remove dev from version number

It is a cool idea, but one that unfortunately never got implemented

.editorconfig

@@ -4,7 +4,6 @@
 
 [*]
 charset = utf-8
-end_of_line = crlf
 indent_size = 4
 indent_style = space
 insert_final_newline = false
@@ -537,7 +536,7 @@ ij_groovy_wrap_chain_calls_after_dot = false
 ij_groovy_wrap_long_lines = false
 
 [{*.har,*.json,*.png.mcmeta,mcmod.info,pack.mcmeta}]
-indent_size = 2
+indent_size = 4
 ij_json_array_wrapping = split_into_lines
 ij_json_keep_blank_lines_in_code = 0
 ij_json_keep_indents_on_empty_lines = false

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

@@ -39,8 +39,8 @@ public enum EDhApiDataCompressionMode
 	/** 
 	 * Should only be used internally and for unit testing. <br><br> 
 	 * 
-	 * Read Speed: 1.64 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Read Speed: 6.09 MS / DTO <br>
-	 * Write Speed: 12.44 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Write Speed: 6.01 MS / DTO <br>
 	 * Compression ratio: 1.0 <br>
 	 */
 	@DisallowSelectingViaConfigGui
@@ -49,28 +49,28 @@ public enum EDhApiDataCompressionMode
 	/** 
 	 * Extremely fast (often faster than uncompressed), but generally poor compression. <br><br> 
 	 * 
-	 * Read Speed: 1.85 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Read Speed: 3.25 MS / DTO <br>
-	 * Write Speed: 9.46 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Write Speed: 5.99 MS / DTO <br>
-	 * Compression ratio: 0.3638 <br>
+	 * Compression ratio: 0.4513 <br>
 	 */
 	LZ4(1),
 	
-	/*
+	/**
 	 * Decent speed and good compression. <br><br> 
 	 *
-	 * Read Speed: 11.78 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Read Speed: 9.31 MS / DTO <br>
-	 * Write Speed: 16.76 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Write Speed: 15.13 MS / DTO <br>
-	 * Compression ratio: 0.2199 <br>
+	 * Compression ratio: 0.2606 <br>
 	 */
-	//@Deprecated
+	Z_STD(2),
-	//Z_STD(2),
+	
 	
 	/** 
 	 * Extremely slow, but very good compression. <br><br> 
 	 *
-	 * Read Speed: 12.25 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Read Speed: 13.29 MS / DTO <br>
-	 * Write Speed: 490.07 MS / DTO <br>
+	 * Write Speed: 70.95 MS / DTO <br>
-	 * Compression ratio: 0.1242 <br>
+	 * Compression ratio: 0.2068 <br>
 	 */
 	LZMA2(3);
 	

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

@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ public enum EDhApiLoggerMode
 	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;

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

@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.worldGeneration;
 
 /**
+ * DOWN_SAMPLED, <br>
+ * 
  * EMPTY, <br>
  * STRUCTURE_START, <br>
  * STRUCTURE_REFERENCE, <br>
@@ -37,6 +39,14 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.worldGeneration;
  */
 public enum EDhApiWorldGenerationStep
 {
+	/** 
+	 * Only used when using N-sized world generators or server-side retrieval.
+	 * This denotes that the given datasource was created using lower quality LOD data from above it in the quad tree. <br>
+	 * 
+	 * This isn't a valid option for queuing world generation.
+	 */
+	DOWN_SAMPLED(-1, "down_sampled"),
+	
 	EMPTY(0, "empty"),
 	STRUCTURE_START(1, "structure_start"),
 	STRUCTURE_REFERENCE(2, "structure_reference"),

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

@@ -9,12 +9,15 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.data;
  * @version 2024-7-14
  * @since API 3.0.0
  */
-public interface IDhApiTerrainDataCache
+public interface IDhApiTerrainDataCache // TODO should this be AutoClosable?
 {
 	/**
 	 * Removes any data that's currently stored in this cache.
 	 * This cane be done to free up memory or invalidate 
 	 * the cache so fresh data can be pulled in.
+	 * <br><br>
+	 * This should be called before de-referencing this object
+	 * so DH can handle any necessary cleanup for internal objects.
 	 */
 	void clear();
 	

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

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+/*
+ *    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.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEvent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiEventParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiTextureCreatedParam;
+
+/**
+ * Called after Distant Horizons (re)creates 
+ * the color and depth textures it renders to. <br>
+ * 
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2025-6-9
+ * @since API 4.1.0
+ */
+public abstract class DhApiAfterColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiTextureCreatedParam>
+{
+	/** Fired before Distant Horizons creates. */
+	public abstract void onResize(DhApiEventParam<DhApiTextureCreatedParam> event);
+	
+	
+	//=========================//
+	// internal DH API methods //
+	//=========================//
+	
+	@Override
+	public final void fireEvent(DhApiEventParam<DhApiTextureCreatedParam> event) { this.onResize(event); }
+	
+	
+}

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

@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+/*
+ *    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.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.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiTextureCreatedParam;
+
+/**
+ * Called before Distant Horizons (re)creates 
+ * the color and depth textures it renders to. <br>
+ * 
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2025-6-9
+ * @since API 4.1.0
+ */
+public abstract class DhApiBeforeColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiTextureCreatedParam>
+{
+	/** Fired before Distant Horizons creates. */
+	public abstract void onResize(DhApiEventParam<DhApiTextureCreatedParam> event);
+	
+	
+	//=========================//
+	// internal DH API methods //
+	//=========================//
+	
+	@Override
+	public final void fireEvent(DhApiEventParam<DhApiTextureCreatedParam> event) { this.onResize(event); }
+	
+	
+}

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

@@ -25,11 +25,16 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhAp
 
 /**
  * Called before Distant Horizons starts rendering a frame. <br>
- * Canceling the event will prevent DH from rendering that frame.
+ * Canceling the event will prevent DH from rendering that frame. <br> <br>
+ * 
+ * This is called before DH starts modifying the GL state.
+ * If you want to inject into DH's rendering pass, use {@link DhApiBeforeRenderPassEvent} instead.
  *
  * @author James Seibel
  * @version 2023-6-23
  * @since API 1.0.0
+ * 
+ * @see DhApiBeforeRenderPassEvent
  */
 public abstract class DhApiBeforeRenderEvent implements IDhApiCancelableEvent<DhApiRenderParam>
 {

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

@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+/*
+ *    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
+ * @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

@@ -22,15 +22,18 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents;
 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.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiTextureCreatedParam;
 
 /**
- * Called whenever Distant Horizons (re)creates 
+ * Called before Distant Horizons (re)creates 
  * the color and depth textures it renders to. <br>
  * 
  * @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
 public abstract class DhApiColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent implements IDhApiEvent<DhApiColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent.EventParam>
 {
 	/** Fired before Distant Horizons creates. */
@@ -73,6 +76,15 @@ public abstract class DhApiColorDepthTextureCreatedEvent implements IDhApiEvent<
 			this.newHeight = newHeight;
 			
 		}
+		public EventParam(DhApiTextureCreatedParam textureCreatedParam)
+		{
+			this.previousWidth = textureCreatedParam.previousWidth;
+			this.previousHeight = textureCreatedParam.previousHeight;
+			
+			this.newWidth = textureCreatedParam.newWidth;
+			this.newHeight = textureCreatedParam.newHeight;
+			
+		}
 		
 		
 		@Override

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/DhApiTextureCreatedParam.java

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+/*
+ *    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.EDhApiRenderPass;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.interfaces.IDhApiEventParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiMat4f;
+
+/**
+ * Contains information relevant to when Distant Horizons (re)creates
+ * depth/color textures for rendering.
+ *
+ * @author James Seibel
+ * @version 2025-6-9
+ * @since API 4.1.0
+ */
+public class DhApiTextureCreatedParam implements IDhApiEventParam
+{
+	/** Measured in pixels */
+	public final int previousWidth;
+	/** Measured in pixels */
+	public final int previousHeight;
+	
+	/** Measured in pixels */
+	public final int newWidth;
+	/** Measured in pixels */
+	public final int newHeight;
+	
+	
+	public DhApiTextureCreatedParam(
+			int previousWidth, int previousHeight,
+			int newWidth, int newHeight)
+	{
+		this.previousWidth = previousWidth;
+		this.previousHeight = previousHeight;
+		
+		this.newWidth = newWidth;
+		this.newHeight = newHeight;
+		
+	}
+	
+	
+	@Override
+	public DhApiTextureCreatedParam copy()
+	{
+		return new DhApiTextureCreatedParam(
+				this.previousWidth, this.previousHeight,
+				this.newWidth, this.newHeight
+		);
+	}
+}

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 
+					// this is done to reduce the likelihood that one event listener 
-					// will make change the event parameter for other listeners 
+					// 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
+							try
-							input = (T) ((IDhApiEventParam) eventInput).copy();
+							{
-						}
+								//noinspection unchecked
-						catch (Exception e)
+								input = (T) dhApiEventParam.copy();
-						{
+							}
-							LOGGER.error("Unable to clone event parameter ["+eventInput.getClass().getSimpleName()+"], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].", e);
+							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

@@ -43,11 +43,9 @@ public class DependencyInjector<BindableType extends IBindable> implements IDepe
 	protected final boolean allowDuplicateBindings;
 	
 	
-	public DependencyInjector(Class<BindableType> newBindableInterface)
+	//==============//
-	{
+	// constructors //
-		this.bindableInterface = newBindableInterface;
+	//==============//
-		this.allowDuplicateBindings = false;
-	}
 	
 	public DependencyInjector(Class<BindableType> newBindableInterface, boolean newAllowDuplicateBindings)
 	{
@@ -57,12 +55,16 @@ public class DependencyInjector<BindableType extends IBindable> implements IDepe
 	
 	
 	
+	//=========//
+	// binding //
+	//=========//
 	
 	@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.");
 		}
@@ -130,6 +132,54 @@ public class DependencyInjector<BindableType extends IBindable> implements IDepe
 	public boolean checkIfClassExtends(Class<?> classToTest, Class<?> extensionToLookFor) { return extensionToLookFor.isAssignableFrom(classToTest); }
 	
 	
+	
+	//===========//
+	// unbinding //
+	//===========//
+	
+	// TODO having a bindOrReplace method would probably be better since it wouldn't have the possiblity of having nothing bound
+	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);
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// getters //
+	//=========//
+	
 	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked")
 	@Override
 	public <T extends BindableType> T get(Class<T> interfaceClass) throws ClassCastException

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

@@ -31,21 +31,21 @@ 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 = 9;
+	public static final int PROTOCOL_VERSION = 11;
 	public static final String WRAPPER_PACKET_PATH = "message";
 	
 	/** 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 = "2.3.0-b-dev";
+	public static final String VERSION = "2.3.6-b";
 	/** 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;
 	/** This version should be updated whenever new methods are added to the DH API */
-	public static final int API_MINOR_VERSION = 0;
+	public static final int API_MINOR_VERSION = 1;
 	/** This version should be updated whenever non-breaking fixes are added to the DH API */
 	public static final int API_PATCH_VERSION = 0;
 	

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);
-	
-}

core/build.gradle

@@ -60,4 +60,10 @@ shadowJar {
     def librariesLocation = "DistantHorizons.libraries"
 //    relocate "it.unimi.dsi.fastutil", "${librariesLocation}.unimi.dsi.fastutil"
     mergeServiceFiles()
-}
+}
+
+test {
+    // this is necessary specifically for the Compression tests since those
+    // need more than the default 512 MB of RAM
+    jvmArgs '-Xmx4096m'
+}

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

@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core;
 
+import com.github.luben.zstd.ZstdOutputStream;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.generic.GenericRenderObjectFactory;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.DatabaseUpdater;
@@ -54,8 +55,9 @@ public class Initializer
 		{
 			// if any library isn't present in the jar its class
 			// will throw an error (not an exception)
-			Class<?> fastCompressor = LZ4FrameOutputStream.class;
+			Class<?> lz4Compressor = LZ4FrameOutputStream.class;
-			Class<?> smallCompressor = XZOutputStream.class;
+			Class<?> zstdCompressor = ZstdOutputStream.class;
+			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 +65,6 @@ 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)
 			{

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

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;
 

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

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

@@ -25,9 +25,9 @@ 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;
 
 public class DhApiFogConfig implements IDhApiFogConfig
 {

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

@@ -23,9 +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.core.config.api.converters.RenderModeEnabledConverter;
 
 public class DhApiGraphicsConfig implements IDhApiGraphicsConfig
 {
@@ -60,7 +61,7 @@ public class DhApiGraphicsConfig implements IDhApiGraphicsConfig
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<Boolean> renderingEnabled()
-	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<Boolean, Boolean>(Config.Client.quickEnableRendering); }
+	{ return new DhApiConfigValue<EDhApiRendererMode, Boolean>(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode, new RenderModeEnabledConverter()); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public IDhApiConfigValue<EDhApiRendererMode> renderingMode()

