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
 import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 import java.awt.*;
@@ -64,55 +64,64 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 {
 	public static DhApiTerrainDataRepo INSTANCE = new DhApiTerrainDataRepo();
 	
-	private static final Logger LOGGER = LogManager.getLogger(DhApiTerrainDataRepo.class.getSimpleName());
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder().build();
+	
+	private static final AbstractDebugWireframeRenderer DEBUG_RENDERER = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(AbstractDebugWireframeRenderer.class);
 	
 	// debugging values
 	private static volatile boolean debugThreadRunning = false;
 	private static DhApiTerrainDataCache debugDataCache = new DhApiTerrainDataCache();
-	private static DhApiVec3i currentDebugVec3i = new Vec3i();
+	private static DhApiVec3i currentDebugVec3i = new DhVec3i();
 	
 	
 	
 	//=============//
 	// constructor //
 	//=============//
+	//region
 	
 	private DhApiTerrainDataRepo()
 	{
 		
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
 	
 	
 	//================//
 	// Getter Methods //
 	//================//
+	//region
 	
 	@Override
-	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> getSingleDataPointAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosY, int blockPosZ, @Nullable IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
-	{ return getTerrainDataAtBlockYPos(levelWrapper, new DhLodPos(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ), blockPosY, dataCache); }
+	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> getSingleDataPointAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosY, int blockPosZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
+	{ return getTerrainDataAtBlockYPos(levelWrapper, DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ), blockPosY, dataCache); }
 	@Override
-	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> getColumnDataAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosZ, @Nullable IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
-	{ return getTerrainDataColumnArray(levelWrapper, new DhLodPos(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ), null, dataCache); }
+	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> getColumnDataAtBlockPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
+	{ return getTerrainDataColumnArray(levelWrapper, DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ), null, dataCache); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtChunkPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ, @Nullable IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
-	{ return getTerrainDataOverAreaForPositionDetailLevel(levelWrapper, new DhLodPos(LodUtil.CHUNK_DETAIL_LEVEL, chunkPosX, chunkPosZ), dataCache); }
+	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtChunkPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
+	{ return getTerrainDataOverAreaForPositionDetailLevel(levelWrapper, DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.CHUNK_DETAIL_LEVEL, chunkPosX, chunkPosZ), dataCache); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtRegionPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int regionPosX, int regionPosZ, @Nullable IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
-	{ return getTerrainDataOverAreaForPositionDetailLevel(levelWrapper, new DhLodPos(LodUtil.REGION_DETAIL_LEVEL, regionPosX, regionPosZ), dataCache); }
+	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtRegionPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, int regionPosX, int regionPosZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
+	{ return getTerrainDataOverAreaForPositionDetailLevel(levelWrapper, DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.REGION_DETAIL_LEVEL, regionPosX, regionPosZ), dataCache); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtDetailLevelAndPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, byte detailLevel, int posX, int posZ, @Nullable IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
-	{ return getTerrainDataOverAreaForPositionDetailLevel(levelWrapper, new DhLodPos(detailLevel, posX, posZ), dataCache); }
+	public DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getAllTerrainDataAtDetailLevelAndPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, byte detailLevel, int posX, int posZ, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
+	{ return getTerrainDataOverAreaForPositionDetailLevel(levelWrapper, DhSectionPos.encode(detailLevel, posX, posZ), dataCache); }
+	
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	
 	// private getters //
+	//region
 	
 	/** Returns a single API terrain datapoint that contains the given Y block position */
-	private static DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> getTerrainDataAtBlockYPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, DhLodPos requestedColumnPos, Integer blockYPos, @Nullable IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
+	private static DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> getTerrainDataAtBlockYPos(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, long requestedColumnPos, Integer blockYPos, IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
 	{
 		DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> result = getTerrainDataColumnArray(levelWrapper, requestedColumnPos, blockYPos, dataCache);
 		if (result.success && result.payload.length > 0)
@@ -126,7 +135,7 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	}
 	
 	/**
-	 * Returns all the block columns represented by the given {@link DhLodPos}. <br>
+	 * Returns all the block columns represented by the given {@link DhSectionPos}. <br>
 	 * IE, A position with the detail level: <br>
 	 * 0 (block): will return a 1x1 matrix of data. (don't do this, we have a specific method for that.) <br>
 	 * 1 (2 blocks): will return a 2x2 matrix of data. <br>
@@ -135,11 +144,14 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	 * will stop and return the in progress data if any errors are encountered.
 	 */
 	private static DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> getTerrainDataOverAreaForPositionDetailLevel(
-			IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, DhLodPos requestedAreaPos, 
-			@Nullable IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
+			IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, long requestedAreaPos, 
+			IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
 	{
-		DhLodPos startingBlockPos = requestedAreaPos.getCornerLodPos(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL);
-		int widthOfAreaInBlocks = BitShiftUtil.powerOfTwo(requestedAreaPos.detailLevel);
+		byte requestedDetailLevel = DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(requestedAreaPos);
+		long startingBlockPos = DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL,
+			DhSectionPos.getX(requestedAreaPos) * BitShiftUtil.powerOfTwo(requestedDetailLevel - LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL),
+			DhSectionPos.getZ(requestedAreaPos) * BitShiftUtil.powerOfTwo(requestedDetailLevel - LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL));
+		int widthOfAreaInBlocks = BitShiftUtil.powerOfTwo(requestedDetailLevel);
 		
 		DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][] returnArray = new DhApiTerrainDataPoint[widthOfAreaInBlocks][widthOfAreaInBlocks][];
 		int dataColumnsReturned = 0;
@@ -149,7 +161,7 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		{
 			for (int z = 0; z < widthOfAreaInBlocks; z++)
 			{
-				DhLodPos blockColumnPos = new DhLodPos(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, startingBlockPos.x + x, startingBlockPos.z + z);
+				long blockColumnPos = DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, DhSectionPos.getX(startingBlockPos) + x, DhSectionPos.getZ(startingBlockPos) + z);
 				DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> result = getTerrainDataColumnArray(levelWrapper, blockColumnPos, null, dataCache);
 				if (result.success)
 				{
@@ -175,8 +187,8 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	 */
 	private static DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> getTerrainDataColumnArray(
 			IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, 
-			DhLodPos requestedColumnPos, Integer nullableBlockYPos, 
-			@Nullable IDhApiTerrainDataCache apiDataCache)
+			long requestedColumnPos, Integer nullableBlockYPos, 
+			IDhApiTerrainDataCache apiDataCache)
 	{
 		//============//
 		// validation //
@@ -197,9 +209,14 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		ILevelWrapper coreLevelWrapper = (ILevelWrapper) levelWrapper;
 		
 		
-		// the data cache can be null, but must be our own implementation
-		if (apiDataCache != null
-			&& !(apiDataCache instanceof DhApiTerrainDataCache))
+		// require a data cache to prevent horrible performance (especially on ray-casts)
+		if (apiDataCache == null)
+		{
+			return DhApiResult.createFail("Missing [" + IDhApiTerrainDataCache.class.getSimpleName() + "], if a cache isn't provided your repo operations will be significantly slower.");
+		}
+		
+		// the data cache must be our own implementation
+		if (!(apiDataCache instanceof DhApiTerrainDataCache))
 		{
 			return DhApiResult.createFail("Unsupported [" + IDhApiTerrainDataCache.class.getSimpleName() + "] implementation, only the core class [" + DhApiTerrainDataCache.class.getSimpleName() + "] is a valid parameter.");
 		}
@@ -213,12 +230,12 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		}
 		
 		// get the detail levels for this request
-		byte requestedDetailLevel = requestedColumnPos.detailLevel;
+		byte requestedDetailLevel = DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(requestedColumnPos);
 		byte sectionDetailLevel = (byte) (requestedDetailLevel + DhSectionPos.SECTION_MINIMUM_DETAIL_LEVEL);
 		
 		// get the positions for this request
-		long sectionPos = requestedColumnPos.getSectionPosWithSectionDetailLevel(sectionDetailLevel);
-		DhLodPos relativePos = requestedColumnPos.getDhSectionRelativePositionForDetailLevel();
+		long sectionPos = DhSectionPos.convertToDetailLevel(requestedColumnPos, sectionDetailLevel);
+		long relativePos = DhSectionPos.getDhSectionRelativePositionForDetailLevel(requestedColumnPos, DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(requestedColumnPos));
 		
 		
 		
@@ -258,7 +275,7 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 			//===============================//
 			
 			FullDataPointIdMap mapping = dataSource.mapping;
-			LongArrayList dataColumn = dataSource.get(relativePos.x, relativePos.z);
+			LongArrayList dataColumn = dataSource.getColumnAtRelPos(DhSectionPos.getX(relativePos), DhSectionPos.getZ(relativePos));
 			if (dataColumn != null)
 			{
 				int dataColumnIndexCount = dataColumn.size();
@@ -277,7 +294,7 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 					if (!getSpecificYCoordinate)
 					{
 						// if we aren't look for a specific datapoint, add each datapoint to the return array
-						returnArray[i] = DhApiTerrainDataPointUtil.createApiDatapoint(levelWrapper, mapping, requestedDetailLevel, dataPoint);
+						returnArray[i] = DhApiTerrainDataPointUtil.createApiDatapoint(levelWrapper.getMinHeight(), mapping, requestedDetailLevel, dataPoint);
 					}
 					else
 					{
@@ -294,7 +311,7 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 							if (bottomY <= requestedY && requestedY < topY) // blockPositions start from the bottom of the block, thus "<=" for bottomY, just "<" for topY
 							{
 								// this datapoint contains the requested block position, return it
-								DhApiTerrainDataPoint apiTerrainData = DhApiTerrainDataPointUtil.createApiDatapoint(levelWrapper, mapping, requestedDetailLevel, dataPoint);
+								DhApiTerrainDataPoint apiTerrainData = DhApiTerrainDataPointUtil.createApiDatapoint(levelWrapper.getMinHeight(), mapping, requestedDetailLevel, dataPoint);
 								return DhApiResult.createSuccess(new DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]{apiTerrainData});
 							}
 						}
@@ -330,11 +347,14 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		}
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
 	
 	
 	//====================//
 	// raycasting methods //
 	//====================//
+	//region
 	
 	@Override
 	public DhApiResult<DhApiRaycastResult> raycast(
@@ -345,7 +365,10 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 			@Nullable
 			IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
 	{
-		return this.raycastLodData(levelWrapper, new Vec3d(rayOriginX, rayOriginY, rayOriginZ), new Vec3f(rayDirectionX, rayDirectionY, rayDirectionZ), maxRayBlockLength, dataCache);
+		return this.raycastLodData(levelWrapper, 
+				new DhVec3d(rayOriginX, rayOriginY, rayOriginZ), 
+				new DhVec3f(rayDirectionX, rayDirectionY, rayDirectionZ), 
+				maxRayBlockLength, dataCache);
 	}
 	
 	/**
@@ -356,15 +379,15 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	 */
 	private DhApiResult<DhApiRaycastResult> raycastLodData(
 			IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, 
-			Vec3d rayOrigin, Vec3f rayDirection, 
+			DhVec3d rayOrigin, DhVec3f rayDirection, 
 			int maxRayBlockLength,
 			@Nullable
 			IDhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache)
 	{
 		rayDirection.normalize();
 		
-		int minBlockHeight = levelWrapper.getMinHeight();
-		int maxBlockHeight = levelWrapper.getMaxHeight();
+		int minLevelBlockHeight = levelWrapper.getMinHeight();
+		int maxLevelBlockHeight = levelWrapper.getMaxHeight();
 		
 		
 		
@@ -373,19 +396,20 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		int currentLength = 0;
 		
 		// the exact position of this step
-		Vec3d exactPos = new Vec3d(rayOrigin.x, rayOrigin.y, rayOrigin.z);
+		DhVec3d exactPos = new DhVec3d(rayOrigin.x, rayOrigin.y, rayOrigin.z);
 		// the block position for this step
-		Vec3i blockPos = new Vec3i((int) Math.round(rayOrigin.x), (int) Math.round(rayOrigin.y), (int) Math.round(rayOrigin.z));
+		DhVec3i blockPos = new DhVec3i((int) Math.round(rayOrigin.x), (int) Math.round(rayOrigin.y), (int) Math.round(rayOrigin.z));
 		
 		DhApiRaycastResult closetFoundDataPoint = null;
 		