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

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

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/DhApiTerrainDataRepo.java

@@ -197,10 +197,10 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		ILevelWrapper coreLevelWrapper = (ILevelWrapper) levelWrapper;
 		
 		
-		if (!(apiDataCache instanceof DhApiTerrainDataCache))
+		// the data cache can be null, but must be our own implementation
+		if (apiDataCache != null
+			&& !(apiDataCache instanceof DhApiTerrainDataCache))
 		{
-			// custom level wrappers aren't supported,
-			// the API user must get a level wrapper from our code somewhere
 			return DhApiResult.createFail("Unsupported [" + IDhApiTerrainDataCache.class.getSimpleName() + "] implementation, only the core class [" + DhApiTerrainDataCache.class.getSimpleName() + "] is a valid parameter.");
 		}
 		DhApiTerrainDataCache dataCache = (DhApiTerrainDataCache) apiDataCache;
@@ -226,10 +226,9 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 		// get the data source //
 		//=====================//
 		
+		FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = null;
 		try
 		{
-			FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = null;
-			
 			// try using the cached data if possible
 			if (dataCache != null)
 			{
@@ -244,7 +243,12 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 				{
 					return DhApiResult.createFail("Unable to find/generate any data at the " + DhSectionPos.class.getSimpleName() + " [" + DhSectionPos.toString(sectionPos) + "].");
 				}
-				dataCache.add(sectionPos, dataSource);
+				
+				// save to the cache if present
+				if (dataCache != null)
+				{
+					dataCache.add(sectionPos, dataSource);
+				}
 			}
 			
 			
@@ -316,6 +320,14 @@ public class DhApiTerrainDataRepo implements IDhApiTerrainDataRepo
 			LOGGER.error("Unexpected exception in getTerrainDataColumnArray. Error: [" + e.getMessage() + "]", e);
 			return DhApiResult.createFail("Unexpected exception: [" + e.getMessage() + "].");
 		}
+		finally
+		{
+			if (dataCache == null
+				&& dataSource != null)
+			{
+				dataSource.close();
+			}
+		}
 	}
 	
 	
@@ -491,7 +503,7 @@ 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(), true, true);
 		
 		
 		return DhApiResult.createSuccess();

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

@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiRenderPass;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.*;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiRenderParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.rendering.RenderState;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.structure.ClientOnlySaveStructure;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.messages.MessageRegistry;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
@@ -89,6 +90,15 @@ public class ClientApi
 	/** this includes the is dev build message and low allocated memory warning */
 	private static final int MS_BETWEEN_STATIC_STARTUP_MESSAGES = 4_000;
 	
+	/** 
+	 * This isn't the cleanest way of storing variables before passing them to the LOD renderer, 
+	 * but due to how mixins work and the inconsistency between MC versions,
+	 * having a static object that stores a single frame's data
+	 * is often the easiest solution. <br><br>
+	 * 
+	 * Only downside is making sure each variable is populated before rendering.
+	 */
+	public static final RenderState RENDER_STATE = new RenderState();
 	
 	
 	private boolean isDevBuildMessagePrinted = false;
@@ -389,21 +399,28 @@ public class ClientApi
 	// rendering //
 	//===========//
 	
-	/** Should be called before {@link ClientApi#renderDeferredLods} */
+	/** Should be called before {@link ClientApi#renderDeferredLodsForShaders} */
-	public void renderLods(IClientLevelWrapper levelWrapper, Mat4f mcModelViewMatrix, Mat4f mcProjectionMatrix, float partialTicks)
+	public void renderLods() { this.renderLodLayer(false); }
-	{ this.renderLodLayer(levelWrapper, mcModelViewMatrix, mcProjectionMatrix, partialTicks, false); }
 	
 	/** 
 	 * Only necessary when Shaders are in use.
 	 * Should be called after {@link ClientApi#renderLods} 
 	 */
-	public void renderDeferredLods(IClientLevelWrapper levelWrapper, Mat4f mcModelViewMatrix, Mat4f mcProjectionMatrix, float partialTicks)
+	public void renderDeferredLodsForShaders() { this.renderLodLayer(true); }
-	{ this.renderLodLayer(levelWrapper, mcModelViewMatrix, mcProjectionMatrix, partialTicks, true); }
 	
-	private void renderLodLayer(
+	private void renderLodLayer(boolean renderingDeferredLayer)
-			IClientLevelWrapper levelWrapper, Mat4f mcModelViewMatrix, Mat4f mcProjectionMatrix, float partialTicks,
-			boolean renderingDeferredLayer)
 	{
+		// A global render state variable is used since MC has split up their
+		// render prep and actual rendering into different threads/methods
+		// this is annoying since it's possible to start a render with only
+		// partially complete info, but there isn't a better option at the moment
+		IClientLevelWrapper levelWrapper = RENDER_STATE.clientLevelWrapper;
+		Mat4f mcModelViewMatrix = RENDER_STATE.mcModelViewMatrix;
+		Mat4f mcProjectionMatrix = RENDER_STATE.mcProjectionMatrix;
+		float partialTicks = RENDER_STATE.frameTime;
+		
+		
+		
 		// logging //
 		
 		this.sendQueuedChatMessages();
@@ -445,6 +462,25 @@ public class ClientApi
 		
 		
 		
+		//Mat4f mcCombined = mcModelViewMatrix.copy();
+		//mcCombined.multiply(mcProjectionMatrix);
+		//
+		//com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiMat4f dhCombined = renderEventParam.dhModelViewMatrix.copy();
+		//dhCombined.multiply(renderEventParam.dhProjectionMatrix);
+		//
+		//LOGGER.info("\n\n" +
+		//		"API\n" +
+		//		"Mc MVM: \n" + mcModelViewMatrix.toString() + "\n" +
+		//		"Mc Proj: \n" + mcProjectionMatrix + "\n" +
+		//		"Mc Combined:\n" + mcCombined.toString() + "\n" +
+		//		"\n" +
+		//		"DH MVM: \n" + renderEventParam.dhModelViewMatrix.toString() + "\n" +
+		//		"DH Proj: \n" + renderEventParam.dhProjectionMatrix + "\n" +
+		//		"DH Combined:\n" + mcCombined.toString()
+		//);
+		
+		
+		
 		// render validation //
 		
 		try
@@ -551,28 +587,44 @@ public class ClientApi
 		}
 	}
 	
-	/** should be called after DH and MC finish rendering so we can smooth the transition between the two */
+	/** 
-	public void renderFadeOpaque(Mat4f mcModelViewMatrix, Mat4f mcProjectionMatrix, float partialTicks, IClientLevelWrapper level)
+	 * The first fade pass.
+	 * Called after MC finishes rendering the opaque passes. 
+	 */
+	public void renderFadeOpaque()
 	{
 		// only fade when DH is rendering
-		if (Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.get() == EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT)
+		if (Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.get() == EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT
+			// only fade when requested
+			&& Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.vanillaFadeMode.get() == EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.DOUBLE_PASS
+			// don't fade when Iris shaders are active, otherwise the rendering can get weird
+			&& !DhApiRenderProxy.INSTANCE.getDeferTransparentRendering())
 		{
-			if (Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.vanillaFadeMode.get() == EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.DOUBLE_PASS)
+			FadeRenderer.INSTANCE.render(RENDER_STATE.mcModelViewMatrix, RENDER_STATE.mcProjectionMatrix, RENDER_STATE.frameTime, RENDER_STATE.clientLevelWrapper);
-			{
-				FadeRenderer.INSTANCE.render(mcModelViewMatrix, mcProjectionMatrix, partialTicks, level);
-			}
 		}
 	}
-	/** should be called after DH and MC finish rendering so we can smooth the transition between the two */
+	/** 
-	public void renderFade(Mat4f mcModelViewMatrix, Mat4f mcProjectionMatrix, float partialTicks, IClientLevelWrapper level)
+	 * The second fade pass.
+	 * Called after MC finishes rendering both opaque
+	 * and transparent passes. 
+	 */
+	public void renderFadeTransparent()
 	{
 		// only fade when DH is rendering
 		if (Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.get() == EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT)
 		{
-			// fade if any level fading is active
+			boolean renderFade =
-			if (Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.vanillaFadeMode.get() != EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.NONE)
+				(
+					// only fade when requested
+					Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.vanillaFadeMode.get() != EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.NONE
+					// or if LOD-only mode is enabled (fading is used to remove the MC render pass)
+					|| Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.lodOnlyMode.get()
+				)
+				// don't fade when Iris shaders are active, otherwise the rendering can get weird
+				&& !DhApiRenderProxy.INSTANCE.getDeferTransparentRendering();
+			if (renderFade)
 			{
-				FadeRenderer.INSTANCE.render(mcModelViewMatrix, mcProjectionMatrix, partialTicks, level);
+				FadeRenderer.INSTANCE.render(RENDER_STATE.mcModelViewMatrix, RENDER_STATE.mcProjectionMatrix, RENDER_STATE.frameTime, RENDER_STATE.clientLevelWrapper);
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -652,7 +704,8 @@ public class ClientApi
 	private void detectAndSendBootTimeWarnings()
 	{
 		// dev build
-		if (ModInfo.IS_DEV_BUILD && !this.isDevBuildMessagePrinted && MC_CLIENT.playerExists())
+		if (ModInfo.IS_DEV_BUILD 
+			&& !this.isDevBuildMessagePrinted && MC_CLIENT.playerExists())
 		{
 			this.isDevBuildMessagePrinted = true;
 			this.lastStaticWarningMessageSentMsTime = System.currentTimeMillis();
@@ -669,7 +722,8 @@ public class ClientApi
 		
 		// memory
 		if (this.staticStartupMessageSentRecently()) return;
-		if (!this.lowMemoryWarningPrinted && Config.Common.Logging.Warning.showLowMemoryWarningOnStartup.get())
+		if (!this.lowMemoryWarningPrinted 
+			&& Config.Common.Logging.Warning.showLowMemoryWarningOnStartup.get())
 		{
 			this.lowMemoryWarningPrinted = true;
 			this.lastStaticWarningMessageSentMsTime = System.currentTimeMillis();
@@ -685,7 +739,7 @@ public class ClientApi
 						// orange text		
 						"\u00A76" + "Distant Horizons: Low memory detected." + "\u00A7r \n" +
 						"Stuttering or low FPS may occur. \n" +
-						"Please increase Minecraft's available memory to 4 gigabytes. \n" +
+						"Please increase Minecraft's available memory to 4 GB or more. \n" +
 						"This warning can be disabled in DH's config under Advanced -> Logging. \n";
 				MC_CLIENT.sendChatMessage(message);
 			}
@@ -694,7 +748,8 @@ public class ClientApi
 		
 		// high vanilla render distance
 		if (this.staticStartupMessageSentRecently()) return;
-		if (!this.highVanillaRenderDistanceWarningPrinted && Config.Common.Logging.Warning.showHighVanillaRenderDistanceWarning.get())
+		if (!this.highVanillaRenderDistanceWarningPrinted 
+			&& Config.Common.Logging.Warning.showHighVanillaRenderDistanceWarning.get())
 		{
 			// DH generally doesn't need a vanilla render distance above 12 
 			if (MC_RENDER.getRenderDistance() > 12)
@@ -721,7 +776,8 @@ public class ClientApi
 	{
 		if (this.lastStaticWarningMessageSentMsTime == 0)
 		{
-			return true;
+			// no static message has ever been sent
+			return false;
 		}
 		
 		long timeSinceLastMessage = System.currentTimeMillis() - this.lastStaticWarningMessageSentMsTime; 
@@ -740,4 +796,6 @@ public class ClientApi
 	 */
 	public void showOverlayMessageNextFrame(String message) { this.overlayMessageQueueForNextFrame.add(message); }
 	
+	
+	
 }

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

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.session.NetworkSession;
 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;
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ 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;

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

@@ -136,8 +136,8 @@ public class ServerApi
 	// chunk modified events //
 	//=======================//
 	
-	public void serverChunkLoadEvent(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level) { SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level, false); }
+	public void serverChunkLoadEvent(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level) { SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level, false, false); }
-	public void serverChunkSaveEvent(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level) { SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level, true); }
+	public void serverChunkSaveEvent(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level) { SharedApi.INSTANCE.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level, true, false); }
 	
 	
 	

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

@@ -22,9 +22,12 @@ 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.api.internal.chunkUpdating.ChunkUpdateData;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating.ChunkUpdateQueueManager;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 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;
@@ -49,7 +52,6 @@ import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 import java.util.*;
 import java.util.concurrent.*;
-import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;
 