 		
-		while (blockPos.y >= minBlockHeight && blockPos.y < maxBlockHeight
+		while (blockPos.y >= minLevelBlockHeight 
+				&& blockPos.y < maxLevelBlockHeight
 				&& currentLength <= maxRayBlockLength)
 		{
 			// get the LOD columns around this position
-			ArrayList<Vec3i> columnPositions = getIntersectingColumnsAtPosition(blockPos, rayDirection);
-			for (Vec3i columnPos : columnPositions)
+			ArrayList<DhVec3i> columnPositions = getIntersectingColumnsAtPosition(blockPos, rayDirection);
+			for (DhVec3i columnPos : columnPositions)
 			{
 				// check each column
 				DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> result = this.getColumnDataAtBlockPos(levelWrapper, columnPos.x, columnPos.z, dataCache);
@@ -402,8 +426,9 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 					if (dataPoint.blockStateWrapper != null && !dataPoint.blockStateWrapper.isAir())
 					{
 						// does this LOD contain the given Y position?
-						Vec3i dataPointPos = new Vec3i(columnPos.x, dataPoint.bottomYBlockPos, columnPos.z);
-						if (exactPos.y >= dataPoint.bottomYBlockPos && exactPos.y <= dataPoint.topYBlockPos)
+						DhVec3i dataPointPos = new DhVec3i(columnPos.x, dataPoint.bottomYBlockPos, columnPos.z);
+						if (exactPos.y >= dataPoint.bottomYBlockPos 
+							&& exactPos.y <= dataPoint.topYBlockPos)
 						{
 							if (closetFoundDataPoint == null)
 							{
@@ -454,15 +479,15 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 	 *
 	 * Used to make sure the raycast step doesn't accidentally walk over any adjacent data.
 	 */
-	private static ArrayList<Vec3i> getIntersectingColumnsAtPosition(Vec3i rayEndingPos, Vec3f rayDirection)
+	private static ArrayList<DhVec3i> getIntersectingColumnsAtPosition(DhVec3i rayEndingPos, DhVec3f rayDirection)
 	{
-		ArrayList<Vec3i> returnList = new ArrayList<>(9);
+		ArrayList<DhVec3i> returnList = new ArrayList<>(9);
 		
 		for (int x = -1; x <= 1; x++)
 		{
 			for (int z = -1; z <= 1; z++)
 			{
-				Vec3i pos = new Vec3i(rayEndingPos.x + x, rayEndingPos.y, rayEndingPos.z + z);
+				DhVec3i pos = new DhVec3i(rayEndingPos.x + x, rayEndingPos.y, rayEndingPos.z + z);
 				
 				// check if this column is intersected by the ray
 				if (RayCastUtil.rayIntersectsSquare(rayEndingPos.x, rayEndingPos.z, rayDirection.x, rayDirection.z, pos.x, pos.z, 1))
@@ -475,11 +500,14 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		return returnList;
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
 	
 	
 	//================//
 	// setter methods //
 	//================//
+	//region
 	
 	@Override
 	public DhApiResult<Void> overwriteChunkDataAsync(IDhApiLevelWrapper levelWrapper, Object[] chunkObjectArray) throws ClassCastException
@@ -503,26 +531,32 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		
 		// this will throw a cast exception if the chunk object array isn't correct
 		IChunkWrapper chunk = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IWrapperFactory.class).createChunkWrapper(chunkObjectArray);
-		SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunk, dhLevel.getLevelWrapper(), true);
+		SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunk, dhLevel.getLevelWrapper());
 		
 		
 		return DhApiResult.createSuccess();
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
 	
 	
 	//=============//
 	// API helpers //
 	//=============//
+	//region
 	
 	@Override
-	public IDhApiTerrainDataCache getSoftCache() { return new DhApiTerrainDataCache(); }
+	public IDhApiTerrainDataCache createSoftCache() { return new DhApiTerrainDataCache(); }
+	
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	
 	//===============//
 	// debug methods //
 	//===============//
+	//region
 	
 	/**
 	 * This method is here for debugging the repo and isn't intended for normal use.
@@ -536,10 +570,10 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 			Thread thread = new Thread(() -> {
 				try
 				{
-					DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> single = getTerrainDataAtBlockYPos(levelWrapper, new DhLodPos(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ), blockPosY, debugDataCache);
-					DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> column = getTerrainDataColumnArray(levelWrapper, new DhLodPos(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ), null, debugDataCache);
+					DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> single = getTerrainDataAtBlockYPos(levelWrapper, DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ), blockPosY, debugDataCache);
+					DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[]> column = getTerrainDataColumnArray(levelWrapper, DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ), null, debugDataCache);
 					
-					DhLodPos chunkPos = new DhLodPos(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPosX, blockPosZ).convertToDetailLevel(LodUtil.CHUNK_DETAIL_LEVEL);
+					long chunkPos = DhSectionPos.encodeContaining(LodUtil.CHUNK_DETAIL_LEVEL, new DhChunkPos(blockPosX, blockPosZ));
 					DhApiResult<DhApiTerrainDataPoint[][][]> area = getTerrainDataOverAreaForPositionDetailLevel(levelWrapper, chunkPos, debugDataCache);
 					
 					
@@ -572,12 +606,16 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 					}
 					
 					// draw raycast position
-					if (rayCast.success && rayCast.payload != null)
+					if (rayCast.success 
+						&& rayCast.payload != null)
 					{
-						DebugRenderer.makeParticle(
-							new DebugRenderer.BoxParticle(
-								new DebugRenderer.Box(
-									DhSectionPos.encode((byte) 0, rayCast.payload.pos.x, rayCast.payload.pos.z), rayCast.payload.dataPoint.bottomYBlockPos, rayCast.payload.dataPoint.topYBlockPos, -0.1f, Color.RED),
+						DEBUG_RENDERER.makeParticle(
+							new AbstractDebugWireframeRenderer.BoxParticle(
+								new AbstractDebugWireframeRenderer.Box(
+									DhSectionPos.encode((byte) 0, rayCast.payload.pos.x, rayCast.payload.pos.z), 
+										rayCast.payload.dataPoint.bottomYBlockPos, 
+										rayCast.payload.dataPoint.topYBlockPos, 
+										-0.1f, Color.RED),
 							1.0, 0f
 							)
 						);
@@ -599,5 +637,8 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		}
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/internal/ClientPluginChannelApi.java

@@ -4,32 +4,32 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IKeyedClientLevelManager;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IServerKeyedClientLevel;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.ConfigBasedLogger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.event.internal.CloseInternalEvent;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.messages.base.LevelInitMessage;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.session.NetworkSession;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.RenderThreadTaskHandler;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.AbstractDhWorld;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftClientWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
-import org.checkerframework.checker.nullness.qual.NonNull;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;
 import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 import java.util.Objects;
-import java.util.function.Consumer;
 
 /**
  * This class is used to manage the level keys.
  */
 public class ClientPluginChannelApi
 {
-	private static final ConfigBasedLogger LOGGER = new ConfigBasedLogger(LogManager.getLogger(),
-			() -> Config.Common.Logging.logNetworkEvent.get());
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder()
+			.fileLevelConfig(Config.Common.Logging.logNetworkEventToFile)
+			.build();  
+			
 	private static final IMinecraftClientWrapper MC = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftClientWrapper.class);
 	private static final IKeyedClientLevelManager KEYED_CLIENT_LEVEL_MANAGER = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IKeyedClientLevelManager.class);
 	
-	private final Consumer<IServerKeyedClientLevel> levelLoadHandler;
-	private final Consumer<IClientLevelWrapper> levelUnloadHandler;
-	
 	@Nullable
 	public NetworkSession networkSession;
 	
@@ -39,10 +39,8 @@ public class ClientPluginChannelApi
 	// constructor //
 	//=============//
 	
-	public ClientPluginChannelApi(Consumer<IServerKeyedClientLevel> levelLoadHandler, Consumer<IClientLevelWrapper> levelUnloadHandler)
+	public ClientPluginChannelApi()
 	{
-		this.levelLoadHandler = levelLoadHandler;
-		this.levelUnloadHandler = levelUnloadHandler;
 	}
 	
 	
@@ -65,7 +63,7 @@ public class ClientPluginChannelApi
 	//================//
 	
 	/** fired when this client connects to a server with DH support */
-	public void onJoinServer(@NonNull NetworkSession networkSession)
+	public void onJoinServer(@NotNull NetworkSession networkSession)
 	{
 		Objects.requireNonNull(networkSession);
 		this.networkSession = networkSession;
@@ -75,41 +73,37 @@ public class ClientPluginChannelApi
 	
 	private void onLevelInitMessage(LevelInitMessage msg)
 	{
-		if (!msg.levelKey.matches(LevelInitMessage.VALIDATION_REGEX))
+		if (!msg.serverKey.isEmpty() && !msg.serverKey.matches(LevelInitMessage.SERVER_KEY_REGEX))
+		{
+			throw new IllegalArgumentException("Server sent invalid server key.");
+		}
+		
+		if (!msg.levelKey.matches(LevelInitMessage.LEVEL_KEY_REGEX))
 		{
 			throw new IllegalArgumentException("Server sent invalid level key.");
 		}
 		
-		LOGGER.info("Server level key received: [" + msg.levelKey + "].");
+		LOGGER.info("Level init received for [" + msg.dimensionResourceLocation + "]: server key [" + msg.serverKey + "], level key [" + msg.levelKey + "]");
 		
-		MC.executeOnRenderThread(() -> 
+		RenderThreadTaskHandler.INSTANCE.queueRunningOnRenderThread("ClientPluginChannelApi onLevelInitMessage", () -> 
 		{
 			IClientLevelWrapper clientLevel = MC.getWrappedClientLevel(true);
-			IServerKeyedClientLevel existingKeyedClientLevel = KEYED_CLIENT_LEVEL_MANAGER.getServerKeyedLevel();
+			IServerKeyedClientLevel existingKeyedClientLevel = KEYED_CLIENT_LEVEL_MANAGER.getServerKeyedLevel(clientLevel);
 			
-			if (existingKeyedClientLevel != null)
-			{
-				if (!existingKeyedClientLevel.getServerLevelKey().equals(msg.levelKey))
-				{
-					LOGGER.info("Unloading previous level with key: [" + existingKeyedClientLevel.getServerLevelKey() + "].");
-					this.levelUnloadHandler.accept(existingKeyedClientLevel);
-				}
-				else
-				{
-					LOGGER.info("Level key matches the previous level key, ignoring the message.");
-				}
-			}
-			else
-			{
-				LOGGER.info("Unloading non-keyed level: [" + clientLevel.getDhIdentifier() + "].");
-				this.levelUnloadHandler.accept(clientLevel);
-			}
-			
-			if (existingKeyedClientLevel == null || !existingKeyedClientLevel.getServerLevelKey().equals(msg.levelKey))
+			if (existingKeyedClientLevel == null
+				|| !existingKeyedClientLevel.getServerKey().equals(msg.serverKey)
+				|| !existingKeyedClientLevel.getServerLevelKey().equals(msg.levelKey))
 			{
 				LOGGER.info("Loading level with key: [" + msg.levelKey + "].");
-				IServerKeyedClientLevel keyedLevel = KEYED_CLIENT_LEVEL_MANAGER.setServerKeyedLevel(clientLevel, msg.levelKey);
-				this.levelLoadHandler.accept(keyedLevel);
+				
+				IServerKeyedClientLevel keyedLevel = KEYED_CLIENT_LEVEL_MANAGER.setServerKeyedLevel(clientLevel, msg.dimensionResourceLocation, msg.serverKey, msg.levelKey);
+				
+				if (keyedLevel != null) {
+					AbstractDhWorld world = SharedApi.getAbstractDhWorld();
+					if (world != null) {
+						world.getOrLoadLevel(keyedLevel);
+					}
+				}
 			}
 		});
 	}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/internal/ServerApi.java

@@ -19,18 +19,15 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal;
 
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiLevelLoadEvent;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiLevelUnloadEvent;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.messages.AbstractNetworkMessage;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.messages.MessageRegistry;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.*;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.misc.IServerPlayerWrapper;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.DependencyInjection.ApiEventInjector;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.chunk.IChunkWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IServerLevelWrapper;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
 import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;
 
 /**
@@ -41,7 +38,7 @@ public class ServerApi
 {
 	public static final ServerApi INSTANCE = new ServerApi();
 	
-	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder().build();
 	
 	
 	
@@ -53,30 +50,6 @@ public class ServerApi
 	
 	
 	
-	//=============//
-	// tick events //
-	//=============//
-	
-	public void serverTickEvent()
-	{
-		try
-		{
-			IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.getIDhServerWorld();
-			if (serverWorld != null)
-			{
-				serverWorld.serverTick();
-				SharedApi.worldGenTick(serverWorld::worldGenTick);
-			}
-		}
-		catch (Exception e)
-		{
-			// try catch is necessary to prevent crashing the internal server when an exception is thrown
-			LOGGER.error("ServerTickEvent error: " + e.getMessage(), e);
-		}
-	}
-	
-	
-	
 	//===============//
 	// server events //
 	//===============//
@@ -101,20 +74,18 @@ public class ServerApi
 	}
 	
 	
-	
 	//==============//
 	// level events //
 	//==============//
 	
-	public void serverLevelLoadEvent(IServerLevelWrapper level)
+	public void serverLevelLoadEvent(IServerLevelWrapper levelWrapper)
 	{
-		LOGGER.debug("Server Level " + level + " loading");
+		LOGGER.debug("Server Level " + levelWrapper + " loading");
 		
 		AbstractDhWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.getAbstractDhWorld();
 		if (serverWorld != null)
 		{
-			serverWorld.getOrLoadLevel(level);
-			ApiEventInjector.INSTANCE.fireAllEvents(DhApiLevelLoadEvent.class, new DhApiLevelLoadEvent.EventParam(level));
+			serverWorld.getOrLoadLevel(levelWrapper);
 		}
 	}
 	public void serverLevelUnloadEvent(IServerLevelWrapper level)
@@ -125,19 +96,16 @@ public class ServerApi
 		if (serverWorld != null)
 		{
 			serverWorld.unloadLevel(level);
-			SharedApi.INSTANCE.clearQueuedChunkUpdates();
-			ApiEventInjector.INSTANCE.fireAllEvents(DhApiLevelUnloadEvent.class, new DhApiLevelUnloadEvent.EventParam(level));
 		}
 	}
 	
 	
-	
 	//=======================//
 	// chunk modified events //
 	//=======================//
 	