 /** Contains code and variables used by both {@link ClientApi} and {@link ServerApi} */
 public class SharedApi
@@ -65,20 +67,20 @@ public class SharedApi
 	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();
+	public static final ChunkUpdateQueueManager CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER = new ChunkUpdateQueueManager();
 	/** 
 	 * 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;
+	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 */
-	private static final int MIN_MS_BETWEEN_OVERLOADED_LOG_MESSAGE = 30_000;
+	public static final int MIN_MS_BETWEEN_OVERLOADED_LOG_MESSAGE = 30_000;
 	
 	
+	@Nullable
 	private static AbstractDhWorld currentWorld;
 	private static int lastWorldGenTickDelta = 0;
-	private static long lastOverloadedLogMessageMsTime = 0;
 	
 	
 	
@@ -99,6 +101,11 @@ public class SharedApi
 	
 	public static void setDhWorld(AbstractDhWorld newWorld)
 	{
+		AbstractDhWorld oldWorld = currentWorld;
+		if (oldWorld != null)
+		{
+			oldWorld.close();
+		}
 		currentWorld = newWorld;
 		
 		// starting and stopping the DataRenderTransformer is necessary to prevent attempting to
@@ -122,7 +129,7 @@ public class SharedApi
 			// 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();
+			CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.clear();
 			
 			// recommend that the garbage collector cleans up any objects from the old world and thread pools
 			System.gc();
@@ -144,6 +151,7 @@ public class SharedApi
 		}
 	}
 	
+	@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; }
@@ -163,10 +171,10 @@ public class SharedApi
 	 * 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))); }
+	{ return CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_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)); }
+	{ return CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.contains(new DhChunkPos(chunkPosX, chunkPosZ)); }
 	
 	/** 
 	 * This is often fired when unloading a level.
@@ -174,17 +182,18 @@ public class SharedApi
 	 * rapidly changing dimensions.
 	 * (IE prevent DH from infinitely allocating memory 
 	 */
-	public void clearQueuedChunkUpdates() { UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.clear(); }
+	public void clearQueuedChunkUpdates() { CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.clear(); }
 	
-	public int getQueuedChunkUpdateCount() { return UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.closestQueue.size(); }
+	public int getQueuedChunkUpdateCount() { return CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.getQueuedCount(); }
 	
 	
 	
 	/** handles both block place and break events */
-	public void chunkBlockChangedEvent(IChunkWrapper chunk, ILevelWrapper level) { this.applyChunkUpdate(chunk, level, true); }
+	public void chunkBlockChangedEvent(IChunkWrapper chunk, ILevelWrapper level) { this.applyChunkUpdate(chunk, level, true, false); }
-	public void chunkLoadEvent(IChunkWrapper chunk, ILevelWrapper level) { this.applyChunkUpdate(chunk, level, false); }
+	public void chunkLoadEvent(IChunkWrapper chunk, ILevelWrapper level) { this.applyChunkUpdate(chunk, level, true, true); }
 	
-	public void applyChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level, boolean updateNeighborChunks)
+	//public void applyChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level, boolean canGetNeighboringChunks) { this.applyChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, level, canGetNeighboringChunks, false); }
+	public void applyChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, ILevelWrapper level, boolean canGetNeighboringChunks, boolean newlyLoaded)
 	{
 		//========================//
 		// world and level checks //
@@ -231,8 +240,16 @@ public class SharedApi
 			return;
 		}
 		
+		if (dhLevel instanceof DhClientLevel)
+		{
+			if (!((DhClientLevel) dhLevel).shouldProcessChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()))
+			{
+				return;
+			}
+		}
+		
 		// shoudln't normally happen, but just in case
-		if (UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.contains(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()))
+		if (CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.contains(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()))
 		{
 			// TODO this will prevent some LODs from updating across dimensions if multiple levels are loaded
 			return;
@@ -244,23 +261,53 @@ public class SharedApi
 		// update the necessary chunk(s) //
 		//===============================//
 		
-		if (!updateNeighborChunks)
+		if (!canGetNeighboringChunks)
 		{
 			// only update the center chunk
-			
+			queueChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, null, dhLevel, false);
-			queueChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, null, dhLevel);
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		
+		ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighboringChunkList = getNeighborChunkListForChunk(chunkWrapper, dhLevel);
+		
+		if (newlyLoaded)
+		{
+			// this means this chunkWrapper is a newly loaded chunk 
+			// which may be missing some neighboring chunk data
+			// because it is bordering the render distance
+			// thus, only the chunks neighboring this chunkWrapper will get updated
+			// because those are more likely to have their full neighboring chunk data
+			//TODO this does not prevent those neighboring chunks from updating
+			// this newly loaded chunk that were just skipped
+			// leading to occasional lighting issues
+			for (IChunkWrapper neighboringChunk : neighboringChunkList)
+			{
+				if (neighboringChunk == chunkWrapper)
+				{
+					continue;
+				}
+				
+				this.applyChunkUpdate(neighboringChunk, level, true, false);
+			}
 		}
 		else
 		{
+			// if not all neighboring chunk data is available, do not try to update
+			if (neighboringChunkList.size() < 9)
+			{
+				return;
+			}
+			
 			// update the center with any existing neighbour chunks. 
 			// this is done so lighting changes are propagated correctly
-			queueChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, getNeighbourChunkListForChunk(chunkWrapper,dhLevel), dhLevel);
+			queueChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, neighboringChunkList, dhLevel, true);
 		}
 	}
-	private static ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> getNeighbourChunkListForChunk(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, IDhLevel dhLevel)
+	private static ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> getNeighborChunkListForChunk(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, IDhLevel dhLevel)
 	{
 		// get the neighboring chunk list
-		ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList = new ArrayList<>(9);
+		ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighborChunkList = new ArrayList<>(9);
 		for (int xOffset = -1; xOffset <= 1; xOffset++)
 		{
 			for (int zOffset = -1; zOffset <= 1; zOffset++)
@@ -268,80 +315,36 @@ public class SharedApi
 				if (xOffset == 0 && zOffset == 0)
 				{
 					// center chunk
-					neighbourChunkList.add(chunkWrapper);
+					neighborChunkList.add(chunkWrapper);
 				}
 				else
 				{
-					// neighboring chunk
+					// neighboring chunk 
-					DhChunkPos neighbourPos = new DhChunkPos(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX() + xOffset, chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ() + zOffset);
+					DhChunkPos neighborPos = new DhChunkPos(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX() + xOffset, chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ() + zOffset);
-					IChunkWrapper neighbourChunk = dhLevel.getLevelWrapper().tryGetChunk(neighbourPos);
+					IChunkWrapper neighborChunk = dhLevel.getLevelWrapper().tryGetChunk(neighborPos);
-					if (neighbourChunk != null)
+					if (neighborChunk != null)
 					{
-						neighbourChunkList.add(neighbourChunk);
+						neighborChunkList.add(neighborChunk);
 					}
 				}
 			}
 		}
-		return neighbourChunkList;
+		return neighborChunkList;
 	}
 	
-	private static void queueChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, @Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList, IDhLevel dhLevel) 
+	private static void queueChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, @Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighborChunkList, IDhLevel dhLevel, boolean canGetNeighboringChunks)
-	{ queueChunkUpdate(chunkWrapper, neighbourChunkList, dhLevel,false); }
-	private static void queueChunkUpdate(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, @Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList, IDhLevel dhLevel, boolean lightUpdateOnly)
 	{
-		int maxUpdateSizeMultiplier;
-		if (MC_CLIENT != null && MC_CLIENT.playerExists())
-		{
-			// 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" +
+		// return if the chunk is already queued
-						"\nThis may result in holes in your LODs. " +
+		if (CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.contains(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos()))
-						"\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).";
+			return;
-				
-				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);
-				}
-			}
 		}
+			
 		
+		// add chunk update data to preUpdate queue
+		ChunkUpdateData updateData = new ChunkUpdateData(chunkWrapper, neighborChunkList, dhLevel, canGetNeighboringChunks);
+		CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.addItemToPreUpdateQueue(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos(), updateData);
 		
 		
 		// queue updates up to the number of CPU cores allocated for the job
@@ -352,7 +355,7 @@ public class SharedApi
 		{
 			try
 			{
-				executor.execute(SharedApi::processQueuedChunkUpdate);
+				executor.execute(SharedApi::processQueue);
 			}
 			catch (RejectedExecutionException ignore)
 			{
@@ -360,94 +363,158 @@ public class SharedApi
 			}
 		}
 	}
+	
+	private static void processQueue()
+	{
+		// update the center & max size of the queue manager
+		int maxUpdateSizeMultiplier;
+		if (MC_CLIENT != null && MC_CLIENT.playerExists())
+		{
+			// Local worlds & multiplayer
+			CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_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();
+		}
+		
+		CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.maxSize = MAX_UPDATING_CHUNK_COUNT_PER_THREAD_AND_PLAYER
+				* Config.Common.MultiThreading.numberOfThreads.get()
+				* maxUpdateSizeMultiplier;
+		
+		
+		
+		//===============================//
+		// update the necessary chunk(s) //
+		//===============================//
+		
+		// process preUpdate queue
+		processQueuedChunkPreUpdate();
+		
+		// process update queue
+		processQueuedChunkUpdate();
+		
+		// queue the next position if there are still positions to process
+		AbstractExecutorService executor = ThreadPoolUtil.getChunkToLodBuilderExecutor();
+		if (executor != null && !CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.isEmpty())
+		{
+			try
+			{
+				executor.execute(SharedApi::processQueue);
+			}
+			catch (RejectedExecutionException ignore)
+			{
+				// the executor was shut down, it should be back up shortly and able to accept new jobs
+			}
+		}
+		
+	}
+	
+	private static void processQueuedChunkPreUpdate()
+	{
+		ChunkUpdateData preUpdateData = CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.preUpdateQueue.popClosest();
+		if (preUpdateData == null)
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		IDhLevel dhLevel = preUpdateData.dhLevel;
+		IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper = preUpdateData.chunkWrapper;
+		boolean canGetNeighboringChunks = preUpdateData.canGetNeighboringChunks;
+		ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighborChunkList = preUpdateData.neighborChunkList;
+		
+		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;
+				}
+				
+				// if this chunk will update and can get neighbors
+				// then queue neighboring chunks to update as well
+				// neighboring chunk will get added directly to the update queue
+				// so they won't queue further chunk updates
+				if (neighborChunkList != null 
+					&& !neighborChunkList.isEmpty())
+				{
+					for (IChunkWrapper adjacentChunk : neighborChunkList)
+					{
+						// pulling a new chunkWrapper is necessary to prevent concurrent modification on the existing chunkWrappers
+						IChunkWrapper newCenterChunk = dhLevel.getLevelWrapper().tryGetChunk(adjacentChunk.getChunkPos());
+						if (newCenterChunk != null)
+						{
+							ChunkUpdateData newUpdateData;
+							if (canGetNeighboringChunks)
+							{
+								newUpdateData = new ChunkUpdateData(newCenterChunk, getNeighborChunkListForChunk(newCenterChunk, dhLevel), dhLevel, true);
+							}
+							else
+							{
+								newUpdateData = new ChunkUpdateData(newCenterChunk, null, dhLevel, false);
+							}
+							
+							CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.addItemToUpdateQueue(newCenterChunk.getChunkPos(), newUpdateData);
+						}
+					}
+				}
+			}
+			
+			CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.addItemToUpdateQueue(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos(), preUpdateData);
+		}
+		catch (Exception e)
+		{
+			LOGGER.error("Unexpected error when pre-updating chunk at pos: [" + chunkWrapper.getChunkPos() + "]", e);
+		}
+	}
+	
 	private static void processQueuedChunkUpdate()
 	{
 		//LOGGER.trace(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos() + " " + executor.getActiveCount() + " / " + executor.getQueue().size() + " - " + executor.getCompletedTaskCount());
 		
-		UpdateChunkData updateData = UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.popClosest();
+		ChunkUpdateData updateData = CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.updateQueue.popClosest();
 		if (updateData == null)
 		{
 			return;
 		}
 		
 		IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper = updateData.chunkWrapper;
-		@Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighbourChunkList = updateData.neighbourChunkList;
 		IDhLevel dhLevel = updateData.dhLevel;
+		// having a list of the nearby chunks is needed for lighting and beacon generation
+		@Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> nearbyChunkList = updateData.neighborChunkList; 
 		
+		// a non-null list is needed for the lighting engine
+		if (nearbyChunkList == null)
+		{
+			nearbyChunkList = new ArrayList<IChunkWrapper>();
+			nearbyChunkList.add(chunkWrapper);
+		}
 		
 		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);
+			
+			int newChunkHash = chunkWrapper.getBlockBiomeHashCode();
 			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
-				}
-			}
-		}
 	}
 	