-	public void serverChunkLoadEvent(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level) { SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level, false); }
-	public void serverChunkSaveEvent(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level) { SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level, true); }
+	public void serverChunkLoadEvent(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level) { SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level); }
+	public void serverChunkSaveEvent(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level) { SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level); }
 	
 	
 	
@@ -147,12 +115,12 @@ public class ServerApi
 	
 	public void serverPlayerJoinEvent(IServerPlayerWrapper player)
 	{
-		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.worldLoaded() && DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.getReadOnly())
+		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.tryGetReadOnly())
 		{
 			return;
 		}
 		
-		IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.getIDhServerWorld();
+		IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.tryGetDhServerWorld();
 		LOGGER.info("Player ["+player.getName()+"] joined.");
 		if (serverWorld != null)
 		{
@@ -161,12 +129,12 @@ public class ServerApi
 	}
 	public void serverPlayerDisconnectEvent(IServerPlayerWrapper player)
 	{
-		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.worldLoaded() && DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.getReadOnly())
+		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.tryGetReadOnly())
 		{
 			return;
 		}
 		
-		IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.getIDhServerWorld();
+		IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.tryGetDhServerWorld();
 		LOGGER.info("Player ["+player.getName()+"] disconnected.");
 		if (serverWorld != null)
 		{
@@ -175,12 +143,12 @@ public class ServerApi
 	}
 	public void serverPlayerLevelChangeEvent(IServerPlayerWrapper player, IServerLevelWrapper originLevel, IServerLevelWrapper destinationLevel)
 	{
-		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.worldLoaded() && DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.getReadOnly())
+		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.tryGetReadOnly())
 		{
 			return;
 		}
 		
-		IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.getIDhServerWorld();
+		IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.tryGetDhServerWorld();
 		LOGGER.info("Player ["+player.getName()+"] changed level: ["+originLevel.getKeyedLevelDimensionName()+"] -> ["+destinationLevel.getKeyedLevelDimensionName()+"].");
 		if (serverWorld != null)
 		{
@@ -195,12 +163,12 @@ public class ServerApi
 	 */
 	public void pluginMessageReceived(IServerPlayerWrapper player, @NotNull AbstractNetworkMessage message)
 	{
-		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.worldLoaded() && DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.getReadOnly())
+		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.tryGetReadOnly())
 		{
 			return;
 		}
 		
-		IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.getIDhServerWorld();
+		IDhServerWorld serverWorld = SharedApi.tryGetDhServerWorld();
 		if (serverWorld != null)
 		{
 			serverWorld.getServerPlayerStateManager().handlePluginMessage(player, message);

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/internal/SharedApi.java

@@ -22,30 +22,28 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiWorldLoadEvent;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiWorldUnloadEvent;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.Initializer;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating.ChunkUpdateData;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating.ChunkUpdateQueueManager;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating.WorldChunkUpdateManager;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.eventHandlers.IgnoredDimensionCsvHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.DhLightingEngine;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.DhClientLevel;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IDhLevel;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.f3.F3Screen;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos2D;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.DebugRenderer;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.RenderThreadTaskHandler;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.AbstractDebugWireframeRenderer;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.repo.AbstractDhRepo;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.objects.Pair;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.threading.PriorityTaskPicker;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.threading.ThreadPoolUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.*;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.chunk.IChunkWrapper;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftClientWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftRenderWrapper;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftSharedWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.DependencyInjection.ApiEventInjector;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
 import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 import java.util.*;
@@ -56,144 +54,141 @@ public class SharedApi
 {
 	public static final SharedApi INSTANCE = new SharedApi();
 	
-	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder().build();
 	/** will be null on the server-side */
 	@Nullable
 	private static final IMinecraftRenderWrapper MC_RENDER = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftRenderWrapper.class);
-	/** will be null on the server-side */
+	
+	public static final WorldChunkUpdateManager WORLD_CHUNK_UPDATE_MANAGER = WorldChunkUpdateManager.INSTANCE; // local fariable for quick access
+	
+	
 	@Nullable
-	private static final IMinecraftClientWrapper MC_CLIENT = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftClientWrapper.class);
-	private static final IMinecraftSharedWrapper MC_SHARED = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftSharedWrapper.class);
-	
-	private static final UpdateChunkPosManager UPDATE_POS_MANAGER = new UpdateChunkPosManager();
-	/** 
-	 * how many chunks can be queued for updating per thread + player (in multiplayer), 
-	 * used to prevent updates from infinitely pilling up if the user flies around extremely fast 
-	 */
-	private static final int MAX_UPDATING_CHUNK_COUNT_PER_THREAD_AND_PLAYER = 1_000;
-	
-	/** how many milliseconds must pass before an overloaded message can be sent in chat or the log */
-	private static final int MIN_MS_BETWEEN_OVERLOADED_LOG_MESSAGE = 30_000;
-	
-	
 	private static AbstractDhWorld currentWorld;
-	private static int lastWorldGenTickDelta = 0;
-	private static long lastOverloadedLogMessageMsTime = 0;
+	private static final Object worldLockObject = new Object();
 	
 	
 	
 	//=============//
 	// constructor //
 	//=============//
+	//region
 	
 	private SharedApi() { }
-	public static void init() { Initializer.init(); }
+	
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	
 	//===============//
 	// world methods //
 	//===============//
+	//region
 	
 	public static EWorldEnvironment getEnvironment() { return (currentWorld == null) ? null : currentWorld.environment; }
 	
 	public static void setDhWorld(AbstractDhWorld newWorld)
 	{
-		AbstractDhWorld oldWorld = currentWorld;
-		if (oldWorld != null)
+		synchronized (worldLockObject)
 		{
-			oldWorld.close();
-		}
-		currentWorld = newWorld;
-		
-		// starting and stopping the DataRenderTransformer is necessary to prevent attempting to
-		// access the MC level at inappropriate times, which can cause exceptions
-		if (currentWorld != null)
-		{
-			ThreadPoolUtil.setupThreadPools();
-			
-			ApiEventInjector.INSTANCE.fireAllEvents(DhApiWorldLoadEvent.class, new DhApiWorldLoadEvent.EventParam());
-		}
-		else
-		{
-			ThreadPoolUtil.shutdownThreadPools();
-			DebugRenderer.clearRenderables();
-			
-			if (MC_RENDER != null)
+			AbstractDhWorld oldWorld = currentWorld;
+			if (oldWorld != null)
 			{
-				MC_RENDER.clearTargetFrameBuffer();
+				oldWorld.close();
 			}
+			currentWorld = newWorld;
 			
-			// shouldn't be necessary, but if we missed closing one of the connections this should make sure they're all closed
-			AbstractDhRepo.closeAllConnections();
-			// needs to be closed on world shutdown to clear out un-processed chunks
-			UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.clear();
+			// starting and stopping the DataRenderTransformer is necessary to prevent attempting to
+			// access the MC level at inappropriate times, which can cause exceptions
+			if (currentWorld != null)
+			{
+				ThreadPoolUtil.setupThreadPools();
 				
-			// recommend that the garbage collector cleans up any objects from the old world and thread pools
-			System.gc();
+				ApiEventInjector.INSTANCE.fireAllEvents(DhApiWorldLoadEvent.class, new DhApiWorldLoadEvent.EventParam());
+			}
+			else
+			{
+				ThreadPoolUtil.shutdownThreadPools();
 				
-			ApiEventInjector.INSTANCE.fireAllEvents(DhApiWorldUnloadEvent.class, new DhApiWorldUnloadEvent.EventParam());
+				// delayed get because SharedApi will be created before the singleton has been bound 
+				AbstractDebugWireframeRenderer debugWireframeRenderer = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(AbstractDebugWireframeRenderer.class);
+				debugWireframeRenderer.clearRenderables();
 				
-			// fired after the unload event so API users can't change the read-only for any new worlds
-			DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.setReadOnly(false, false);
-		}
-	}
-	
-	public static void worldGenTick(Runnable worldGenRunnable)
-	{
-		lastWorldGenTickDelta--;
-		if (lastWorldGenTickDelta <= 0)
-		{
-			worldGenRunnable.run();
-			lastWorldGenTickDelta = 20;
+				if (MC_RENDER != null)
+				{
+					MC_RENDER.clearTargetFrameBuffer();
+				}
+				
+				// shouldn't be necessary, but if we missed closing one of the connections this should make sure they're all closed
+				AbstractDhRepo.closeAllConnections();
+				// needs to be closed on world shutdown to clear out un-processed chunks
+				WORLD_CHUNK_UPDATE_MANAGER.clear();
+				
+				RenderThreadTaskHandler.INSTANCE.clearDebugStats();
+				
+				// recommend that the garbage collector cleans up any objects from the old world and thread pools
+				System.gc();
+				
+				ApiEventInjector.INSTANCE.fireAllEvents(DhApiWorldUnloadEvent.class, new DhApiWorldUnloadEvent.EventParam());
+				
+				// fired after the unload event so API users can't change the read-only for any new worlds
+				DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.setReadOnly(false, false);
+			}
 		}
 	}
 	
+	@Nullable
 	public static AbstractDhWorld getAbstractDhWorld() { return currentWorld; }
-	/** returns null if the {@link SharedApi#currentWorld} isn't a {@link DhClientServerWorld} */
-	public static DhClientServerWorld getDhClientServerWorld() { return (currentWorld instanceof DhClientServerWorld) ? (DhClientServerWorld) currentWorld : null; }
+	
 	/** returns null if the {@link SharedApi#currentWorld} isn't a {@link DhClientWorld} or {@link DhClientServerWorld} */
-	public static IDhClientWorld getIDhClientWorld() { return (currentWorld instanceof IDhClientWorld) ? (IDhClientWorld) currentWorld : null; }
+	@Nullable
+	public static IDhClientWorld tryGetDhClientWorld() { return (currentWorld instanceof IDhClientWorld) ? (IDhClientWorld) currentWorld : null; }
+	
 	/** returns null if the {@link SharedApi#currentWorld} isn't a {@link DhServerWorld} or {@link DhClientServerWorld} */
-	public static IDhServerWorld getIDhServerWorld() { return (currentWorld instanceof IDhServerWorld) ? (IDhServerWorld) currentWorld : null; }
+	@Nullable
+	public static IDhServerWorld tryGetDhServerWorld() { return (currentWorld instanceof IDhServerWorld) ? (IDhServerWorld) currentWorld : null; }
+	
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	
 	//==============//
 	// chunk update //
 	//==============//
+	//region
 	
 	/** 
 	 * Used to prevent getting a full chunk from MC if it isn't necessary. <br>
 	 * This is important since asking MC for a chunk is slow and may block the render thread.
 	 */
-	public static boolean isChunkAtBlockPosAlreadyUpdating(int blockPosX, int blockPosZ)
-	{ return UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.contains(new DhChunkPos(new DhBlockPos2D(blockPosX, blockPosZ))); }
-	
-	public static boolean isChunkAtChunkPosAlreadyUpdating(int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ)
-	{ return UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.contains(new DhChunkPos(chunkPosX, chunkPosZ)); }
-	
-	/** 
-	 * This is often fired when unloading a level.
-	 * This is done to prevent overloading the system when
-	 * rapidly changing dimensions.
-	 * (IE prevent DH from infinitely allocating memory 
-	 */
-	public void clearQueuedChunkUpdates() { UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.clear(); }
-	
-	public int getQueuedChunkUpdateCount() { return UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.closestQueue.size(); }
-	
-	
-	
-	/** handles both block place and break events */
-	public void chunkBlockChangedEvent(IChunkWrapper chunk, ILevelWrapper level) { this.applyChunkUpdate(chunk, level, true); }
-	public void chunkLoadEvent(IChunkWrapper chunk, ILevelWrapper level) { this.applyChunkUpdate(chunk, level, false); }
-	
-	public void applyChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level, boolean updateNeighborChunks)
+	public static boolean isChunkAtBlockPosAlreadyUpdating(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper, int blockPosX, int blockPosZ)
 	{
-		//========================//
-		// world and level checks //
-		//========================//
+		ChunkUpdateQueueManager manager = WORLD_CHUNK_UPDATE_MANAGER.getByLevelWrapper(levelWrapper);
+		if (manager == null)
+		{
+			return true;
+		}
+		
+		return manager.contains(new DhChunkPos(new DhBlockPos2D(blockPosX, blockPosZ))); 
+	}
+	
+	public static boolean isChunkAtChunkPosAlreadyUpdating(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper, int chunkPosX, int chunkPosZ)
+	{
+		ChunkUpdateQueueManager manager = WORLD_CHUNK_UPDATE_MANAGER.getByLevelWrapper(levelWrapper);
+		if (manager == null)
+		{
+			return true;
+		}
+		
+		return manager.contains(new DhChunkPos(chunkPosX, chunkPosZ)); 
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	public void applyChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper levelWrapper)
+	{
+		//===================//
+		// validation checks //
+		//===================//
 		
 		if (chunkWrapper == null)
 		{
@@ -204,38 +199,38 @@ public class SharedApi
 		AbstractDhWorld dhWorld = SharedApi.getAbstractDhWorld();
 		if (dhWorld == null)
 		{
-			if (level instanceof IClientLevelWrapper)
+			if (levelWrapper instanceof IClientLevelWrapper)
 			{
 				// If the client world isn't loaded yet, keep track of which chunks were loaded so we can use them later.
 				// This may happen if the client world and client level load events happen out of order
-				IClientLevelWrapper clientLevel = (IClientLevelWrapper) level;
-				ClientApi.INSTANCE.waitingChunkByClientLevelAndPos.replace(new Pair<>(clientLevel, chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()), chunkWrapper);
+				IClientLevelWrapper clientLevel = (IClientLevelWrapper) levelWrapper;
+				ClientApi.INSTANCE.waitingChunkByClientLevelAndPos.put(new Pair<>(clientLevel, chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()), chunkWrapper);
 			}
 			
 			return;
 		}
 		
 		// ignore updates if the world is read-only
-		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.getReadOnly())
+		if (DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.tryGetReadOnly())
 		{
 			return;
 		}
 		