 	
@@ -458,212 +525,13 @@ public class SharedApi
 	
 	public String getDebugMenuString()
 	{
-		String updatingCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.closestQueue.size());
+		String preUpdatingCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.preUpdateQueue.getQueuedCount());
-		String maxUpdateCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(UPDATE_POS_MANAGER.maxSize);
+		String updatingCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.updateQueue.getQueuedCount());
-		return "Queued chunk updates: "+updatingCountStr+" / "+maxUpdateCountStr;
+		String queuedCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.getQueuedCount());
-	}
-	
-	
-	
-	//================//
-	// 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)
+		String maxUpdateCountStr = F3Screen.NUMBER_FORMAT.format(CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.maxSize);
-		{
-			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 PriorityQueue<DhChunkPos> closestQueue;
-		private final PriorityQueue<DhChunkPos> furthestQueue;
-		private final HashMap<DhChunkPos, UpdateChunkData> updateDataByChunkPos;
-		
-		private final ReentrantLock lock = new ReentrantLock();
-		
-		private DhChunkPos center;
-		private int maxSize = 500;
-		
-		
-		
-		//=============//
-		// constructor //
-		//=============//
-		
-		public UpdateChunkPosManager()
-		{
-			this.closestQueue = new PriorityQueue<>(Comparator.comparingDouble(pos -> pos.squaredDistance(this.center)));
-			this.furthestQueue = new PriorityQueue<>(Comparator.comparingDouble(pos -> ((DhChunkPos)pos).squaredDistance(this.center)).reversed());
-			this.updateDataByChunkPos = new HashMap<>();
-			// 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)
-		{
-			try
-			{
-				this.lock.lock();
-				
-				return this.updateDataByChunkPos.containsKey(pos);
-			}
-			finally
-			{
-				this.lock.unlock();
-			}
-		}
-		
-		public void clear()
-		{
-			try
-			{
-				this.lock.lock();
-				
-				this.updateDataByChunkPos.clear();
-				this.closestQueue.clear();
-				this.furthestQueue.clear();
-			}
-			finally
-			{
-				this.lock.unlock();
-			}
-		}
-		
-		public void removeItem(DhChunkPos pos)
-		{
-			try
-			{
-				this.lock.lock();
-				
-				this.updateDataByChunkPos.remove(pos);
-				this.closestQueue.remove(pos);
-				this.furthestQueue.remove(pos);
-			}
-			finally
-			{
-				this.lock.unlock();
-			}
-		}
-		
-		/**
-		 * 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)
-		{
-			try
-			{
-				this.lock.lock();
-				
-				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();
-					this.closestQueue.remove(furthest);
-					this.updateDataByChunkPos.remove(furthest);
-				}
-				
-				this.updateDataByChunkPos.put(pos, updateData);
-				this.closestQueue.add(pos);
-				this.furthestQueue.add(pos);
-				
-				return remainingSlots;
-			}
-			finally
-			{
-				this.lock.unlock();
-			}
-		}
-		
-		
-		
-		//==================//
-		// 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;
-			}
-			
-			try
-			{
-				this.lock.lock();
-				
-				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);
-				}
-			}
-			finally
-			{
-				this.lock.unlock();
-			}
-		}
-		
-		public UpdateChunkData popClosest()
-		{
-			try
-			{
-				this.lock.lock();
-				
-				if (this.closestQueue.isEmpty())
-				{
-					return null;
-				}
-				
-				DhChunkPos closest = this.closestQueue.poll();
-				this.furthestQueue.remove(closest);
-				return this.updateDataByChunkPos.remove(closest);
-			}
-			finally
-			{
-				this.lock.unlock();
-			}
-		}
 		
+		return "Queued chunk updates: "+"( "+preUpdatingCountStr+" + "+updatingCountStr+" )  [ "+queuedCountStr+" / "+maxUpdateCountStr+" ]";
 	}
 	
 	

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

@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.SharedApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
+
+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);
+	}
+	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 +1,26 @@
+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;
+	@Nullable
+	public ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighborChunkList;
+	public IDhLevel dhLevel;
+	public boolean canGetNeighboringChunks;
+	
+	
+	
+	public ChunkUpdateData(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, @Nullable ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> neighborChunkList, IDhLevel dhLevel, boolean canGetNeighborChunks)
+	{
+		this.chunkWrapper = chunkWrapper;
+		this.neighborChunkList = neighborChunkList;
+		this.dhLevel = dhLevel;
+		this.canGetNeighboringChunks = canGetNeighborChunks;
+	}
+}

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

@@ -0,0 +1,145 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.chunkUpdating;
+
+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.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.world.EWorldEnvironment;
+import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
+
+public class ChunkUpdateQueueManager
+{
+	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
+	
+	
+	public final ChunkPosQueue updateQueue;
+	public final ChunkPosQueue preUpdateQueue;
+	
+	public int maxSize = 500;
+	
+	private static long lastOverloadedLogMessageMsTime = 0;
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
+	public ChunkUpdateQueueManager()
+	{
+		this.updateQueue = new ChunkPosQueue();
+		this.preUpdateQueue = new ChunkPosQueue();
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// list/set methods //
+	//==================//
+	
+	public boolean contains(DhChunkPos pos) { return this.updateQueue.contains(pos) || this.preUpdateQueue.contains(pos); }
+	
+	public void clear()
+	{
+		this.updateQueue.clear();
+		this.preUpdateQueue.clear();
+	}
+	public int getQueuedCount() { return this.updateQueue.getQueuedCount() + this.preUpdateQueue.getQueuedCount(); }
+	public boolean isEmpty()
+	{
+		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)
+	{
+		int remainingSlots = this.maxSize - this.getQueuedCount();
+		
+		// If no slots are left, get one by removing the item furthest from the center
+		if (remainingSlots <= 0)
+		{
+			if (!this.updateQueue.isEmpty())
+			{
+				this.updateQueue.popFurthest();
+			}
+			else
+			{
+				this.preUpdateQueue.popFurthest();
+			}
+		}
+		this.preUpdateQueue.addItem(pos, updateData);
+		
+		remainingSlots = this.maxSize - this.getQueuedCount();
+		if (remainingSlots <= 0)
+		{
+			this.sendOverloadMessage();
+		}
+	}
+	
+	public void addItemToUpdateQueue(DhChunkPos pos, ChunkUpdateData updateData)
+	{
+		int remainingSlots = this.maxSize - this.getQueuedCount();
+		
+		// If no slots are left, get one by removing the item furthest from the center
+		if (remainingSlots <= 0)
+		{
+			this.updateQueue.popFurthest();
+		}
+		
+		this.updateQueue.addItem(pos,updateData);
+		
+		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 >= SharedApi.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 [" + SharedApi.CHUNK_UPDATE_QUEUE_MANAGER.maxSize + "] ([" + SharedApi.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);
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//==================//
+	// position methods //
+	//==================//
+	
+	public void setCenter(DhChunkPos newCenter)
+	{
+		this.updateQueue.setCenter(newCenter);
+		this.preUpdateQueue.setCenter(newCenter);
+	}
+	
+	
+}

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

@@ -0,0 +1,72 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.rendering;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.api.internal.ClientApi;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.Mat4f;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
+
+/**
+ * Used to track the rendering state for the current frame.
+ * 
+ * @see ClientApi
+ */
+public class RenderState
+{
+	public Mat4f mcModelViewMatrix = null;
+	public Mat4f mcProjectionMatrix = null;
+	public float frameTime = -1;
+	public IClientLevelWrapper clientLevelWrapper = null;
+	
+	
+	
+	//========//
+	// 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.frameTime == -1)
+		{
+			errorReasons += "no Frame Time, ";
+		}
+		
+		if (this.clientLevelWrapper == null)
+		{
+			errorReasons += "no Level Wrapper, ";
+		}
+		
+		return errorReasons;
+	}
+	
+	public boolean canRender()
+	{
+		// separated variable to allow for easy checking with the debugger
+		String errorReasons = this.unableToRenderBecause();
+		return errorReasons.isEmpty();
+	}
+	
+	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/Config.java

@@ -45,14 +45,11 @@ import java.util.*;
 import java.util.List;
 
 /**
- * This handles any configuration the user has access to. <br><br>
+ * This handles any configuration the user has access to.
- *
- * Note: <br>
- * Only add simpler listeners here (IE listeners that only depend on 1 config entry).
- * For listeners that depend on 2 or more config entries, add them before the config menu is opened.
- * Otherwise, you will have issues where only some of the config entries will exist when your listener is created.
  *
  * @author coolGi
+ * 
+ * @see ConfigHandler
  */
 @SuppressWarnings("ConcatenationWithEmptyString")
 public class Config
@@ -107,7 +104,7 @@ public class Config
 		public static ConfigUiLinkedEntry quickEnableWorldGenerator = new ConfigUiLinkedEntry(Common.WorldGenerator.enableDistantGeneration);
 		
 		public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> quickShowWorldGenProgress = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
-				.set(true)
+				.set(false) // TODO should be set by the underlying world gen progress button, not a static default
 				.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI)
 				.build();
 		
@@ -131,6 +128,8 @@ public class Config
 			// since they aren't part of "client" config class
 			// TODO determine their destination programically instead of hard coding the value
 			
+			public static ConfigUIComment advancedHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Advanced.class).build();
+			
 			public static ConfigCategory graphics = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Graphics.class).build();
 			public static ConfigCategory worldGenerator = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Common.WorldGenerator.class).setDestination("common.worldGenerator").build();
 			public static ConfigCategory multiplayer = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Multiplayer.class).build();
@@ -146,23 +145,32 @@ public class Config
 			
 			public static class Graphics
 			{
+				public static ConfigUIComment advancedGraphicsHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Graphics.class).build();
+				
 				public static ConfigCategory quality = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Quality.class).build();
+				public static ConfigUISpacer qualitySpacer = new ConfigUISpacer.Builder().build();
 				
 				public static ConfigUiLinkedEntry quickEnableSsao = new ConfigUiLinkedEntry(Ssao.enableSsao);
 				public static ConfigCategory ssao = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Ssao.class).build();
+				public static ConfigUISpacer ssaoSpacer = new ConfigUISpacer.Builder().build();
+				
 				
 				public static ConfigUiLinkedEntry quickEnableGenericRendering = new ConfigUiLinkedEntry(GenericRendering.enableGenericRendering);
 				public static ConfigCategory genericRendering = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(GenericRendering.class).build();
+				public static ConfigUISpacer genericRenderingSpacer = new ConfigUISpacer.Builder().build();
 				
 				public static ConfigUiLinkedEntry quickEnableDhFog = new ConfigUiLinkedEntry(Fog.enableDhFog);
 				public static ConfigUiLinkedEntry quickEnableMcFog = new ConfigUiLinkedEntry(Fog.enableVanillaFog);
 				public static ConfigCategory fog = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Fog.class).build();
+				public static ConfigUISpacer fogSpacer = new ConfigUISpacer.Builder().build();
 				
 				public static ConfigUiLinkedEntry quickEnableNoiseTexture = new ConfigUiLinkedEntry(NoiseTexture.enableNoiseTexture);
 				public static ConfigCategory noiseTexture = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(NoiseTexture.class).build();
+				public static ConfigUISpacer noiseTextureSpacer = new ConfigUISpacer.Builder().build();
 				
 				public static ConfigUiLinkedEntry quickEnableCaveCulling = new ConfigUiLinkedEntry(Culling.enableCaveCulling);
 				public static ConfigCategory culling = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Culling.class).build();
+				public static ConfigUISpacer cullingSpacer = new ConfigUISpacer.Builder().build();
 				
 				public static ConfigCategory experimental = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Experimental.class).build();
 				