-		
 		// only continue if the level is loaded
-		IDhLevel dhLevel = dhWorld.getLevel(level);
+		IDhLevel dhLevel = dhWorld.getLevel(levelWrapper);
 		if (dhLevel == null)
 		{
-			if (level instanceof IClientLevelWrapper)
+			if (levelWrapper instanceof IClientLevelWrapper)
 			{
 				// the client level isn't loaded yet
-				IClientLevelWrapper clientLevel = (IClientLevelWrapper) level;
-				ClientApi.INSTANCE.waitingChunkByClientLevelAndPos.replace(new Pair<>(clientLevel, chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()), chunkWrapper);
+				IClientLevelWrapper clientLevel = (IClientLevelWrapper) levelWrapper;
+				ClientApi.INSTANCE.waitingChunkByClientLevelAndPos.put(new Pair<>(clientLevel, chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()), chunkWrapper);
 			}
 			
 			return;
 		}
 		
+		// ignore chunk updates if the network should handle them
 		if (dhLevel instanceof DhClientLevel)
 		{
 			if (!((DhClientLevel) dhLevel).shouldProcessChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()))
@@ -244,128 +239,47 @@ public class SharedApi
 			}
 		}
 		
-		// shoudln't normally happen, but just in case
-		if (UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.contains(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()))
+		// ignore chunk updates for non-rendered levels
+		String dimName = dhLevel.getLevelWrapper().getDimensionName();
+		if (IgnoredDimensionCsvHandler.INSTANCE.dimensionNameShouldBeIgnored(dimName))
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		ChunkUpdateQueueManager chunkManager = WORLD_CHUNK_UPDATE_MANAGER.getByLevelWrapper(levelWrapper);
+		// ignore the wrong level wrapper type or
+		// if the chunk is already queued for handling
+		if (chunkManager == null 
+			|| chunkManager.contains(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()))
 		{
-			// TODO this will prevent some LODs from updating across dimensions if multiple levels are loaded
 			return;
 		}
 		
 		
-		
-		//===============================//
-		// update the necessary chunk(s) //
-		//===============================//
-		
-		if (!updateNeighborChunks)
-		{
-			// only update the center chunk
-			
-			queueChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, null, dhLevel);
-		}
-		else
-		{
-			// update the center with any existing neighbour chunks. 
-			// this is done so lighting changes are propagated correctly
-			queueChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, getNeighbourChunkListForChunk(chunkWrapper,dhLevel), dhLevel);
-		}
-	}
-	private static ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> getNeighbourChunkListForChunk(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, IDhLevel dhLevel)
-	{
-		// get the neighboring chunk list
-		ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList = new ArrayList<>(9);
-		for (int xOffset = -1; xOffset <= 1; xOffset++)
-		{
-			for (int zOffset = -1; zOffset <= 1; zOffset++)
-			{
-				if (xOffset == 0 && zOffset == 0)
-				{
-					// center chunk
-					neighbourChunkList.add(chunkWrapper);
-				}
-				else
-				{
-					// neighboring chunk
-					DhChunkPos neighbourPos = new DhChunkPos(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX() + xOffset, chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ() + zOffset);
-					IChunkWrapper neighbourChunk = dhLevel.getLevelWrapper().tryGetChunk(neighbourPos);
-					if (neighbourChunk != null)
-					{
-						neighbourChunkList.add(neighbourChunk);
-					}
-				}
-			}
-		}
-		return neighbourChunkList;
+		queueChunkUpdate(chunkManager, chunkWrapper, dhLevel);
 	}
 	
-	private static void queueChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, @Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList, IDhLevel dhLevel) 
-	{ queueChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, neighbourChunkList, dhLevel,false); }
-	private static void queueChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, @Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList, IDhLevel dhLevel, boolean lightUpdateOnly)
+	private static void queueChunkUpdate(ChunkUpdateQueueManager chunkManager, IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, IDhLevel dhLevel)
 	{
-		int maxUpdateSizeMultiplier;
-		if (MC_CLIENT != null && MC_CLIENT.playerExists())
+		// return if the chunk is already queued
+		if (chunkManager.contains(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()))
 		{
-			// Local worlds & multiplayer
-			UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.setCenter(MC_CLIENT.getPlayerChunkPos());
-			maxUpdateSizeMultiplier = MC_CLIENT.clientConnectedToDedicatedServer() ? 1 : MC_SHARED.getPlayerCount();
-		}
-		else
-		{
-			// Dedicated servers
-			// Also includes spawn chunks since they're likely to be intentionally utilized with updates
-			maxUpdateSizeMultiplier = 1 + MC_SHARED.getPlayerCount();
-		}
-		
-		UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.maxSize = MAX_UPDATING_CHUNK_COUNT_PER_THREAD_AND_PLAYER
-				* Config.Common.MultiThreading.numberOfThreads.get()
-				* maxUpdateSizeMultiplier;
-		
-		UpdateChunkData updateData = new UpdateChunkData(chunkWrapper, neighbourChunkList, dhLevel, lightUpdateOnly);
-		if(lightUpdateOnly)
-		{
-			UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.removeItem(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos());
-		}
-		int remainingCapacity = UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.addItem(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos(), updateData);
-		if (remainingCapacity <= 0)
-		{
-			// limit how often an overloaded message can be sent
-			long msBetweenLastLog = System.currentTimeMillis() - lastOverloadedLogMessageMsTime;
-			if (msBetweenLastLog >= MIN_MS_BETWEEN_OVERLOADED_LOG_MESSAGE)
-			{
-				lastOverloadedLogMessageMsTime = System.currentTimeMillis();
-				
-				String message = "\u00A76" + "Distant Horizons overloaded, too many chunks queued for LOD processing. " + "\u00A7r" +
-						"\nThis may result in holes in your LODs. " +
-						"\nFix: move through the world slower, decrease your vanilla render distance, slow down your world pre-generator (IE Chunky), or increase the Distant Horizons' CPU thread counts. " +
-						"\nMax queue count ["+UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.maxSize+"] (["+ MAX_UPDATING_CHUNK_COUNT_PER_THREAD_AND_PLAYER +"] per thread+players).";
-				
-				boolean showWarningInChat = Config.Common.Logging.Warning.showUpdateQueueOverloadedChatWarning.get();
-				if (showWarningInChat)
-				{
-					ClientApi.INSTANCE.showChatMessageNextFrame(message);
-				}
-				
-				// Don't log warnings in singleplayer or in hosted LAN since it usually isn't a problem (and if it is it's easy to notice).
-				// Servers should always log since being overloaded is harder to notice. 
-				EWorldEnvironment environment = SharedApi.getEnvironment();
-				if (showWarningInChat || environment == EWorldEnvironment.SERVER_ONLY)
-				{
-					LOGGER.warn(message);
-				}
-			}
+			return;
 		}
 		
 		
+		// add chunk update data to preUpdate queue
+		ChunkUpdateData updateData = new ChunkUpdateData(chunkWrapper, dhLevel);
+		chunkManager.addItemToPreUpdateQueue(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos(), updateData);
 		
-		// queue updates up to the number of CPU cores allocated for the job
-		// (this prevents doing extra work queuing tasks that may not be necessary)
-		// and makes sure the chunks closest to the player are updated first
-		PriorityTaskPicker.Executor executor = ThreadPoolUtil.getChunkToLodBuilderExecutor();
-		if (executor != null && executor.getQueueSize() < executor.getPoolSize())
+		
+		// queue the next position if there are still positions to process
+		AbstractExecutorService executor = ThreadPoolUtil.getChunkToLodBuilderExecutor();
+		if (executor != null)
 		{
 			try
 			{
-				executor.execute(SharedApi::processQueuedChunkUpdate);
+				executor.execute(WORLD_CHUNK_UPDATE_MANAGER::processEachQueue);
 			}
 			catch (RejectedExecutionException ignore)
 			{
@@ -373,260 +287,19 @@ public class SharedApi
 			}
 		}
 	}
-	private static void processQueuedChunkUpdate()
-	{
-		//LOGGER.trace(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos() + " " + executor.getActiveCount() + " / " + executor.getQueue().size() + " - " + executor.getCompletedTaskCount());
 	
-		UpdateChunkData updateData = UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.popClosest();
-		if (updateData == null)
-		{
-			return;
-		}
-		
-		IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper = updateData.chunkWrapper;
-		@Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList = updateData.neighbourChunkList;
-		IDhLevel dhLevel = updateData.dhLevel;
-		
-		
-		try
-		{
-			boolean checkChunkHash = !Config.Common.LodBuilding.disableUnchangedChunkCheck.get();
-			
-			// check if this chunk has been converted into an LOD already
-			int oldChunkHash = dhLevel.getChunkHash(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()); // shouldn't happen on the render thread since it may take a few moments to run
-			int newChunkHash = chunkWrapper.getBlockBiomeHashCode();
-			if (checkChunkHash)
-			{
-				if (oldChunkHash == newChunkHash && !updateData.lightUpdateOnly)
-				{
-					// if the chunk hashes are the same then we don't need to bother with lighting the chunk
-					// or creating/updating the LODs
-					return;
-				}
-			}
-			
-			
-			// having a list of the nearby chunks is needed for lighting and beacon generation
-			ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> nearbyChunkList;
-			if (neighbourChunkList != null)
-			{
-				nearbyChunkList = neighbourChunkList;
-			}
-			else
-			{
-				nearbyChunkList = new ArrayList<>(1);
-				nearbyChunkList.add(chunkWrapper);
-			}
-			
-			// if this chunk will update its lighting
-			// then queue adjacent chunks to update theirs as well
-			// adjacent chunk will have 'lightUpdateOnly' true 
-			// so they won't schedule further chunk updates
-			if (!updateData.lightUpdateOnly)
-			{
-				for (IChunkWrapper adjacentChunk : nearbyChunkList)
-				{
-					// pulling a new chunkWrapper is necessary to prevent concurrent modification on the existing chunkWrappers
-					IChunkWrapper newCenterChunk = dhLevel.getLevelWrapper().tryGetChunk(adjacentChunk.getChunkPos());
-					if (newCenterChunk != null)
-					{
-						queueChunkUpdate(newCenterChunk, getNeighbourChunkListForChunk(newCenterChunk, dhLevel), dhLevel, true);
-					}
-				}
-			}
-			
-			// sky lighting is populated later at the data source level
-			DhLightingEngine.INSTANCE.bakeChunkBlockLighting(chunkWrapper, nearbyChunkList, dhLevel.hasSkyLight() ? LodUtil.MAX_MC_LIGHT : LodUtil.MIN_MC_LIGHT);
-			
-			dhLevel.updateBeaconBeamsForChunk(chunkWrapper, nearbyChunkList);
-			dhLevel.updateChunkAsync(chunkWrapper, newChunkHash);
-		}
-		catch (Exception e)
-		{
-			LOGGER.error("Unexpected error when updating chunk at pos: [" + chunkWrapper.getChunkPos() + "]", e);
-		}
-		finally
-		{
-			// queue the next position if there are still positions to process
-			AbstractExecutorService executor = ThreadPoolUtil.getChunkToLodBuilderExecutor();
-			if (executor != null && !UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.updateDataByChunkPos.isEmpty())
-			{
-				try
-				{
-					executor.execute(SharedApi::processQueuedChunkUpdate);
-				}
-				catch (RejectedExecutionException ignore)
-				{
-					// the executor was shut down, it should be back up shortly and able to accept new jobs
-				}
-			}
-		}
-	}
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	
 	//=========//
 	// F3 Menu //
 	//=========//
+	//region
 	
-	public String getDebugMenuString()
-	{
-		String updatingCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.closestQueue.size());
-		String maxUpdateCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.maxSize);
-		return "Queued chunk updates: "+updatingCountStr+" / "+maxUpdateCountStr;
-	}
+	public ArrayList<String> getDebugMenuString() { return WORLD_CHUNK_UPDATE_MANAGER.getDebugMenuString(); }
 	
-	
-	
-	//================//
-	// helper classes //
-	//================//
-	
-	/** contains the objects needed to update a chunk */
-	private static class UpdateChunkData
-	{
-		public IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper;
-		@Nullable
-		public ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList;
-		public IDhLevel dhLevel;
-		/** adjacent chunks will only update their light */
-		public boolean lightUpdateOnly;
-		
-		public UpdateChunkData(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, @Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList, IDhLevel dhLevel, boolean lightUpdateOnly)
-		{
-			this.chunkWrapper = chunkWrapper;
-			this.neighbourChunkList = neighbourChunkList;
-			this.dhLevel = dhLevel;
-			this.lightUpdateOnly = lightUpdateOnly;
-		}
-	}
-	
-	/** keeps track of which chunks need to be updated */
-	private static class UpdateChunkPosManager
-	{
-		private final PriorityBlockingQueue<DhChunkPos> closestQueue;
-		private final PriorityBlockingQueue<DhChunkPos> furthestQueue;
-		private final ConcurrentHashMap<DhChunkPos, UpdateChunkData> updateDataByChunkPos;
-		
-		private DhChunkPos center;
-		private int maxSize = 500;
-		
-		
-		
-		//=============//
-		// constructor //
-		//=============//
-		
-		public UpdateChunkPosManager()
-		{
-			this.closestQueue = new PriorityBlockingQueue<>(500, Comparator.comparingDouble(pos -> pos.squaredDistance(this.center)));
-			this.furthestQueue = new PriorityBlockingQueue<>(500, Comparator.comparingDouble(pos -> ((DhChunkPos)pos).squaredDistance(this.center)).reversed());
-			this.updateDataByChunkPos = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
-			// defaulting to 0,0 is fine since it'll be updated once we start adding items 
-			this.center = new DhChunkPos(0, 0);
-		}
-		
-		
-		
-		//==================//
-		// list/set methods //
-		//==================//
-		
-		public boolean contains(DhChunkPos pos) { return this.updateDataByChunkPos.containsKey(pos); }
-		
-		public void clear()
-		{
-			this.updateDataByChunkPos.clear();
-			this.closestQueue.clear();
-			this.furthestQueue.clear();
-		}
-		
-		public void removeItem(DhChunkPos pos)
-		{
-			this.updateDataByChunkPos.remove(pos);
-			this.closestQueue.remove(pos);
-			this.furthestQueue.remove(pos);
-		}
-		
-		/**
-		 * Adds an item to the queue of chunks that need to be updated.
-		 * If there are no more slots, replaces the item furthest from the center.
-		 *
-		 * @return The number of remaining slots available in the queue.
-		 */
-		public int addItem(DhChunkPos pos, UpdateChunkData updateData)
-		{
-			int remainingSlots = this.maxSize - this.updateDataByChunkPos.size();
-			if (this.updateDataByChunkPos.containsKey(pos))
-			{
-				// Chunk is already present in queue, no need to insert
-				return remainingSlots;
-			}
-			
-			// If no slots are left, get one by removing the item furthest from the center
-			if (remainingSlots <= 0)
-			{
-				DhChunkPos furthest = this.furthestQueue.poll();
-				if (furthest != null)
-				{
-					this.closestQueue.remove(furthest);
-					this.updateDataByChunkPos.remove(furthest);
-				}
-			}
-			
-			this.updateDataByChunkPos.put(pos, updateData);
-			this.closestQueue.add(pos);
-			this.furthestQueue.add(pos);
-			
-			return remainingSlots;
-		}
-		
-		
-		
-		//==================//
-		// position methods //
-		//==================//
-		
-		public void setCenter(DhChunkPos newCenter)
-		{
-			// if the rebuild time takes too long 
-			// (in James' testing a queue of 500 items only took around 0.1 milliseconds)
-			// this equation could be changed to only update after moving 2 or 4 chunks from the center
-			if (newCenter.equals(this.center))
-			{
-				return;
-			}
-			
-			this.center = newCenter;
-			
-			// rebuild the priority queues to match the new center
-			this.closestQueue.clear();
-			this.furthestQueue.clear();
-			for (DhChunkPos pos : this.updateDataByChunkPos.keySet())
-			{
-				this.closestQueue.add(pos);
-				this.furthestQueue.add(pos);
-			}
-		}
-		
-		public UpdateChunkData popClosest()
-		{
-			if (this.closestQueue.isEmpty())
-			{
-				return null;
-			}
-			
-			DhChunkPos closest = this.closestQueue.poll();
-			if (closest == null)
-			{
-				return null;
-			}
-			
-			this.furthestQueue.remove(closest);
-			return this.updateDataByChunkPos.remove(closest);
-		}
-		
-	}
+	//endregion
 	
 	
 	

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/internal/chunkUpdating/ChunkPosQueue.java

@@ -0,0 +1,127 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.SharedApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
+
+import java.util.Comparator;
+import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentHashMap;
+import java.util.concurrent.PriorityBlockingQueue;
+
+public class ChunkPosQueue
+{
+	private final PriorityBlockingQueue<DhChunkPos> closestQueue;
+	private final PriorityBlockingQueue<DhChunkPos> furthestQueue;
+	private final ConcurrentHashMap<DhChunkPos, ChunkUpdateData> updateDataByChunkPos;
+	
+	private DhChunkPos center;
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
+	public ChunkPosQueue()
+	{
+		this.closestQueue = new PriorityBlockingQueue<>(500, Comparator.comparingDouble(pos -> pos.squaredDistance(this.center)));
+		this.furthestQueue = new PriorityBlockingQueue<>(500, Comparator.comparingDouble(pos -> ((DhChunkPos)pos).squaredDistance(this.center)).reversed());
+		this.updateDataByChunkPos = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
+		// defaulting to 0,0 is fine since it'll be updated once we start adding items 
+		this.center = new DhChunkPos(0, 0);
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//==============//
+	// list methods //
+	//==============//
+	
+	public boolean contains(DhChunkPos pos) { return this.updateDataByChunkPos.containsKey(pos); }
+	
+	public void clear()
+	{
+		this.updateDataByChunkPos.clear();
+		this.closestQueue.clear();
+		this.furthestQueue.clear();
+	}
+	
+	public void addItem(DhChunkPos pos, ChunkUpdateData updateData)
+	{
+		if (this.updateDataByChunkPos.containsKey(pos))
+		{
+			// Chunk is already present in queue, no need to insert
+			return;
+		}
+		this.updateDataByChunkPos.put(pos, updateData);
+		this.closestQueue.add(pos);
+		this.furthestQueue.add(pos);
+	}
+	
+	public int getQueuedCount() { return this.updateDataByChunkPos.size(); }
+	
+	public boolean isEmpty() { return this.updateDataByChunkPos.isEmpty(); }
+	
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// position methods //
+	//==================//
+	
+	public void setCenter(DhChunkPos newCenter)
+	{
+		// if the rebuild time takes too long 
+		// (in James' testing a queue of 500 items only took around 0.1 milliseconds)
+		// this equation could be changed to only update after moving 2 or 4 chunks from the center
+		if (newCenter.equals(this.center))
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		this.center = newCenter;
+		
+		// rebuild the priority queues to match the new center
+		this.closestQueue.clear();
+		this.furthestQueue.clear();
+		for (DhChunkPos pos : this.updateDataByChunkPos.keySet())
+		{
+			this.closestQueue.add(pos);
+			this.furthestQueue.add(pos);
+		}
+	}
+	
+	public ChunkUpdateData popClosest()
+	{
+		if (this.closestQueue.isEmpty())
+		{
+			return null;
+		}
+		
+		DhChunkPos closest = this.closestQueue.poll();
+		if (closest == null)
+		{
+			return null;
+		}
+		
+		this.furthestQueue.remove(closest);
+		return this.updateDataByChunkPos.remove(closest);
+	}
+	@Nullable
+	public ChunkUpdateData popFurthest()
+	{
+		if (this.furthestQueue.isEmpty())
+		{
+			return null;
+		}
+		
+		DhChunkPos furthest = this.furthestQueue.poll();
+		if (furthest == null)
+		{
+			return null;
+		}
+		
+		this.closestQueue.remove(furthest);
+		return this.updateDataByChunkPos.remove(furthest);
+	}
+}
+		

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/internal/chunkUpdating/ChunkUpdateData.java

@@ -0,0 +1,21 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IDhLevel;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.chunk.IChunkWrapper;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
+
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+
+public class ChunkUpdateData
+{
+	public IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper;
+	public IDhLevel dhLevel;
+	
+	
+	
+	public ChunkUpdateData(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, IDhLevel dhLevel)
+	{
+		this.chunkWrapper = chunkWrapper;
+		this.dhLevel = dhLevel;
+	}
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/internal/chunkUpdating/ChunkUpdateQueueManager.java