@@ -170,12 +178,13 @@ public class Config
 				
 				public static class Quality
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment qualityHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Quality.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> lodChunkRenderDistanceRadius = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.setMinDefaultMax(32, 256, 4096)
 							.comment("" +
 									"The radius of the mod's render distance. (measured in chunks)\n" +
 									"")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.HIGH)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiHorizontalQuality> horizontalQuality = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiHorizontalQuality>()
@@ -184,7 +193,6 @@ public class Config
 									+ "This indicates how quickly LODs decrease in quality the further away they are. \n"
 									+ "Higher settings will render higher quality fake chunks farther away, \n"
 									+ "but will increase memory and GPU usage.")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.MEDIUM)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution> maxHorizontalResolution = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution>()
@@ -201,7 +209,7 @@ public class Config
 									+ "\n"
 									+ "Lowest Quality: " + EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution.CHUNK + "\n"
 									+ "Highest Quality: " + EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution.BLOCK)
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.MEDIUM)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiVerticalQuality> verticalQuality = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiVerticalQuality>()
@@ -214,8 +222,7 @@ public class Config
 									+ "\n"
 									+ "Lowest Quality: " + EDhApiVerticalQuality.HEIGHT_MAP + "\n"
 									+ "Highest Quality: " + EDhApiVerticalQuality.EXTREME)
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.VERY_HIGH)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiTransparency> transparency = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiTransparency>()
@@ -227,8 +234,7 @@ public class Config
 									+ EDhApiTransparency.FAKE + ": LODs will be opaque, but shaded to match the blocks underneath. \n"
 									+ EDhApiTransparency.DISABLED + ": LODs will be opaque. \n"
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.MEDIUM)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiBlocksToAvoid> blocksToIgnore = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiBlocksToAvoid>()
@@ -239,8 +245,7 @@ public class Config
 									+ EDhApiBlocksToAvoid.NONE + ": Represent all blocks in the LODs \n"
 									+ EDhApiBlocksToAvoid.NON_COLLIDING + ": Only represent solid blocks in the LODs (tall grass, torches, etc. won't count for a LOD's height) \n"
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> tintWithAvoidedBlocks = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
@@ -251,8 +256,7 @@ public class Config
 									+ "True: a red flower will tint the grass below it red. \n"
 									+ "False: skipped blocks will not change color of surface below them. "
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Double> lodBias = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Double>()
@@ -272,8 +276,7 @@ public class Config
 									+ "              Can be used to force LOD shading when using some shaders. \n"
 									+ EDhApiLodShading.DISABLED + ": All LOD sides will be rendered with the same brightness. \n"
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiGrassSideRendering> grassSideRendering = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiGrassSideRendering>()
@@ -285,8 +288,7 @@ public class Config
 									+ EDhApiGrassSideRendering.FADE_TO_DIRT + ": sides fade from grass to dirt. \n"
 									+ EDhApiGrassSideRendering.AS_DIRT + ": sides render entirely as dirt. \n"
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> ditherDhFade = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
@@ -296,7 +298,6 @@ public class Config
 									+ "If false LODs will cut off abruptly at a set distance from the camera. \n"
 									+ "This setting is affected by the vanilla overdraw prevention config. \n"
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.LOW)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode> vanillaFadeMode = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode>()
@@ -308,7 +309,6 @@ public class Config
 									+ EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.SINGLE_PASS + ": Fades after MC's transparent pass, opaque blocks underwater won't be faded. \n"
 									+ EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.DOUBLE_PASS + ": Slowest, fades after both MC's opaque and transparent passes, provides the smoothest transition. \n"
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.LOW)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Double> brightnessMultiplier = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Double>() // TODO: Make this a float (the ClassicConfigGUI doesnt support floats)
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@ public class Config
 									+ "0 = black \n"
 									+ "1 = normal \n"
 									+ "2 = near white")
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Double> saturationMultiplier = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Double>() // TODO: Make this a float (the ClassicConfigGUI doesnt support floats)
@@ -330,30 +330,29 @@ public class Config
 									+ "0 = black and white \n"
 									+ "1 = normal \n"
 									+ "2 = very saturated")
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
-					// TODO fixme
+					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> lodBiomeBlending = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
-					//public static ConfigEntry<Integer> lodBiomeBlending = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
+							.setMinDefaultMax(0,3,3) // going higher than 3 causes banding issues for blending across LOD borders and an exponential increase in load times
-					//		.setMinDefaultMax(0,1,7)
+							.comment(""
-					//		.comment(""
+									+ "This is the same as vanilla Biome Blending settings for Lod area. \n"
-					//				+ "This is the same as vanilla Biome Blending settings for Lod area. \n"
+									+ "    Note that anything other than '0' will greatly effect Lod building time. \n"
-					//				+ "    Note that anything other than '0' will greatly effect Lod building time \n"
+									+ "\n"
-					//				+ "     and increase triangle count. The cost on chunk generation speed is also \n"
+									+ "    '0' equals to Vanilla Biome Blending of '1x1' or 'OFF', \n"
-					//				+ "     quite large if set too high.\n"
+									+ "    '1' equals to Vanilla Biome Blending of '3x3', \n"
-					//				+ "\n"
+									+ "    '2' equals to Vanilla Biome Blending of '5x5'...")
-					//				+ "    '0' equals to Vanilla Biome Blending of '1x1' or 'OFF', \n"
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
-					//				+ "    '1' equals to Vanilla Biome Blending of '3x3', \n"
+							.build();	
-					//				+ "    '2' equals to Vanilla Biome Blending of '5x5'...")
-					//		.build();	
 				}
 				
 				public static class Ssao
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment ssaoHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Ssao.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableSsao = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(true)
 							.comment("Enable Screen Space Ambient Occlusion")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.MEDIUM)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> sampleCount = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
@@ -362,7 +361,6 @@ public class Config
 									"Determines how many points in space are sampled for the occlusion test. \n" +
 									"Higher numbers will improve quality and reduce banding, but will increase GPU load." +
 									"")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.MEDIUM)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Double> radius = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Double>()
@@ -370,7 +368,6 @@ public class Config
 							.comment("" +
 									"Determines the radius Screen Space Ambient Occlusion is applied, measured in blocks." +
 									"")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Double> strength = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Double>()
@@ -378,7 +375,6 @@ public class Config
 							.comment("" +
 									"Determines how dark the Screen Space Ambient Occlusion effect will be." +
 									"")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Double> bias = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Double>()
@@ -386,7 +382,6 @@ public class Config
 							.comment("" +
 									"Increasing the value can reduce banding at the cost of reducing the strength of the effect." +
 									"")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Double> minLight = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Double>()
@@ -396,7 +391,6 @@ public class Config
 									"0 = totally black at the corners \n" +
 									"1 = no shadow" +
 									"")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> blurRadius = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
@@ -405,13 +399,14 @@ public class Config
 									"The radius, measured in pixels, that blurring is calculated for the SSAO. \n" +
 									"Higher numbers will reduce banding at the cost of GPU performance." +
 									"")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.HIGH)
 							.build();
 					
 				}
 				
 				public static class GenericRendering
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment genericRendererHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(GenericRendering.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableGenericRendering = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(true)
 							.comment(""
@@ -427,6 +422,15 @@ public class Config
 									+ "")
 							.build();
 					
+					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> beaconRenderHeight = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
+							.setMinDefaultMax(1, 6000, 6_000_000)
+							.comment(""
+									+ "Sets the maximum height at which beacons will render."
+									+ "This will only affect new beacons coming into LOD render distance."
+									+ "Beacons currently visible in LOD chunks will not be affected."
+									+ "")
+							.build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableCloudRendering = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(true)
 							.comment(""
@@ -450,12 +454,13 @@ public class Config
 					
 					
 					
+					public static ConfigUIComment fogHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Fog.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableDhFog = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(true)
 							.comment(""
 									+ "Determines if fog is drawn on DH LODs. \n"
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.MEDIUM)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiFogColorMode> colorMode = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiFogColorMode>()
@@ -465,7 +470,6 @@ public class Config
 									+ "\n"
 									+ EDhApiFogColorMode.USE_WORLD_FOG_COLOR + ": Use the world's fog color. \n"
 									+ EDhApiFogColorMode.USE_SKY_COLOR + ": Use the sky's color.")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableVanillaFog = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
@@ -551,6 +555,8 @@ public class Config
 					
 					public static class HeightFog
 					{
+						public static ConfigUIComment heightFogHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(HeightFog.class).build();
+						
 						public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiHeightFogMixMode> heightFogMixMode = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiHeightFogMixMode>()
 								.set(EDhApiHeightFogMixMode.SPHERICAL)
 								.comment(""
@@ -646,6 +652,8 @@ public class Config
 				
 				public static class NoiseTexture
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment noiseTextureHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(NoiseTexture.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableNoiseTexture = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(true)
 							.comment(""
@@ -680,8 +688,10 @@ public class Config
 				
 				public static class Culling
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment cullingHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Culling.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Double> overdrawPrevention = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Double>()
-							.setMinDefaultMax(0.0, 0.0, 1.0)
+							.setMinDefaultMax(0.0, 0.0, 1.0) // TODO change -1 to auto
 							.comment(""
 									+ "Determines how far from the camera Distant Horizons will start rendering. \n"
 									+ "Measured as a percentage of the vanilla render distance.\n"
@@ -694,22 +704,19 @@ public class Config
 									+ "\n"
 									+ "Increasing the vanilla render distance increases the effectiveness of this setting."
 									+ "")
-							.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.NONE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableCaveCulling = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(true)
 							.comment(""
-									+ "If enabled caves will be culled \n"
+									+ "If enabled caves won't be rendered. \n"
 									+ "\n"
-									+ "NOTE: This feature is under development and \n"
+									+ " Note: for some world types this can cause \n"
-									+ " it is VERY experimental! Please don't report \n"
+									+ " overhangs or walls for floating objects. \n"
-									+ " any issues related to this feature. \n"
+									+ " Tweaking the caveCullingHeight, can resolve some \n"
-									+ "\n"
+									+ " of those issues. \n"
-									+ "Additional Info: Currently this cull all faces \n"
+									+ "")
-									+ " with skylight value of 0 in dimensions that \n"
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
-									+ " does not have a ceiling.")
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> caveCullingHeight = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
@@ -717,7 +724,7 @@ public class Config
 							.comment(""
 									+ "At what Y value should cave culling start? \n"
 									+ "Lower this value if you get walls for areas with 0 light.")
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> disableBeaconDistanceCulling = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
@@ -753,20 +760,26 @@ public class Config
 									+ "Disable this if shadows render incorrectly.")
 							.build();
 					
-					public static ConfigEntry<String> ignoredRenderBlockCsv = new ConfigEntry.Builder<String>()
+					public static ConfigEntry<String> ignoredRenderBlockCsv = new ConfigEntry.Builder<String>() // TODO accept wildcards
 							.set("minecraft:barrier,minecraft:structure_void,minecraft:light,minecraft:tripwire,minecraft:brown_mushroom")
+							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_FILE) // only shown in file since the UI has a character limit
 							.comment(""
 									+ "A comma separated list of block resource locations that won't be rendered by DH. \n"
-									+ "Note: air is always included in this list. \n"
+									+ "Air is always included in this list. \n"
+									+ "Requires a restart to change. \n"
 									+ "")
 							.build();
 					
-					public static ConfigEntry<String> ignoredRenderCaveBlockCsv = new ConfigEntry.Builder<String>()
+					public static ConfigEntry<String> ignoredRenderCaveBlockCsv = new ConfigEntry.Builder<String>() // TODO accept wildcards
-							.set("minecraft:glow_lichen,minecraft:rail,minecraft:water,minecraft:lava,minecraft:bubble_column")
+							.set("minecraft:glow_lichen,minecraft:rail,minecraft:water,minecraft:lava,minecraft:bubble_column," +
+									"minecraft:cave_vines_plant,minecraft:vine,minecraft:cave_vines,minecraft:short_grass,minecraft:tall_grass," +
+									"minecraft:small_dripleaf,minecraft:big_dripleaf,minecraft:big_dripleaf_stem,minecraft:sculk_vein")
+							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_FILE) // only shown in file since the UI has a character limit
 							.comment(""
 									+ "A comma separated list of block resource locations that shouldn't be rendered \n"
 									+ "if they are in a 0 sky light underground area. \n"
-									+ "Note: air is always included in this list. \n"
+									+ "Air is always included in this list. \n"
+									+ "Requires a restart to change. \n"
 									+ "")
 							.build();
 					
@@ -799,6 +812,8 @@ public class Config
 				
 				public static class Experimental
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment experimentalHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Experimental.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> earthCurveRatio = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.setMinDefaultMax(0, 0, 5000)
 							.comment(""
@@ -821,6 +836,8 @@ public class Config
 			
 			public static class AutoUpdater
 			{
+				public static ConfigUIComment autoUpdaterHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(AutoUpdater.class).build();
+				
 				public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableAutoUpdater = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 						.set(!isRunningInDevEnvironment())
 						.comment(""
@@ -848,6 +865,8 @@ public class Config
 			
 			public static class Multiplayer
 			{
+				public static ConfigUIComment multiplayerHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Multiplayer.class).build();
+				
 				public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiServerFolderNameMode> serverFolderNameMode = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiServerFolderNameMode>()
 						.set(EDhApiServerFolderNameMode.NAME_ONLY)
 						.comment(""
@@ -864,6 +883,8 @@ public class Config
 			
 			public static class Debugging
 			{
+				public static ConfigUIComment debuggingHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Debugging.class).build();
+				
 				public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiRendererMode> rendererMode = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiRendererMode>()
 						.set(EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT)
 						.comment(""
@@ -884,6 +905,7 @@ public class Config
 								+ EDhApiDebugRendering.SHOW_BLOCK_MATERIAL + ": LODs' color will be based on their material. \n"
 								+ EDhApiDebugRendering.SHOW_OVERLAPPING_QUADS + ": LODs will be drawn with total white, but overlapping quads will be drawn with red. \n"
 								+ "")
+						.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.DELAYED_INSTANCE)
 						.build();
 				
 				public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> lodOnlyMode = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
@@ -951,6 +973,8 @@ public class Config
 				
 				public static class DebugWireframe
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment debugWireframeHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(DebugWireframe.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableRendering = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(false)
 							.comment(""
@@ -1000,10 +1024,26 @@ public class Config
 				
 				public static class OpenGl
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment openGlHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(OpenGl.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> overrideVanillaGLLogger = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
-							.set(ModInfo.IS_DEV_BUILD)
+							.set(true)
 							.comment(""
-									+ "Requires a reboot to change. \n"
+									+ "Defines how OpenGL errors are handled. \n "
+									+ "Requires rebooting Minecraft to change. \n"
+									+ "Will catch OpenGL errors thrown by other mods. \n"
+									+ "")
+							.build();
+					
+					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> onlyLogGlErrorsOnce = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
+							.set(true)
+							.comment(""
+									+ "If true each Open GL error will only be logged once. \n"
+									+ "Enabling this may cause some error logs to be missed. \n"
+									+ "Does nothing if overrideVanillaGLLogger is set to false. \n"
+									+ " \n"
+									+ "Generally this can be kept as 'true' to prevent log spam. \n"
+									+ "However, Please set this to 'false' if a developer needs your log to debug a GL issue. \n"
 									+ "")
 							.build();
 					
@@ -1033,50 +1073,54 @@ public class Config
 				
 				public static class ColumnBuilderDebugging
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment columnBuilderDebuggingHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(ColumnBuilderDebugging.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> columnBuilderDebugEnable = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(false)
 							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANT_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> columnBuilderDebugDetailLevel = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.set((int) DhSectionPos.SECTION_MINIMUM_DETAIL_LEVEL)
 							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANT_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> columnBuilderDebugXPos = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.set(0)
 							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANT_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> columnBuilderDebugZPos = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.set(0)
 							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANT_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> columnBuilderDebugXRow = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.set(-1)
 							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANT_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> columnBuilderDebugZRow = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.set(-1)
 							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANT_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> columnBuilderDebugColumnIndex = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.set(-1)
 							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI)
-							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE)
+							.addListener(ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.INSTANT_INSTANCE)
 							.build();
 					
 				}
 				
 				public static class F3Screen
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment f3ScreenHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(F3Screen.class).build();
+					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> showPlayerPos = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(true)
-							.comment("Shows info about each thread pool.")
+							.comment("Shows the player's LOD position.")
 							.build();
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> playerPosSectionDetailLevel = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 							.setMinDefaultMax(6, 6, 16)
@@ -1117,8 +1161,10 @@ public class Config
 				// This will throw a warning when opened in the default ui to tell you about it not showing
 				public static class ExampleConfigScreen
 				{
+					public static ConfigUIComment exampleConfigHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(ExampleConfigScreen.class).build();
+					
 					// Defined in the lang, just a note about this screen
-					public static ConfigUIComment debugConfigScreenNote = new ConfigUIComment();
+					public static ConfigUIComment debugConfigScreenNote = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setTextPosition(EConfigCommentTextPosition.CENTER_OF_SCREEN).build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> boolTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 							.set(false)
@@ -1126,6 +1172,7 @@ public class Config
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Byte> byteTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Byte>()
 							.set((byte) 8)
+							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_FILE) // no GUI renderer set up currently
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Integer> intTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
@@ -1138,14 +1185,17 @@ public class Config
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Short> shortTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Short>()
 							.set((short) 69)
+							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_FILE) // no GUI renderer set up currently
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Long> longTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Long>()
 							.set(42069L)
+							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_FILE) // no GUI renderer set up currently
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Float> floatTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Float>()
 							.set(0.42069f)
+							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_FILE) // no GUI renderer set up currently
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<String> stringTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<String>()
@@ -1154,10 +1204,12 @@ public class Config
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<List<String>> listTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<List<String>>()
 							.set(new ArrayList<String>(Arrays.asList("option 1", "option 2", "option 3")))
+							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_FILE) // no GUI renderer set up currently
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigEntry<Map<String, String>> mapTest = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Map<String, String>>()
 							.set(new HashMap<String, String>())
+							.setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_FILE) // no GUI renderer set up currently
 							.build();
 					
 					public static ConfigUIButton uiButtonTest = new ConfigUIButton(() -> 
@@ -1201,6 +1253,8 @@ public class Config
 	{
 		public static class WorldGenerator
 		{
+			public static ConfigUIComment worldGeneratorHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(WorldGenerator.class).build();
+			
 			public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableDistantGeneration = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 					.setChatCommandName("generation.enable")
 					.set(true)
@@ -1254,7 +1308,7 @@ public class Config
 					.build();
 			
 			public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation> showGenerationProgress = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation>()
-					.set(EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.OVERLAY)
+					.set(EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.DISABLED)
 					.comment(""
 							+ "How should distant generator progress be displayed? \n"
 							+ "\n"
@@ -1267,16 +1321,35 @@ public class Config
 			
 			public static ConfigEntry<Integer> generationProgressDisplayIntervalInSeconds = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 					.setChatCommandName("generation.logInterval")
-					.setMinDefaultMax(1, 5, 60 * 60 * 4) // max = 4 hours
+					.setMinDefaultMax(1, 2, 60 * 60 * 4) // max = 4 hours
 					.comment(""
 							+ "How often should the distant generator progress be displayed? \n"
 							+ "")
 					.build();
 			
+			public static ConfigEntry<Integer> generationProgressDisableMessageDisplayTimeInSeconds = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
+					.setMinDefaultMax(0, 20, 60 * 60) // max = 1 hour
+					.comment(""
+							+ "For how many seconds should instructions for disabling the distant generator progress be displayed? \n"
+							+ "Setting this to 0 hides the instructional message so the world gen progress is shown immediately when it starts. \n"
+							+ "")
+					.build();
+			
+			public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> generationProgressIncludeChunksPerSecond = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
+					.set(true)
+					.comment(""
+							+ "When logging generation progress also include the rate at which chunks \n"
+							+ "are being generated. \n"
+							+ "This can be useful for troubleshooting performance. \n"
+							+ "")
+					.build();
+			
 		}
 		
 		public static class LodBuilding
 		{
+			public static ConfigUIComment lodBuildingHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(LodBuilding.class).build();
+			
 			public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> disableUnchangedChunkCheck = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 					.set(false)
 					// enabling this can be quite detrimental to performance,
@@ -1296,7 +1369,7 @@ public class Config
 					.build();
 			
 			public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiDataCompressionMode> dataCompression = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiDataCompressionMode>()
-					.set(EDhApiDataCompressionMode.LZMA2)
+					.set(EDhApiDataCompressionMode.Z_STD)
 					.comment(""
 							+ "What algorithm should be used to compress new LOD data? \n"
 							+ "This setting will only affect new or updated LOD data, \n"
@@ -1306,20 +1379,26 @@ public class Config
 							+ EDhApiDataCompressionMode.UNCOMPRESSED + " \n"
 							+ "Should only be used for testing, is worse in every way vs ["+EDhApiDataCompressionMode.LZ4+"].\n"
 							+ "Expected Compression Ratio: 1.0\n"
-							+ "Estimated average DTO read speed: 1.64 milliseconds\n"
+							+ "Estimated average DTO read speed: 6.09 milliseconds\n"
-							+ "Estimated average DTO write speed: 12.44 milliseconds\n"
+							+ "Estimated average DTO write speed: 6.01 milliseconds\n"
 							+ "\n"
 							+ EDhApiDataCompressionMode.LZ4 + " \n"
 							+ "A good option if you're CPU limited and have plenty of hard drive space.\n"
-							+ "Expected Compression Ratio: 0.36\n"
+							+ "Expected Compression Ratio: 0.4513\n"
-							+ "Estimated average DTO read speed: 1.85 ms\n"
+							+ "Estimated average DTO read speed: 3.25 ms\n"
-							+ "Estimated average DTO write speed: 9.46 ms\n"
+							+ "Estimated average DTO write speed: 5.99 ms\n"
+							+ "\n"
+							+ EDhApiDataCompressionMode.Z_STD + " \n"
+							+ "A good option if you're CPU limited and have plenty of hard drive space.\n"
+							+ "Expected Compression Ratio: 0.2606\n"
+							+ "Estimated average DTO read speed: 9.31 ms\n"
+							+ "Estimated average DTO write speed: 15.13 ms\n"
 							+ "\n"
 							+ EDhApiDataCompressionMode.LZMA2 + " \n"
 							+ "Slow but very good compression.\n"
-							+ "Expected Compression Ratio: 0.14\n"
+							+ "Expected Compression Ratio: 0.2\n"
-							+ "Estimated average DTO read speed: 11.89 ms\n"
+							+ "Estimated average DTO read speed: 13.29 ms\n"
-							+ "Estimated average DTO write speed: 192.01 ms\n"
+							+ "Estimated average DTO write speed: 70.95 ms\n"
 							+ "")
 					.build();
 			
@@ -1386,10 +1465,38 @@ public class Config
 							+ "")
 					.build();
 			
+			public static ConfigCategory experimental = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Experimental.class).build();
+			
+			
+			
+			public static class Experimental
+			{
+				public static ConfigUIComment experimentalHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Experimental.class).build();
+				
+				public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> upsampleLowerDetailLodsToFillHoles = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
+						.set(false)
+						.comment(""
+								+ "When active DH will attempt to fill missing LOD data \n"
+								+ "with any data that is present in the tree, preventing holes when moving \n"
+								+ "when a N-sized generator (or server) is active. \n"
+								+ "\n"
+								+ "This is only used when N-sized world generation is available \n"
+								+ "and/or when on a server where [generateOnlyInHighestDetail] is false. \n"
+								+ "\n"
+								+ "Experimental:\n"
+								+ "Enabling this option will increase CPU and harddrive use\n"
+								+ "and may cause rendering bugs.\n"
+								+ "\n"
+								+ "")
+						.build();
+			}
+			
 		}
 		
 		public static class MultiThreading
 		{
+			public static ConfigUIComment multiThreadingHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(MultiThreading.class).build();
+			
 			public static final ConfigEntry<Integer> numberOfThreads = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
 					.setChatCommandName("threading.numberOfThreads")
 					.setMinDefaultMax(1,
@@ -1418,6 +1525,8 @@ public class Config
 		
 		public static class Logging
 		{
+			public static ConfigUIComment loggingHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Logging.class).build();
+			
 			// TODO add change all option
 			// TODO default to error chat and info file
 			public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiLoggerMode> logWorldGenEvent = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiLoggerMode>()
@@ -1460,7 +1569,7 @@ public class Config
 			
 			public static ConfigEntry<EDhApiLoggerMode> logNetworkEvent = new ConfigEntry.Builder<EDhApiLoggerMode>()
 					.setChatCommandName("logging.logNetworkEvent")
-					.set(EDhApiLoggerMode.LOG_ERROR_TO_CHAT_AND_INFO_TO_FILE)
+					.set(EDhApiLoggerMode.LOG_ERROR_TO_CHAT_AND_WARNING_TO_FILE)
 					.comment(""
 							+ "If enabled, the mod will log information about network operations. \n"
 							+ "This can be useful for debugging.")
@@ -1472,6 +1581,7 @@ public class Config
 			
 			public static class Warning
 			{
+				public static ConfigUIComment warningHeader = new ConfigUIComment.Builder().setParentConfigClass(Warning.class).build();
 				
 				public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> showLowMemoryWarningOnStartup = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
 						.set(true)
@@ -1566,15 +1676,6 @@ public class Config
 				.comment("" +
 						"Defines the distance allowed to generate around the player." +
 						"")
-				.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.HIGH)
-				.build();
-		
-		public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> generateOnlyInHighestDetail = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
-				.setChatCommandName("generation.highestDetailOnly")
-				.set(false)
-				.comment(""
-						+ "Makes the server reject all generation requests for detail levels below the highest one.\n"
-						+ "")
 				.build();
 		
 		public static ConfigEntry<Integer> generationBoundsX = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
@@ -1619,7 +1720,6 @@ public class Config
 				.comment("" +
 						"Defines the distance the player will receive updates around." +
 						"")
-				.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.HIGH)
 				.build();
 		
 		
@@ -1648,19 +1748,52 @@ public class Config
 						"Defines the distance allowed to be synchronized around the player. \n" +
 						"Should be the same or larger than maxGenerationRequestDistance in most cases." +
 						"")
-				.setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance.HIGH)
 				.build();
 		