@@ -0,0 +1,408 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating;
+
+import com.google.common.cache.CacheBuilder;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.ClientApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.SharedApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.enums.MinecraftTextFormat;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.DhLightingEngine;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IDhLevel;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.f3.F3Screen;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.threading.ThreadPoolUtil;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.EWorldEnvironment;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.chunk.IChunkWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftClientWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftSharedWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
+
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Collections;
+import java.util.Set;
+import java.util.concurrent.*;
+
+
+/**
+ * @see WorldChunkUpdateManager
+ */
+public class ChunkUpdateQueueManager
+{
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder().build();
+	
+	private static final IMinecraftClientWrapper MC_CLIENT = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftClientWrapper.class);
+	private static final IMinecraftSharedWrapper MC_SHARED = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftSharedWrapper.class);
+	
+	/**
+	 * how many chunks can be queued for updating per thread + player (in multiplayer), 
+	 * used to prevent updates from infinitely pilling up if the user flies around extremely fast 
+	 */
+	public static final int MAX_UPDATING_CHUNK_COUNT_PER_THREAD_AND_PLAYER = 1_000;
+	
+	/** how many milliseconds must pass before an overloaded message can be sent in chat or the log */
+	public static final int MIN_MS_BETWEEN_OVERLOADED_LOG_MESSAGE = 30_000;
+	
+	
+	
+	private final Set<DhChunkPos> ignoredChunkPosSet = Collections.newSetFromMap(new ConcurrentHashMap<>());
+	private static long lastOverloadedLogMessageMsTime = 0;
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	public final ChunkPosQueue updateQueue;
+	public final ChunkPosQueue preUpdateQueue;
+	
+	public final ConcurrentMap<DhChunkPos, IChunkWrapper> queuedChunkWrapperByChunkPos = CacheBuilder.newBuilder()
+		.expireAfterWrite(20, TimeUnit.SECONDS)
+		.<DhChunkPos, IChunkWrapper>build()
+		.asMap();
+	
+	/** dynamically changes based on the number of threads currently available */
+	public int maxSize = 500;
+	
+	/** used to prevent flickering */
+	public long lastMsTimeShownActiveInF3Screen = System.currentTimeMillis();
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	//region
+	
+	public ChunkUpdateQueueManager()
+	{
+		this.updateQueue = new ChunkPosQueue();
+		this.preUpdateQueue = new ChunkPosQueue();
+	}
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// list/set methods //
+	//==================//
+	//region
+	
+	public boolean contains(DhChunkPos pos) 
+	{ 
+		return this.updateQueue.contains(pos)
+			|| this.ignoredChunkPosSet.contains(pos)	
+			|| this.preUpdateQueue.contains(pos); 
+	}
+	
+	public void clear()
+	{
+		this.updateQueue.clear();
+		this.preUpdateQueue.clear();
+		this.ignoredChunkPosSet.clear();
+	}
+	public int getQueuedCount() { return this.updateQueue.getQueuedCount() + this.preUpdateQueue.getQueuedCount(); }
+	
+	public boolean updateQueuesEmpty()
+	{
+		return this.updateQueue.isEmpty()
+				&& this.preUpdateQueue.isEmpty();
+	}
+	
+	/**
+	 * Adds an item to the pre-update queue of chunks that might need to be updated.
+	 * If there are no more slots, replaces the item furthest from the center in the update queue.
+	 */
+	public void addItemToPreUpdateQueue(DhChunkPos pos, ChunkUpdateData updateData)
+	{ this.addItemToQueue(pos, updateData, this.preUpdateQueue); }
+	
+	public void addItemToUpdateQueue(DhChunkPos pos, ChunkUpdateData updateData)
+	{ this.addItemToQueue(pos, updateData, this.updateQueue); }
+	
+	private void addItemToQueue(DhChunkPos pos, ChunkUpdateData updateData, ChunkPosQueue queue)
+	{
+		int remainingSlots = this.maxSize - this.getQueuedCount();
+		
+		// If no slots are left, get one by removing the item furthest from the center
+		if (remainingSlots <= 0)
+		{
+			ChunkUpdateData removedData = queue.popFurthest();
+			if (removedData != null)
+			{
+				this.queuedChunkWrapperByChunkPos.remove(removedData.chunkWrapper.getChunkPos());
+			}
+		}
+		
+		queue.addItem(pos,updateData);
+		this.queuedChunkWrapperByChunkPos.putIfAbsent(pos, updateData.chunkWrapper);
+		
+		remainingSlots = this.maxSize - this.getQueuedCount();
+		if (remainingSlots <= 0)
+		{
+			this.sendOverloadMessage();
+		}
+	}
+	
+	
+	private void sendOverloadMessage()
+	{
+		// limit how often an overloaded message can be sent
+		long msBetweenLastLog = System.currentTimeMillis() - lastOverloadedLogMessageMsTime;
+		if (msBetweenLastLog >= MIN_MS_BETWEEN_OVERLOADED_LOG_MESSAGE)
+		{
+			lastOverloadedLogMessageMsTime = System.currentTimeMillis();
+			
+			String message = MinecraftTextFormat.ORANGE + "Distant Horizons overloaded, too many chunks queued for LOD processing. " + MinecraftTextFormat.CLEAR_FORMATTING +
+					"\nThis may result in holes in your LODs. " +
+					"\nFix: move through the world slower, decrease your vanilla render distance, slow down your world pre-generator (IE Chunky), or increase the Distant Horizons' CPU thread counts. " +
+					"\nMax queue count [" + this.maxSize + "] ([" + MAX_UPDATING_CHUNK_COUNT_PER_THREAD_AND_PLAYER + "] per thread+players).";
+			
+			boolean showWarningInChat = Config.Common.Logging.Warning.showUpdateQueueOverloadedChatWarning.get();
+			if (showWarningInChat)
+			{
+				ClientApi.INSTANCE.showChatMessageNextFrame(message);
+			}
+			
+			// Don't log warnings in singleplayer or in hosted LAN since it usually isn't a problem (and if it is it's easy to notice).
+			// Servers should always log since being overloaded is harder to notice. 
+			EWorldEnvironment environment = SharedApi.getEnvironment();
+			if (showWarningInChat || environment == EWorldEnvironment.SERVER_ONLY)
+			{
+				LOGGER.warn(message);
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	
+	/** 
+	 * Tries to return a cloned chunk wrapper from memory.
+	 * Returns null if no chunk is available.
+	 * <br><br>
+	 * This is done instead of accessing the MC level since
+	 * accessing the level often requires running on the render or server
+	 * thread, which causes stuttering.
+	 */
+	@Nullable
+	public IChunkWrapper tryGetChunk(DhChunkPos pos)
+	{
+		IChunkWrapper existingWrapper = this.queuedChunkWrapperByChunkPos.get(pos);
+		if (existingWrapper == null)
+		{
+			return null;
+		}
+	
+		return existingWrapper.copy();
+	}
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// ignores //
+	//=========//
+	//region
+	
+	public void addPosToIgnore(DhChunkPos chunkPos) { this.ignoredChunkPosSet.add(chunkPos); }
+	public void removePosToIgnore(DhChunkPos chunkPos) { this.ignoredChunkPosSet.remove(chunkPos); }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//===================//
+	// update processing //
+	//===================//
+	//region
+	
+	public void processQueue()
+	{
+		// update the center & max size of the queue manager
+		int maxUpdateSizeMultiplier;
+		if (MC_CLIENT != null && MC_CLIENT.playerExists())
+		{
+			// Local worlds & multiplayer
+			this.setCenter(MC_CLIENT.getPlayerChunkPos());
+			maxUpdateSizeMultiplier = MC_CLIENT.clientConnectedToDedicatedServer() ? 1 : MC_SHARED.getPlayerCount();
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			// Dedicated servers
+			// Also includes spawn chunks since they're likely to be intentionally utilized with updates
+			maxUpdateSizeMultiplier = 1 + MC_SHARED.getPlayerCount();
+		}
+		
+		this.maxSize = MAX_UPDATING_CHUNK_COUNT_PER_THREAD_AND_PLAYER
+			* Config.Common.MultiThreading.numberOfThreads.get()
+			* maxUpdateSizeMultiplier;
+		
+		
+		
+		//===============================//
+		// update the necessary chunk(s) //
+		//===============================//
+		
+		this.processQueuedChunkPreUpdate();
+		this.processQueuedChunkUpdate();
+		
+		// queue the next position if there are still positions to process
+		AbstractExecutorService executor = ThreadPoolUtil.getChunkToLodBuilderExecutor();
+		if (executor != null && !this.updateQueuesEmpty())
+		{
+			try
+			{
+				executor.execute(this::processQueue);
+			}
+			catch (RejectedExecutionException ignore)
+			{
+				// the executor was shut down, it should be back up shortly and able to accept new jobs
+			}
+		}
+		
+	}
+	
+	private void processQueuedChunkPreUpdate()
+	{
+		ChunkUpdateData preUpdateData = this.preUpdateQueue.popClosest();
+		if (preUpdateData == null)
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		IDhLevel dhLevel = preUpdateData.dhLevel;
+		IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper = preUpdateData.chunkWrapper;
+		chunkWrapper.createDhHeightMaps();
+		
+		try
+		{
+			// check if this chunk has been converted into an LOD already
+			boolean checkChunkHash = !Config.Common.LodBuilding.disableUnchangedChunkCheck.get();
+			if (checkChunkHash)
+			{
+				int oldChunkHash = dhLevel.getChunkHash(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()); // shouldn't happen on the render thread since it may take a few moments to run
+				int newChunkHash = chunkWrapper.getBlockBiomeHashCode();
+				
+				boolean hasNewChunkHash = (oldChunkHash != newChunkHash);
+				if (!hasNewChunkHash)
+				{
+					// do not update the chunk if the hash is the same
+					return;
+				}
+			}
+			
+			this.addItemToUpdateQueue(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos(), preUpdateData);
+		}
+		catch (Exception e)
+		{
+			LOGGER.error("Unexpected error when pre-updating chunk at pos: [" + chunkWrapper.getChunkPos() + "]", e);
+		}
+	}
+	
+	private void processQueuedChunkUpdate()
+	{
+		ChunkUpdateData updateData = this.updateQueue.popClosest();
+		if (updateData == null)
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper = updateData.chunkWrapper;
+		IDhLevel dhLevel = updateData.dhLevel;
+		ILevelWrapper levelWrapper = dhLevel.getLevelWrapper();
+		
+		// having a list of the nearby chunks is needed for lighting and beacon generation
+		ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> nearbyChunkList  = this.tryGetNeighborChunkListForChunk(chunkWrapper);
+		
+		
+		
+		try
+		{
+			// sky lighting is populated later at the data source level
+			DhLightingEngine.INSTANCE.bakeChunkBlockLighting(chunkWrapper, nearbyChunkList, levelWrapper.hasSkyLight() ? LodUtil.MAX_MC_LIGHT : LodUtil.MIN_MC_LIGHT);
+			
+			dhLevel.updateBeaconBeamsForChunk(chunkWrapper, nearbyChunkList);
+			
+			int newChunkHash = chunkWrapper.getBlockBiomeHashCode();
+			dhLevel.updateChunkAsync(chunkWrapper, newChunkHash);
+		}
+		catch (Exception e)
+		{
+			LOGGER.error("Unexpected error when updating chunk at pos: [" + chunkWrapper.getChunkPos() + "]", e);
+		}
+		
+		this.queuedChunkWrapperByChunkPos.remove(updateData.chunkWrapper.getChunkPos());
+	}
+	private ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> tryGetNeighborChunkListForChunk(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper)
+	{
+		// get the neighboring chunk list
+		ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighborChunkList = new ArrayList<>(9);
+		for (int xOffset = -1; xOffset <= 1; xOffset++)
+		{
+			for (int zOffset = -1; zOffset <= 1; zOffset++)
+			{
+				if (xOffset == 0 && zOffset == 0)
+				{
+					// center chunk
+					neighborChunkList.add(chunkWrapper);
+				}
+				else
+				{
+					// neighboring chunk 
+					DhChunkPos neighborPos = new DhChunkPos(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX() + xOffset, chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ() + zOffset);
+					IChunkWrapper neighborChunk = this.tryGetChunk(neighborPos);
+					if (neighborChunk != null)
+					{
+						neighborChunkList.add(neighborChunk);
+					}
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		return neighborChunkList;
+	}
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// position methods //
+	//==================//
+	//region
+	
+	public void setCenter(DhChunkPos newCenter)
+	{
+		this.updateQueue.setCenter(newCenter);
+		this.preUpdateQueue.setCenter(newCenter);
+	}
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// F3 Menu //
+	//=========//
+	//region
+	
+	public String getDebugMenuString()
+	{
+		String y = MinecraftTextFormat.YELLOW;
+		String o = MinecraftTextFormat.ORANGE;
+		String cf = MinecraftTextFormat.CLEAR_FORMATTING;
+		
+		
+		String preUpdatingCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(this.preUpdateQueue.getQueuedCount());
+		String updatingCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(this.updateQueue.getQueuedCount());
+		String queuedCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(this.getQueuedCount());
+		
+		String maxUpdateCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(this.maxSize);
+		
+		return "Queued chunk updates: "+"("+y+preUpdatingCountStr+cf+" + "+o+updatingCountStr+cf+") ["+queuedCountStr+"/"+maxUpdateCountStr+"]";
+	}
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/internal/chunkUpdating/WorldChunkUpdateManager.java

@@ -0,0 +1,190 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.SharedApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.AbstractDhWorld;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.EWorldEnvironment;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IServerLevelWrapper;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
+
+import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.Collections;
+import java.util.Set;
+import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentHashMap;
+import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicInteger;
+
+/**
+ * Holds all the {@link ChunkUpdateQueueManager} for a loaded world.
+ * Different queues are needed for each level to prevent
+ * chunks from bleeding between levels (IE a nether chunk applied to the overworld).
+ * 
+ * @see ChunkUpdateQueueManager
+ */
+public class WorldChunkUpdateManager
+{
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder().build();
+	
+	/** singleton since we only expect to have one world loaded at a time */
+	public static final WorldChunkUpdateManager INSTANCE = new WorldChunkUpdateManager();
+	
+	public static final Set<String> LOGGED_GET_ERROR_MESSAGES = Collections.newSetFromMap(new ConcurrentHashMap<String, Boolean>());
+	
+	
+	/** 
+	 * Queues are only removed during world shutdown.
+	 * The assumption is that there will be a limited number of {@link ILevelWrapper}'s
+	 * for a given world.
+	 */
+	private final ConcurrentHashMap<ILevelWrapper, ChunkUpdateQueueManager> updateQueueByLevelWrapper = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
+	
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	//region
+	
+	private WorldChunkUpdateManager() {  }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//=================//
+	// manager methods //
+	//=================//
+	//region
+	
+	/**
+	 * @return null if the world is unloaded or the given level wrapper is the wrong type 
+	 */
+	@Nullable
+	public ChunkUpdateQueueManager getByLevelWrapper(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper)
+	{
+		AbstractDhWorld world = SharedApi.getAbstractDhWorld();
+		if (world == null)
+		{
+			// world isn't loaded, no warnings need to be logged
+			return null;
+		}
+		
+		// we only want to load chunks for certain level wrappers
+		// this is done specifically on a local-server to prevent
+		// loading both the server and client level wrappers
+		if (world.environment == EWorldEnvironment.CLIENT_ONLY
+			// when connected to a server we should only ever load client wrappers anyway
+			// but this check confirms it
+			&& !(levelWrapper instanceof IClientLevelWrapper))
+		{
+			// how did we get a server level wrapper on the client?
+			// this shouldn't happen, but just in case
+			return null;
+		}
+		else if (
+			(world.environment == EWorldEnvironment.SERVER_ONLY
+			|| world.environment == EWorldEnvironment.CLIENT_SERVER)
+				// when hosting a server we only care about the server wrappers
+				&& !(levelWrapper instanceof IServerLevelWrapper))
+		{
+			// ignore client updates on the server
+			return null;
+		}
+		
+		
+		ChunkUpdateQueueManager queueManager = this.updateQueueByLevelWrapper.get(levelWrapper);
+		if (queueManager != null)
+		{
+			return queueManager;
+		}
+		
+		return this.updateQueueByLevelWrapper.compute(levelWrapper,
+			(ILevelWrapper newLevelWrapper, ChunkUpdateQueueManager oldQueueManager) ->
+			{
+				if (oldQueueManager != null)
+				{
+					return oldQueueManager;
+				}
+				
+				oldQueueManager = new ChunkUpdateQueueManager();
+				return oldQueueManager;
+			});
+	}
+	
+	public void processEachQueue()
+	{
+		this.updateQueueByLevelWrapper.forEach(
+			(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper, ChunkUpdateQueueManager updateManager) -> 
+		{
+			updateManager.processQueue();
+		});
+	}
+	
+	public int getTotalQueuedCount()
+	{
+		AtomicInteger queueCountRef = new AtomicInteger(0);
+		
+		this.updateQueueByLevelWrapper.forEach(
+			(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper, ChunkUpdateQueueManager updateManager) ->
+			{
+				queueCountRef.addAndGet(updateManager.getQueuedCount());
+			});
+		
+		return queueCountRef.get();
+	}
+	
+	public void clear() { this.updateQueueByLevelWrapper.clear(); }
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// F3 Menu //
+	//=========//
+	//region
+	
+	public ArrayList<String> getDebugMenuString()
+	{
+		ArrayList<String> stringList = new ArrayList<>();
+		stringList.add("");// placeholder for the total count
+		
+		// add each queue to the list
+		AtomicInteger totalQueueCountRef = new AtomicInteger(0);
+		AtomicInteger activeQueueCountRef = new AtomicInteger(0);
+		this.updateQueueByLevelWrapper.forEach(
+			(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper, ChunkUpdateQueueManager updateManager) ->
+			{
+				// is this queue active?
+				if (!updateManager.updateQueuesEmpty())
+				{
+					updateManager.lastMsTimeShownActiveInF3Screen = System.currentTimeMillis();
+					activeQueueCountRef.incrementAndGet();
+				}
+				
+				// show this queue if it hasn't been empty long enough
+				// (done to prevent flickering on the F3 screen when the queue rapidly fills/empties)
+				long timeSinceQueueLastShownActiveMs = System.currentTimeMillis() - updateManager.lastMsTimeShownActiveInF3Screen;
+				if (timeSinceQueueLastShownActiveMs < 4_000)
+				{
+					stringList.add(levelWrapper.getDimensionName() + ": " + updateManager.getDebugMenuString());
+				}
+				
+				totalQueueCountRef.incrementAndGet();
+			});
+		
+		// replace the first line with the number of total/active queues
+		// (helpful if we need to diagnose a leak due to a massive number of queue level wrappers)
+		stringList.set(0, "Chunk Update Queues: "+activeQueueCountRef.get()+"/"+totalQueueCountRef.get());
+		
+		return stringList;
+	}
+	
+	//endregion
+	
+	
+	
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/api/internal/rendering/DhRenderState.java