 		
 		// Common
-		public static ConfigEntry<Integer> maxDataTransferSpeed = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
+		public static ConfigEntry<Integer> playerBandwidthLimit = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
-				.setChatCommandName("common.maxDataTransferSpeed")
+				.setChatCommandName("common.playerBandwidthLimit")
 				.setMinDefaultMax(0, 500, 1000000 /* 1 GB/s */)
 				.comment(""
-						+ "Maximum speed for uploading LODs to the clients, in KB/s.\n"
+						+ "Maximum per-player speed for uploading LODs to the clients, in KB/s.\n"
 						+ "Value of 0 disables the limit."
 						+ "")
 				.build();
+		public static ConfigEntry<Integer> globalBandwidthLimit = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Integer>()
+				.setChatCommandName("common.globalBandwidthLimit")
+				.setMinDefaultMax(0, 0, 10000000 /* 10 GB/s */)
+				.comment(""
+						+ "Maximum global speed for uploading LODs to the clients, in KB/s.\n"
+						+ "Value of 0 disables the limit."
+						+ "")
+				.build();
+		public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableAdaptiveTransferSpeed = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
+				.set(false)
+				.comment(""
+						+ "Enables adaptive transfer speed based on client performance.\n"
+						+ "If true, DH will automatically adjust transfer rate to minimize connection lag.\n"
+						+ "If false, transfer speed will remain fixed.\n"
+						+ "")
+				.build();
+		
+		
+		public static ConfigCategory experimental = new ConfigCategory.Builder().set(Experimental.class).build();
+		
+		
+		
+		public static class Experimental
+		{
+			public static ConfigEntry<Boolean> enableNSizedGeneration = new ConfigEntry.Builder<Boolean>()
+					.setChatCommandName("generation.nSized")
+					.set(false)
+					.comment(""
+							+ "When enabled on the client, this allows loading lower detail levels as needed to speed up terrain generation.\n"
+							+ "This must also be enabled on the server; otherwise, it will have no effect.\n"
+							+ "For better performance when switching LOD detail levels, enabling [upsampleLowerDetailLodsToFillHoles] is recommended.\n"
+							+ "")
+					.build();
+		}
 		
 	}
 	
@@ -1688,12 +1821,10 @@ public class Config
 			
 			try
 			{
-				// TODO automatically get all instances of AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler and fire "setUiOnlyConfigValues"
 				ThreadPresetConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE.setUiOnlyConfigValues();
 				RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE.setUiOnlyConfigValues();
 				QuickRenderToggleConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE.setUiOnlyConfigValues();
 				QuickShowWorldGenProgressConfigEventHandler.INSTANCE.setUiOnlyConfigValues();
-				RenderCacheConfigEventHandler.getInstance();
 			}
 			catch (Exception e)
 			{

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 org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
+
+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 Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
+	
+	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 (TODO: Check it)
+	 * <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.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)
+			{
+				// TODO this could potentially add the same item multiple times
+				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;
 
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ 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;
 	
@@ -53,9 +53,9 @@ 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 +63,22 @@ 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;
 	}
 	
 	
-	public apiType getValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.get()); }
+	public apiType getValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.get()); }
-	public apiType getTrueValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getTrueValue()); }
+	public apiType getTrueValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getTrueValue()); }
-	public apiType getApiValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getApiValue()); }
+	public apiType getApiValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getApiValue()); }
 	
 	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
@@ -87,18 +87,31 @@ public class DhApiConfigValue<coreType, apiType> implements IDhApiConfigValue<ap
 		}
 	}
 	
-	public boolean clearValue() { return this.setValue(null); }
+	public boolean clearValue()
+	{
+		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.configBase.setApiValue(null);
+			return true;
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			return false;
+		}
+	}
 	
-	public boolean getCanBeOverrodeByApi() { return this.configEntry.getAllowApiOverride(); }
+	public boolean getCanBeOverrodeByApi() { return this.configBase.getAllowApiOverride(); }
 	
-	public apiType getDefaultValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getDefaultValue()); }
+	public apiType getDefaultValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getDefaultValue()); }
-	public apiType getMaxValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getMax()); }
+	public apiType getMaxValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getMax()); }
-	public apiType getMinValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configEntry.getMin()); }
+	public apiType getMinValue() { return this.configConverter.convertToApiType(this.configBase.getMin()); }
 	
 	
 	public void addChangeListener(Consumer<apiType> onValueChangeFunc) 
 	{
-		this.configEntry.addValueChangeListener((coreValue) -> 
+		this.configBase.addValueChangeListener((coreValue) -> 
 		{
 			apiType apiValue = this.configConverter.convertToApiType(coreValue);
 			onValueChangeFunc.accept(apiValue);

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;

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/api/converters/DefaultConverter.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.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConverter;
 

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/api/converters/RenderModeEnabledConverter.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.EDhApiRendererMode;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConverter;
@@ -31,14 +31,12 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConverter;
 public class RenderModeEnabledConverter implements IConverter<EDhApiRendererMode, Boolean>
 {
 	
-	@Override public EDhApiRendererMode convertToCoreType(Boolean renderingEnabled)
+	@Override 
-	{
+	public EDhApiRendererMode convertToCoreType(Boolean renderingEnabled)
-		return renderingEnabled ? EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT : EDhApiRendererMode.DISABLED;
+	{ return renderingEnabled ? EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT : EDhApiRendererMode.DISABLED; }
-	}
 	
-	@Override public Boolean convertToApiType(EDhApiRendererMode renderingMode)
+	@Override 
-	{
+	public Boolean convertToApiType(EDhApiRendererMode renderingMode)
-		return renderingMode == EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT;
+	{ return renderingMode == EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT; }
-	}
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/eventHandlers/QuickRenderToggleConfigEventHandler.java

@@ -35,8 +35,17 @@ public class QuickRenderToggleConfigEventHandler
 	/** private since we only ever need one handler at a time */
 	private QuickRenderToggleConfigEventHandler()
 	{
-		this.quickRenderChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.quickEnableRendering, (val) -> { Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.set(Config.Client.quickEnableRendering.get() ? EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT : EDhApiRendererMode.DISABLED); });
+		this.quickRenderChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.quickEnableRendering,
-		this.rendererModeChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode, (val) -> { Config.Client.quickEnableRendering.set(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.get() != EDhApiRendererMode.DISABLED); });
+				(val) -> {
+					Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.set(Config.Client.quickEnableRendering.get()
+							? EDhApiRendererMode.DEFAULT
+							: EDhApiRendererMode.DISABLED);
+				});
+		this.rendererModeChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode,
+				(val) -> {
+					Config.Client.quickEnableRendering.set(
+							Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.get() != EDhApiRendererMode.DISABLED);
+				});
 	}
 	
 	/**
@@ -45,7 +54,8 @@ public class QuickRenderToggleConfigEventHandler
 	 */
 	public void setUiOnlyConfigValues()
 	{
-		Config.Client.quickEnableRendering.set(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.get() != EDhApiRendererMode.DISABLED);
+		boolean enableRendering = Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.rendererMode.get() != EDhApiRendererMode.DISABLED;
+		Config.Client.quickEnableRendering.set(enableRendering);
 	}
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/eventHandlers/ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler.java

@@ -22,13 +22,77 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.eventHandlers;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.DhApi;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render.IDhApiRenderProxy;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.listeners.IConfigListener;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.TimerUtil;
+
+import java.util.Timer;
+import java.util.TimerTask;
 
 public class ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler implements IConfigListener
 {
-	public static ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler INSTANCE = new ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler();
+	/** 
+	 * should be used for user facing UI options
+	 * this allows the user a second to click through options before they're applied
+	 */
+	public static ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler DELAYED_INSTANCE = new ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler(2_000L);
+	/** should be used for debug options so their change can be seen instantly */
+	public static ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler INSTANT_INSTANCE = new ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler(0);
+	
+	/** how long to wait in milliseconds before applying the config changes */
+	private final long timeoutInMs;
+	private Timer cacheClearingTimer;
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
+	public ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler(long timeoutInMs)
+	{
+		this.timeoutInMs = timeoutInMs;
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//========//
+	// events //
+	//========//
 	
 	@Override
 	public void onConfigValueSet()
+	{ 
+		if (this.timeoutInMs > 0)
+		{
+			this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout();
+		}
+		else
+		{
+			clearRenderDataCache();
+		}
+	}
+	
+	/** Calling this method multiple times will reset the timer */
+	private synchronized void refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout() // synchronized to prevent potential threading issues when adding/removing the timer
+	{
+		// stop the previous timer if one exists
+		if (this.cacheClearingTimer != null)
+		{
+			this.cacheClearingTimer.cancel();
+		}
+		
+		// create a new timer task
+		TimerTask timerTask = new TimerTask()
+		{
+			public void run()
+			{
+				clearRenderDataCache();
+			}
+		};
+		this.cacheClearingTimer = TimerUtil.CreateTimer("RenderCacheClearConfigTimer");
+		this.cacheClearingTimer.schedule(timerTask, this.timeoutInMs);
+	}
+	
+	private static void clearRenderDataCache()
 	{
 		IDhApiRenderProxy renderProxy = DhApi.Delayed.renderProxy;
 		if (renderProxy != null)
@@ -37,4 +101,5 @@ public class ReloadLodsConfigEventHandler implements IConfigListener
 		}
 	}
 	
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/eventHandlers/RenderCacheConfigEventHandler.java

@@ -1,114 +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.eventHandlers;
-
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.DhApi;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.*;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiDebugRendering;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiTransparency;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.listeners.ConfigChangeListener;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.TimerUtil;
-
-import java.util.Timer;
-import java.util.TimerTask;
-
-/**
- * Listens to the config and will automatically
- * clear the current render cache if certain settings are changed. <br> <br>
- *
- * Note: if additional settings should clear the render cache, add those to this listener, don't create a new listener
- */
-public class RenderCacheConfigEventHandler
-{
-	private static RenderCacheConfigEventHandler INSTANCE;
-	
-	
-	// previous values used to check if a watched setting was actually modified
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution> horizontalResolutionChangeListener;
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<EDhApiVerticalQuality> verticalQualityChangeListener;
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<EDhApiTransparency> transparencyChangeListener;
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<EDhApiBlocksToAvoid> blocksToIgnoreChangeListener;
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<Boolean> tintWithAvoidedBlocksChangeListener;
-	
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<Double> brightnessMultiplierChangeListener;
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<Double> saturationMultiplierChangeListener;
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<EDhApiLodShading> lodShadingChangeListener;
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<EDhApiGrassSideRendering> grassSideChangeListener;
-	
-	private final ConfigChangeListener<EDhApiDebugRendering> debugRenderingChangeListener;
-	
-	/** how long to wait in milliseconds before applying the config changes */
-	private static final long TIMEOUT_IN_MS = 4_000L;
-	private Timer cacheClearingTimer;
-	
-	
-	
-	public static RenderCacheConfigEventHandler getInstance()
-	{
-		if (INSTANCE == null)
-		{
-			INSTANCE = new RenderCacheConfigEventHandler();
-		}
-		
-		return INSTANCE;
-	}
-	
-	/** private since we only ever need one handler at a time */
-	private RenderCacheConfigEventHandler()
-	{
-		this.horizontalResolutionChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.maxHorizontalResolution, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		this.verticalQualityChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.verticalQuality, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		this.transparencyChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.transparency, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		this.blocksToIgnoreChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.blocksToIgnore, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		this.tintWithAvoidedBlocksChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.tintWithAvoidedBlocks, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		
-		this.brightnessMultiplierChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.brightnessMultiplier, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		this.saturationMultiplierChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.saturationMultiplier, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		this.lodShadingChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.lodShading, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		this.grassSideChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.grassSideRendering, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		
-		this.debugRenderingChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.debugRendering, (newValue) -> this.refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout());
-		
-	}
-	
-	
-	/** Calling this method multiple times will reset the timer */
-	private void refreshRenderDataAfterTimeout()
-	{
-		// stop the previous timer if one exists
-		if (this.cacheClearingTimer != null)
-		{
-			this.cacheClearingTimer.cancel();
-		}
-		
-		// create a new timer task
-		TimerTask timerTask = new TimerTask()
-		{
-			public void run()
-			{
-				DhApi.Delayed.renderProxy.clearRenderDataCache();
-			}
-		};
-		this.cacheClearingTimer = TimerUtil.CreateTimer("RenderCacheClearConfigTimer");
-		this.cacheClearingTimer.schedule(timerTask, TIMEOUT_IN_MS);
-	}
-	
-}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/eventHandlers/UnsafeValuesConfigListener.java

@@ -20,23 +20,22 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.eventHandlers;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.listeners.IConfigListener;
 
+/** 
+ * handles enabling/disabling config validation when the
+ * {@link Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging#allowUnsafeValues} option
+ * is changed.
+ */
 public class UnsafeValuesConfigListener implements IConfigListener
 {
 	public static UnsafeValuesConfigListener INSTANCE = new UnsafeValuesConfigListener();
 	
 	@Override
 	public void onConfigValueSet()
-	{
+	{ ConfigHandler.INSTANCE.runMinMaxValidation = !Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.allowUnsafeValues.get(); }
-		Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.allowUnsafeValues.configBase.disableMinMax =
+	
-				Config.Client.Advanced.Debugging.allowUnsafeValues.get();
-	}
 	
-	@Override
-	public void onUiModify()
-	{
-		
-	}
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/eventHandlers/presets/AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler.java

@@ -19,13 +19,13 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.eventHandlers.presets;
 
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigBase;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigHandler;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigPresetOptions;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.listeners.IConfigListener;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.AbstractConfigBase;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.TimerUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.config.IConfigGui;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConfigEntry;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.StringUtil;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
@@ -39,10 +39,9 @@ public abstract class AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler<TPresetEnum extends Enum<
 	private static final long MS_DELAY_BEFORE_APPLYING_PRESET = 3_000;
 	
 	@Nullable
-	private static IConfigGui configGui = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IConfigGui.class);
+	private static final IConfigGui CONFIG_GUI = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IConfigGui.class);
-	private static boolean guiListenersAdded = false;
 	
-	protected final ArrayList<ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<TPresetEnum, ?>> configList = new ArrayList<>();
+	protected final ArrayList<ConfigPresetOptions<TPresetEnum, ?>> configList = new ArrayList<>();
 	/** this timer is used so each preset isn't applied while a user is clicking through the config options */
 	protected Timer applyPresetTimer = null;
 	/** the enum to apply after the timer expires or the UI screen changes. */
@@ -59,9 +58,9 @@ public abstract class AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler<TPresetEnum extends Enum<
 	public AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler()
 	{
 		// don't update the UI when running on a server
-		if (configGui != null) 
+		if (CONFIG_GUI != null) 
 		{
-			configGui.addOnScreenChangeListener(this::onConfigUiClosed);
+			CONFIG_GUI.addOnScreenChangeListener(this::onConfigUiClosed);
 		}
 	}
 	
@@ -90,7 +89,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler<TPresetEnum extends Enum<
 	public void onConfigValueSet()
 	{
 		// don't try modifying the config before it's been loaded from file
-		if (!ConfigBase.INSTANCE.isLoaded)
+		if (!ConfigHandler.INSTANCE.isLoaded)
 		{
 			return;
 		}
@@ -144,7 +143,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler<TPresetEnum extends Enum<
 		this.changingPreset = true;
 		
 		// update the controlled config values
-		for (ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<TPresetEnum, ?> configEntry : this.configList)
+		for (ConfigPresetOptions<TPresetEnum, ?> configEntry : this.configList)
 		{
 			configEntry.updateConfigEntry(newPresetEnum);
 		}
@@ -200,7 +199,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler<TPresetEnum extends Enum<
 		
 		
 		// remove any quick options that aren't possible with the currently selected options
-		for (ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<TPresetEnum, ?> configEntry : this.configList)
+		for (ConfigPresetOptions<TPresetEnum, ?> configEntry : this.configList)
 		{
 			HashSet<TPresetEnum> optionPresetSet = configEntry.getPossibleQualitiesFromCurrentOptionValue();
 			possiblePresetSet.retainAll(optionPresetSet);
@@ -230,7 +229,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractPresetConfigEventHandler<TPresetEnum extends Enum<
 	// abstract methods //
 	//==================//
 	
-	protected abstract IConfigEntry<TPresetEnum> getPresetConfigEntry();
+	protected abstract AbstractConfigBase<TPresetEnum> getPresetConfigEntry();
 	
 	protected abstract List<TPresetEnum> getPresetEnumList();
 	protected abstract TPresetEnum getCustomPresetEnum();

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/eventHandlers/presets/QuickShowWorldGenProgressConfigEventHandler.java

@@ -39,14 +39,17 @@ public class QuickShowWorldGenProgressConfigEventHandler
 		this.quickChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Client.quickShowWorldGenProgress, 
 				(val) -> 
 				{
-					Config.Common.WorldGenerator.showGenerationProgress.set(Config.Client.quickShowWorldGenProgress.get() 
+					boolean quickShowProgress = Config.Client.quickShowWorldGenProgress.get();
-							? Config.Common.WorldGenerator.showGenerationProgress.getDefaultValue()
+					Config.Common.WorldGenerator.showGenerationProgress.set(
+							quickShowProgress
+							? EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.OVERLAY
 							: EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.DISABLED); 
 				});
 		this.fullChangeListener = new ConfigChangeListener<>(Config.Common.WorldGenerator.showGenerationProgress, 
 				(val) -> 
 				{
-					Config.Client.quickShowWorldGenProgress.set(Config.Common.WorldGenerator.showGenerationProgress.get() != EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.DISABLED); 
+					boolean showProgress = Config.Common.WorldGenerator.showGenerationProgress.get() != EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.DISABLED;
+					Config.Client.quickShowWorldGenProgress.setWithoutFiringEvents(showProgress); 
 				});
 	}
 	
@@ -56,7 +59,8 @@ public class QuickShowWorldGenProgressConfigEventHandler
 	 */
 	public void setUiOnlyConfigValues()
 	{
-		Config.Client.quickEnableRendering.set(Config.Common.WorldGenerator.showGenerationProgress.get() != EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.DISABLED);
+		boolean showProgress = Config.Common.WorldGenerator.showGenerationProgress.get() != EDhApiDistantGeneratorProgressDisplayLocation.DISABLED;
+		Config.Client.quickShowWorldGenProgress.set(showProgress);
 	}
 	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/eventHandlers/presets/RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler.java

@@ -26,9 +26,9 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiVerticalQuality;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.quickOptions.EDhApiQualityPreset;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiTransparency;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigPresetOptions;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.listeners.ConfigChangeListener;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConfigEntry;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.AbstractConfigBase;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 	private static final Logger LOGGER = LogManager.getLogger();
 	
 	
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution> drawResolution = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.maxHorizontalResolution,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution> drawResolution = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.maxHorizontalResolution,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution.TWO_BLOCKS);
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution.BLOCK);
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, EDhApiMaxHorizontalResolution.BLOCK);
 			}});
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiVerticalQuality> verticalQuality = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.verticalQuality,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiVerticalQuality> verticalQuality = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.verticalQuality,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiVerticalQuality>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, EDhApiVerticalQuality.HEIGHT_MAP);
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, EDhApiVerticalQuality.HIGH);
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, EDhApiVerticalQuality.EXTREME);
 			}});
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiHorizontalQuality> horizontalQuality = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.horizontalQuality,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiHorizontalQuality> horizontalQuality = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.horizontalQuality,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiHorizontalQuality>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, EDhApiHorizontalQuality.LOWEST);
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, EDhApiHorizontalQuality.HIGH);
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, EDhApiHorizontalQuality.EXTREME);
 			}});
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiTransparency> transparency = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.transparency,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiTransparency> transparency = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.transparency,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiTransparency>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, EDhApiTransparency.DISABLED);
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, EDhApiTransparency.COMPLETE);
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, EDhApiTransparency.COMPLETE);
 			}});
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, Boolean> ssaoEnabled = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.enableSsao,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, Boolean> ssaoEnabled = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Ssao.enableSsao,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, Boolean>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, false);
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, true);
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, true);
 			}});
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode> vanillaFade = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.vanillaFadeMode,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode> vanillaFade = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.vanillaFadeMode,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.NONE);
@@ -96,7 +96,7 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.DOUBLE_PASS);
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, EDhApiMcRenderingFadeMode.DOUBLE_PASS);
 			}});
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, Boolean> dhDither = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.ditherDhFade,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, Boolean> dhDither = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.ditherDhFade,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, Boolean>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, false);
@@ -105,6 +105,24 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, true);
 				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, true);
 			}});
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, Boolean> caveCulling = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Culling.enableCaveCulling,
+			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, Boolean>()
+			{{
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, true);
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.LOW, true);
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MEDIUM, true);
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, false);
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, false);
+			}});
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, Integer> biomeBlending = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.lodBiomeBlending,
+			new HashMap<EDhApiQualityPreset, Integer>()
+			{{
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MINIMUM, 0);
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.LOW, 1);
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.MEDIUM, 3);
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.HIGH, 3);
+				this.put(EDhApiQualityPreset.EXTREME, 3);
+			}});
 		
 	
 	
@@ -123,9 +141,11 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 		this.configList.add(this.ssaoEnabled);
 		this.configList.add(this.vanillaFade);
 		this.configList.add(this.dhDither);
+		this.configList.add(this.caveCulling);
+		this.configList.add(this.biomeBlending);
 		
 		
-		for (ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, ?> config : this.configList)
+		for (ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiQualityPreset, ?> config : this.configList)
 		{
 			// ignore try-using, the listener should only ever be added once and should never be removed
 			new ConfigChangeListener<>(config.configEntry, (val) -> { this.onConfigValueChanged(); });
@@ -139,7 +159,7 @@ public class RenderQualityPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigE
 	//==============//
 	
 	@Override
-	protected IConfigEntry<EDhApiQualityPreset> getPresetConfigEntry() { return Config.Client.qualityPresetSetting; }
+	protected AbstractConfigBase<EDhApiQualityPreset> getPresetConfigEntry() { return Config.Client.qualityPresetSetting; }
 	
 	@Override
 	protected List<EDhApiQualityPreset> getPresetEnumList() { return Arrays.asList(EDhApiQualityPreset.values()); }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/eventHandlers/presets/ThreadPresetConfigEventHandler.java

@@ -22,8 +22,8 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.eventHandlers.presets;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.quickOptions.EDhApiThreadPreset;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.listeners.ConfigChangeListener;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigPresetOptions;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConfigEntry;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.AbstractConfigBase;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.MathUtil;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ public class ThreadPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigEventHan
 	
 	
 	public static int getDefaultThreadCount() { return getThreadCountByPercent(0.5); }
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiThreadPreset, Integer> threadCount = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Common.MultiThreading.numberOfThreads,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiThreadPreset, Integer> threadCount = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Common.MultiThreading.numberOfThreads,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiThreadPreset, Integer>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiThreadPreset.MINIMAL_IMPACT, getThreadCountByPercent(0.1));
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ public class ThreadPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigEventHan
 				this.put(EDhApiThreadPreset.I_PAID_FOR_THE_WHOLE_CPU, getThreadCountByPercent(1.0));
 			}});
 	public static double getDefaultRunTimeRatio() { return 1.0; }
-	private final ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiThreadPreset, Double> threadRunTime = new ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<>(Config.Common.MultiThreading.threadRunTimeRatio,
+	private final ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiThreadPreset, Double> threadRunTime = new ConfigPresetOptions<>(Config.Common.MultiThreading.threadRunTimeRatio,
 			new HashMap<EDhApiThreadPreset, Double>()
 			{{
 				this.put(EDhApiThreadPreset.MINIMAL_IMPACT, 0.5);
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ public class ThreadPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigEventHan
 		this.configList.add(this.threadCount);
 		this.configList.add(this.threadRunTime);
 		
-		for (ConfigEntryWithPresetOptions<EDhApiThreadPreset, ?> config : this.configList)
+		for (ConfigPresetOptions<EDhApiThreadPreset, ?> config : this.configList)
 		{
 			// ignore try-using, the listeners should only ever be added once and should never be removed
 			new ConfigChangeListener<>(config.configEntry, (val) -> { this.onConfigValueChanged(); });
@@ -119,7 +119,7 @@ public class ThreadPresetConfigEventHandler extends AbstractPresetConfigEventHan
 	//==============//
 	
 	@Override
-	protected IConfigEntry<EDhApiThreadPreset> getPresetConfigEntry() { return Config.Client.threadPresetSetting; }
+	protected AbstractConfigBase<EDhApiThreadPreset> getPresetConfigEntry() { return Config.Client.threadPresetSetting; }
 	
 	@Override
 	protected List<EDhApiThreadPreset> getPresetEnumList() { return Arrays.asList(EDhApiThreadPreset.values()); }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/file/ConfigFileHandler.java

@@ -20,13 +20,13 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.file;
 
 import com.electronwill.nightconfig.core.file.CommentedFileConfig;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigBase;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.AbstractConfigBase;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.AbstractConfigType;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.ConfigEntry;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftClientWrapper;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftSharedWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.ModInfo;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 
@@ -41,13 +41,11 @@ import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;
  * @author coolGi
  * @version 2023-8-26
  */
-public class ConfigFileHandling
+public class ConfigFileHandler
 {
 	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
-	private static final IMinecraftSharedWrapper MC_SHARED = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftSharedWrapper.class);
 	
 	
-	public final ConfigBase configBase;
 	public final Path configPath;
 	
 	private final Logger logger;
@@ -64,17 +62,24 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 	// constructor //
 	//=============