@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.rendering;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.ClientApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.DhMat4f;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftRenderWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
+
+/**
+ * Used to track the rendering state for the current frame.
+ * 
+ * @see ClientApi
+ */
+public class DhRenderState
+{
+	public DhMat4f mcModelViewMatrix = null;
+	public DhMat4f mcProjectionMatrix = null;
+	/** 
+	 * percentage of time into the current client tick. <br><br>
+	 * 
+	 * Can be converted to a millisecond frametime 
+	 * (IE time between frames in milliseconds) using the formula: <br>
+	 * <code>
+	 * (partialTickTime/20*1000)
+	 * </code> <br>
+	 * IE 60 FPS = 16.6 MS <br>
+	 * 
+	 * @link https://fpstoms.com/
+	 * @see IMinecraftRenderWrapper#getPartialTickTime()
+	 */
+	public float partialTickTime = -1; 
+	public IClientLevelWrapper clientLevelWrapper = null;
+	
+	/**
+	 * This will generally be true if the player is: <br>
+	 * - blinded <br>
+	 * - under lava/water <br>
+	 * <br>
+	 * In those cases some rendering logic may need to be changed
+	 * to look correct.
+	 */
+	public boolean vanillaFogEnabled = false;
+	
+	
+	
+	//========//
+	// checks //
+	//========//
+	
+	public String unableToRenderBecause()
+	{
+		String errorReasons = "";
+		
+		// the matrix may be the identity matrix or and old/incorrect matrix
+		// but we did set it at least once before this
+		if (this.mcModelViewMatrix == null)
+		{
+			errorReasons += "no MVM Matrix, ";
+		}
+		
+		if (this.mcProjectionMatrix == null)
+		{
+			errorReasons += "no Projection Matrix, ";
+		}
+		
+		if (this.partialTickTime == -1)
+		{
+			errorReasons += "no Frame Time, ";
+		}
+		
+		if (this.clientLevelWrapper == null)
+		{
+			errorReasons += "no Level Wrapper, ";
+		}
+		
+		return errorReasons;
+	}
+	
+	public void canRenderOrThrow() throws IllegalStateException
+	{
+		String errorReasons = this.unableToRenderBecause();
+		if (!errorReasons.isEmpty())
+		{
+			throw new IllegalStateException(errorReasons);
+		}
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/ConfigBase.java

@@ -1,275 +0,0 @@
-/*
- *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
- *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
- *
- *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
- *
- *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
- *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
- *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
- *
- *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
- *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
- *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
- *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
- *
- *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
- *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
- */
-
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config;
-
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.file.ConfigFileHandling;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.AbstractConfigType;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.ConfigCategory;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.ConfigEntry;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.ConfigUiLinkedEntry;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.config.ILangWrapper;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftSharedWrapper;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
-import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
-
-import java.lang.reflect.Field;
-import java.nio.file.Path;
-import java.util.*;
-
-/**
- * Indexes and sets everything up for the file handling and gui
- *
- * @author coolGi
- * @author Ran
- * @version 2023-8-26
- */
-// Init the config after singletons have been blinded
-public class ConfigBase
-{
-	/** Our own config instance, don't modify unless you are the DH mod */
-	public static ConfigBase INSTANCE;
-	public ConfigFileHandling configFileINSTANCE;
-	
-	private final Logger logger;
-	public final String modID;
-	public final String modName;
-	public final int configVersion;
-	
-	public boolean isLoaded = false;
-	
-	
-	
-	/**
-	 *      What the config works with
-	 * <br> 
-	 * <br> {@link Enum}
-	 * <br> {@link Boolean}
-	 * <br> {@link Byte}
-	 * <br> {@link Integer}
-	 * <br> {@link Double}
-	 * <br> {@link Short}
-	 * <br> {@link Long}
-	 * <br> {@link Float}
-	 * <br> {@link String}
-	 * <br> 
-	 * <br> // Below, "T" should be a value from above
-	 * <br> // Note: This is not checked, so we trust that you are doing the right thing (TODO: Check it)
-	 * <br> List<T>
-	 * <br> ArrayList<T>
-	 * <br> Map<String, T>
-	 * <br> HashMap<String, T>
-	 */
-	public static final List<Class<?>> acceptableInputs = new ArrayList<Class<?>>()
-	{{
-		add(Boolean.class);
-		add(Byte.class);
-		add(Integer.class);
-		add(Double.class);
-		add(Short.class);
-		add(Long.class);
-		add(Float.class);
-		add(String.class);
-		
-		// TODO[CONFIG]: Check the type of these is valid
-		add(List.class);
-		add(ArrayList.class);
-		add(Map.class);
-		add(HashMap.class);
-	}};
-	
-	/** Disables the minimum and maximum of any variable */
-	public boolean disableMinMax = false; // Very fun to use, but should always be disabled by default
-	public final List<AbstractConfigType<?, ?>> entries = new ArrayList<>();
-	
-	
-	public ConfigBase(String modID, String modName, Class<?> configClass)
-	{
-		this(modID, modName, configClass, getConfigPath(modName), -1);
-	}
-	public ConfigBase(String modID, String modName, Class<?> configClass, Path configPath)
-	{
-		this(modID, modName, configClass, configPath, -1);
-	}
-	public ConfigBase(String modID, String modName, Class<?> configClass, int configVersion)
-	{
-		this(modID, modName, configClass, getConfigPath(modName), configVersion);
-	}
-	
-	public ConfigBase(String modID, String modName, Class<?> configClass, Path configPath, int configVersion)
-	{
-		this.logger = LogManager.getLogger(this.getClass().getSimpleName() + ", " + modID);
-		
-		this.logger.info("Initialising config for " + modName);
-		this.modID = modID;
-		this.modName = modName;
-		this.configVersion = configVersion;
-		
-		this.initNestedClass(configClass, ""); // Init root category
-		
-		// File handling (load from file)
-		this.configFileINSTANCE = new ConfigFileHandling(this, configPath);
-		this.configFileINSTANCE.loadFromFile();
-		
-		this.isLoaded = true;
-		this.logger.info("Config for " + modName + " initialised");
-	}
-	
-	private void initNestedClass(Class<?> configClass, String category)
-	{
-		// Put all the entries in entries
-		
-		for (Field field : configClass.getFields())
-		{
-			if (AbstractConfigType.class.isAssignableFrom(field.getType()))
-			{
-				try
-				{
-					this.entries.add((AbstractConfigType<?, ?>) field.get(field.getType()));
-				}
-				catch (IllegalAccessException exception)
-				{
-					this.logger.warn(exception);
-				}
-				
-				AbstractConfigType<?, ?> entry = this.entries.get(this.entries.size() - 1);
-				entry.category = category;
-				entry.name = field.getName();
-				entry.configBase = this;
-				
-				if (ConfigEntry.class.isAssignableFrom(field.getType()))
-				{ // If item is type ConfigEntry
-					if (!isAcceptableType(entry.getType()))
-					{
-						this.logger.error("Invalid variable type at [" + (category.isEmpty() ? "" : category + ".") + field.getName() + "].");
-						this.logger.error("Type [" + entry.getType() + "] is not one of these types [" + acceptableInputs.toString() + "]");
-						this.entries.remove(this.entries.size() - 1); // Delete the entry if it is invalid so the game can still run
-					}
-				}
-				
-				if (ConfigCategory.class.isAssignableFrom(field.getType()))
-				{ // If it's a category then init the stuff inside it and put it in the category list
-					assert entry instanceof ConfigCategory;
-					if (((ConfigCategory) entry).getDestination() == null)
-						((ConfigCategory) entry).destination = entry.getNameWCategory();
-					if (entry.get() != null)
-					{
-						this.initNestedClass(((ConfigCategory) entry).get(), ((ConfigCategory) entry).getDestination());
-					}
-				}
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	
-	private static boolean isAcceptableType(Class<?> Clazz)
-	{
-		if (Clazz.isEnum())
-			return true;
-		return acceptableInputs.contains(Clazz);
-	}
-	
-	
-	/** Gets the default config path given a mod name */
-	public static Path getConfigPath(String modName)
-	{
-		return SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftSharedWrapper.class)
-				.getInstallationDirectory().toPath().resolve("config").resolve(modName + ".toml");
-	}
-	
-	
-	/**
-	 * Used for checking that all the lang files for the config exist
-	 *
-	 * @param onlyShowNew If disabled then it would basically remake the config lang
-	 * @param checkEnums Checks if all the lang for the enum's exist
-	 */
-	// This is just to re-format the lang or check if there is something in the lang that is missing
-	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
-	public String generateLang(boolean onlyShowNew, boolean checkEnums)
-	{
-		ILangWrapper langWrapper = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(ILangWrapper.class);
-		List<Class<? extends Enum<?>>> enumList = new ArrayList<>();
-		
-		String generatedLang = "";
-		
-		String starter = "  \"";
-		String separator = "\":\n    \"";
-		String ending = "\",\n";
-		
-		for (AbstractConfigType<?, ?> entry : this.entries)
-		{
-			String entryPrefix = "lod.config." + entry.getNameWCategory();
-			
-			if (checkEnums && entry.getType().isEnum() && !enumList.contains(entry.getType()))
-			{ // Put it in an enum list to work with at the end
-				enumList.add((Class<? extends Enum<?>>) entry.getType());
-			}
-			if (!onlyShowNew || langWrapper.langExists(entryPrefix))
-			{
-				if (!ConfigUiLinkedEntry.class.isAssignableFrom(entry.getClass()))
-				{ // If it is a linked item, dont generate the base lang
-					generatedLang += starter
-							+ entryPrefix
-							+ separator
-							+ langWrapper.getLang(entryPrefix)
-							+ ending
-					;
-				}
-				// Adds tooltips
-				if (langWrapper.langExists(entryPrefix + ".@tooltip"))
-				{
-					generatedLang += starter
-							+ entryPrefix + ".@tooltip"
-							+ separator
-							+ langWrapper.getLang(entryPrefix + ".@tooltip")
-							.replaceAll("\n", "\\\\n")
-							.replaceAll("\"", "\\\\\"")
-							+ ending
-					;
-				}
-			}
-		}
-		if (!enumList.isEmpty())
-		{
-			generatedLang += "\n"; // Separate the main lang with the enum's
-			
-			for (Class<? extends Enum> anEnum : enumList)
-			{
-				for (Object enumStr : new ArrayList<>(EnumSet.allOf(anEnum)))
-				{
-					String enumPrefix = "lod.config.enum." + anEnum.getSimpleName() + "." + enumStr.toString();
-					
-					if (!onlyShowNew || langWrapper.langExists(enumPrefix))
-					{
-						generatedLang += starter
-								+ enumPrefix
-								+ separator
-								+ langWrapper.getLang(enumPrefix)
-								+ ending
-						;
-					}
-				}
-			}
-		}
-		
-		return generatedLang;
-	}
-	
-}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/ConfigHandler.java

@@ -0,0 +1,330 @@
+/*
+ *    This file is part of the Distant Horizons mod
+ *    licensed under the GNU LGPL v3 License.
+ *
+ *    Copyright (C) 2020 James Seibel
+ *
+ *    This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ *    it under the terms of the GNU Lesser General Public License as published by
+ *    the Free Software Foundation, version 3.
+ *
+ *    This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ *    but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ *    MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ *    GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ *    You should have received a copy of the GNU Lesser General Public License
+ *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.file.ConfigFileHandler;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.*;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.config.ILangWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftSharedWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.ModInfo;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLogger;
+
+import java.lang.reflect.Field;
+import java.nio.file.Path;
+import java.util.*;
+
+/**
+ * Sets up everything in {@link Config} for the file/GUI and keeps track of all
+ * entries therein. <br>
+ * This should be run after the singletons have been bound.
+ *
+ * @author coolGi
+ * @author Ran
+ * 
+ * @see Config
+ */
+public class ConfigHandler
+{
+	private static final DhLogger LOGGER = new DhLoggerBuilder().build();
+	
+	private static final IMinecraftSharedWrapper MC_SHARED = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftSharedWrapper.class);
+	
+	/**
+	 * What the config works with
+	 * <br> 
+	 * <br> {@link Enum}
+	 * <br> {@link Boolean}
+	 * <br> {@link Byte}
+	 * <br> {@link Integer}
+	 * <br> {@link Double}
+	 * <br> {@link Short}
+	 * <br> {@link Long}
+	 * <br> {@link Float}
+	 * <br> {@link String}
+	 * <br> 
+	 * <br> // Below, "T" should be a value from above
+	 * <br> // Note: This is not checked, so we trust that you are doing the right thing
+	 * <br> List<T>
+	 * <br> ArrayList<T>
+	 * <br> Map<String, T>
+	 * <br> HashMap<String, T>
+	 */
+	private static final List<Class<?>> ACCEPTABLE_INPUTS = new ArrayList<Class<?>>()
+	{{
+		this.add(Boolean.class);
+		this.add(Byte.class);
+		this.add(Integer.class);
+		this.add(Double.class);
+		this.add(Short.class);
+		this.add(Long.class);
+		this.add(Float.class);
+		this.add(String.class);
+		
+		// partially implemented but not entirely
+		this.add(List.class);
+		this.add(ArrayList.class);
+		this.add(Map.class);
+		this.add(HashMap.class);
+	}};
+	
+	
+	
+	public static final ConfigHandler INSTANCE = new ConfigHandler();
+	
+	public final ConfigFileHandler configFileHandler = new ConfigFileHandler(getConfigPath());
+	public final List<AbstractConfigBase<?>> configBaseList = new ArrayList<>();
+	
+	public boolean isLoaded = false;
+	/** 
+	 * Disables the minimum and maximum validation. <Br>
+	 * Fun to use, but should be disabled by default.
+	 */
+	public boolean runMinMaxValidation = true;
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
+	public static void tryRunFirstTimeSetup()
+	{
+		if (INSTANCE.isLoaded)
+		{
+			LOGGER.debug("ConfigHandler setup already run, ignoring.");
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		INSTANCE.runFirstTimeSetup();
+	}
+	private void runFirstTimeSetup()
+	{
+		LOGGER.info("Initialising config for [" + ModInfo.NAME + "]");
+		
+		this.initNestedClass(Config.class, ""); // Init root category
+		
+		this.configFileHandler.loadFromFile();
+		this.runMinMaxValidation = !Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.allowUnsafeValues.get();
+		
+		this.isLoaded = true;
+		LOGGER.info("[" + ModInfo.NAME + "] Config initialised");
+	}
+	/** Gets the default config path given a mod name */
+	private static Path getConfigPath()
+	{
+		return MC_SHARED
+				.getInstallationDirectory().toPath()
+				.resolve("config")
+				.resolve(ModInfo.NAME + ".toml");
+	}
+	/** Put all the config entries into configEntryList */
+	private void initNestedClass(Class<?> configClass, String category)
+	{
+		Field[] fields = configClass.getFields();
+		for (Field field : fields)
+		{
+			// ignore any non-config variables
+			if (!AbstractConfigBase.class.isAssignableFrom(field.getType()))
+			{
+				continue;
+			}
+			
+			
+			// add this config to the master list
+			try
+			{
+				this.configBaseList.add((AbstractConfigBase<?>) field.get(field.getType()));
+			}
+			catch (IllegalAccessException e)
+			{
+				LOGGER.warn("Unable to add config ["+field.getType().getName()+"], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].", e);
+				continue;
+			}
+			
+			
+			// set any necessary variables in this config
+			AbstractConfigBase<?> configBase = this.configBaseList.get(this.configBaseList.size() - 1);
+			configBase.category = category;
+			configBase.name = field.getName();
+			
+			
+			// validate the config's input type
+			if (ConfigEntry.class.isAssignableFrom(field.getType()))
+			{
+				if (!isAcceptableType(configBase.getType()))
+				{
+					LOGGER.error("Invalid variable type at [" + (category.isEmpty() ? "" : category + ".") + field.getName() + "].");
+					LOGGER.error("Type [" + configBase.getType() + "] is not one of these types [" + ACCEPTABLE_INPUTS.toString() + "]");
+					this.configBaseList.remove(this.configBaseList.size() - 1); // Delete the entry if it is invalid so the game can still run
+				}
+			}
+			
+			// recursively add deeper categories if present
+			if (ConfigCategory.class.isAssignableFrom(field.getType()))
+			{
+				ConfigCategory configCategory = (ConfigCategory) configBase;
+				
+				if (configCategory.getDestination() == null)
+				{
+					configCategory.destination = configBase.getNameAndCategory();
+				}
+				
+				// shouldn't happen, but just in case
+				if (configBase.get() != null)
+				{
+					this.initNestedClass(configCategory.get(), configCategory.getDestination());
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	private static boolean isAcceptableType(Class<?> inputClass)
+	{
+		if (inputClass.isEnum())
+		{
+			return true;
+		}
+		
+		return ACCEPTABLE_INPUTS.contains(inputClass);
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//===============//
+	// lang handling //
+	//===============//
+	
+	/**
+	 * Used for checking that all the lang files for the config exist.
+	 * This is just to re-format the lang or check if there is something in the lang that is missing
+	 *
+	 * @param onlyShowMissing If false then this will remake the entire config lang
+	 * @param checkEnums Checks if all the lang for the enum's exist
+	 */
+	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
+	public String generateLang(boolean onlyShowMissing, boolean checkEnums)
+	{
+		ILangWrapper langWrapper = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(ILangWrapper.class);
+		List<Class<? extends Enum<?>>> enumList = new ArrayList<>();
+		
+		String generatedLang = "";
+		
+		String starter = "  \"";
+		String separator = "\":\n    \"";
+		String ending = "\",\n";
+		
+		// config entries
+		for (AbstractConfigBase<?> entry : this.configBaseList)
+		{
+			String entryPrefix = "distanthorizons.config." + entry.getNameAndCategory();
+			
+			if (checkEnums 
+				&& entry.getType().isEnum() 
+				&& !enumList.contains(entry.getType()))
+			{ 
+				// Put it in an enum list to work with at the end
+				enumList.add((Class<? extends Enum<?>>) entry.getType());
+			}
+			
+			
+			// config file items don't need lang entries
+			if (!entry.getAppearance().showInGui)
+			{
+				continue;
+			}
+			
+			// some entries don't need localization
+			if (ConfigUiLinkedEntry.class.isAssignableFrom(entry.getClass())
+				|| ConfigUISpacer.class.isAssignableFrom(entry.getClass()))
+			{
+				continue;
+			}
+			
+			if (ConfigUIComment.class.isAssignableFrom(entry.getClass())
+				&& ((ConfigUIComment)entry).parentConfigPath != null)
+			{
+				entryPrefix = "distanthorizons.config." + ((ConfigUIComment)entry).parentConfigPath;
+			}
+			
+			
+			if (langWrapper.langExists(entryPrefix)
+				&& onlyShowMissing)
+			{
+				continue;
+			}
+			
+			
+			generatedLang += starter
+					+ entryPrefix
+					+ separator
+					+ langWrapper.getLang(entryPrefix)
+					+ ending
+			;
+			
+			// only add tooltips for entries that are also missing
+			// their primary lang
+			// this is done since not all menu items need a tooltip
+			if (!langWrapper.langExists(entryPrefix + ".@tooltip") 
+				|| !onlyShowMissing)
+			{
+				generatedLang += starter
+						+ entryPrefix + ".@tooltip"
+						+ separator
+						+ langWrapper.getLang(entryPrefix + ".@tooltip")
+						.replaceAll("\n", "\\\\n")
+						.replaceAll("\"", "\\\\\"")
+						+ ending
+				;
+			}
+		}
+		
+		
+		// enums
+		if (!enumList.isEmpty())
+		{
+			generatedLang += "\n"; // Separate the main lang with the enum's
+			
+			for (Class<? extends Enum> anEnum : enumList)
+			{
+				for (Object enumStr : new ArrayList<Object>(EnumSet.allOf(anEnum)))
+				{
+					String enumPrefix = "distanthorizons.config.enum." + anEnum.getSimpleName() + "." + enumStr.toString();
+					
+					if (!langWrapper.langExists(enumPrefix) 
+						|| !onlyShowMissing)
+					{
+						generatedLang += starter
+								+ enumPrefix
+								+ separator
+								+ langWrapper.getLang(enumPrefix)
+								+ ending
+						;
+					}
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		
+		return generatedLang;
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/ConfigPresetOptions.java

@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.ConfigEntry;
 import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.HashSet;
 
-public class ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<TQuickEnum, TConfig>
+public class ConfigPresetOptions<TQuickEnum, TConfig>
 {
 	public final ConfigEntry<TConfig> configEntry;
 	
@@ -32,7 +32,11 @@ public class ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<TQuickEnum, TConfig>
 	
 	
 	
-	public ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions(ConfigEntry<TConfig> configEntry, HashMap<TQuickEnum, TConfig> configOptionByQualityOption)
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
+	public ConfigPresetOptions(ConfigEntry<TConfig> configEntry, HashMap<TQuickEnum, TConfig> configOptionByQualityOption)
 	{
 		this.configEntry = configEntry;
 		this.configOptionByQualityOption = configOptionByQualityOption;
@@ -40,6 +44,10 @@ public class ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<TQuickEnum, TConfig>
 	
 	
 	
+	//=========//
+	// methods //
+	//=========//
+	
 	public void updateConfigEntry(TQuickEnum quickQuality)
 	{
 		TConfig newValue = this.configOptionByQualityOption.get(quickQuality);
@@ -48,7 +56,9 @@ public class ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<TQuickEnum, TConfig>
 	
 	public HashSet<TQuickEnum> getPossibleQualitiesFromCurrentOptionValue()
 	{
-		TConfig inputOptionValue = this.configEntry.get();
+		// get true value so we can ignore API overrides,
+		// users find this confusing if their preset is set to "CUSTOM" 
+		TConfig inputOptionValue = this.configEntry.getTrueValue();
 		HashSet<TQuickEnum> possibleQualities = new HashSet<>();
 		
 		for (TQuickEnum key : this.configOptionByQualityOption.keySet())

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/api/DhApiConfigValue.java

@@ -17,12 +17,12 @@
  *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.config;
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.config.IDhApiConfigValue;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConfigEntry;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.ConfigEntry;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConverter;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.converters.DefaultConverter;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.converters.DefaultConverter;
 
 import java.util.function.Consumer;
 
@@ -41,11 +41,17 @@ import java.util.function.Consumer;
  */
 public class DhApiConfigValue<coreType, apiType> implements IDhApiConfigValue<apiType>
 {
-	private final IConfigEntry<coreType> configEntry;
+	private final ConfigEntry<coreType> configBase;
 	
 	private final IConverter<coreType, apiType> configConverter;
 	
 	
+	
+	//==============//
+ 	// constructors //
+	//==============//
+	//region
+	
 	/**
 	 * This constructor should only be called internally. <br>
 	 * There is no reason for API users to create this object. <br><br>
@@ -53,9 +59,9 @@ public class DhApiConfigValue<coreType, apiType> implements IDhApiConfigValue<ap
 	 * Uses the default object converter, this requires coreType and apiType to be the same.
 	 */
 	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked") // DefaultConverter's cast is safe
-	public DhApiConfigValue(IConfigEntry<coreType> newConfigEntry)
+	public DhApiConfigValue(ConfigEntry<coreType> configBase)
 	{
-		this.configEntry = newConfigEntry;
+		this.configBase = configBase;
 		this.configConverter = (IConverter<coreType, apiType>) new DefaultConverter<coreType>();
 	}
 	
@@ -63,22 +69,40 @@ public class DhApiConfigValue<coreType, apiType> implements IDhApiConfigValue<ap
 	 * This constructor should only be called internally. <br>
 	 * There is no reason for API users to create this object. <br><br>
 	 */
-	public DhApiConfigValue(IConfigEntry<coreType> newConfigEntry, IConverter<coreType, apiType> newConverter)
+	public DhApiConfigValue(ConfigEntry<coreType> configBase, IConverter<coreType, apiType> newConverter)
 	{
-		this.configEntry = newConfigEntry;
+		this.configBase = configBase;
 		this.configConverter = newConverter;
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
 	
-	public apiType getValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.get()); }
-	public apiType getTrueValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getTrueValue()); }
-	public apiType getApiValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getApiValue()); }
 	
+	
+	//===========//
+ 	// overrides //
+	//===========//
+	//region
+	
+	@Override public apiType getValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.get()); }
+	@Override public apiType getTrueValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getTrueValue()); }
+	@Override public apiType getApiValue() 
+	{
+		// if no API value is set, this should return null
+		if (this.configBase.getApiValue() == null)
+		{
+			return null;
+		}
+		
+		return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getApiValue()); 
+	}
+	
+	@Override
 	public boolean setValue(apiType newValue)
 	{
-		if (this.configEntry.getAllowApiOverride())
+		if (this.configBase.getAllowApiOverride())
 		{
-			this.configEntry.setApiValue(this.configConverter.convertToCoreType(newValue));
+			this.configBase.setApiValue(this.configConverter.convertToCoreType(newValue));
 			return true;
 		}
 		else
@@ -87,13 +111,13 @@ public class DhApiConfigValue<coreType, apiType> implements IDhApiConfigValue<ap
 		}
 	}
 	
+	@Override
 	public boolean clearValue()
 	{
-		if (this.configEntry.getAllowApiOverride())
+		if (this.configBase.getAllowApiOverride())
 		{
 			// no converter should be used here since null objects may need to be handled differently
-			// TODO the API should just have a bool to keep track of whether the API value is in use instead of using NULL
-			this.configEntry.setApiValue(null);
+			this.configBase.setApiValue(null);
 			return true;
 		}
 		else
@@ -102,20 +126,24 @@ public class DhApiConfigValue<coreType, apiType> implements IDhApiConfigValue<ap
 		}
 	}
 	
-	public boolean getCanBeOverrodeByApi() { return this.configEntry.getAllowApiOverride(); }
+	@Override
+	public boolean getCanBeOverrodeByApi() { return this.configBase.getAllowApiOverride(); }
 	
-	public apiType getDefaultValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getDefaultValue()); }
-	public apiType getMaxValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getMax()); }
-	public apiType getMinValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getMin()); }
+	@Override public apiType getDefaultValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getDefaultValue()); }
+	@Override public apiType getMaxValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getMax()); }
+	@Override public apiType getMinValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getMin()); }
 	
 	
+	@Override
 	public void addChangeListener(Consumer<apiType> onValueChangeFunc) 
 	{
-		this.configEntry.addValueChangeListener((coreValue) -> 
+		this.configBase.addValueChangeListener((coreValue) -> 
 		{
 			apiType apiValue = this.configConverter.convertToApiType(coreValue);
 			onValueChangeFunc.accept(apiValue);
 		}); 
 	}
 	
+	//endregion
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/api/converters/ApiFogDrawModeConverter.java

@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@
  *    along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.converters;
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.api.converters;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiFogDrawMode;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConverter;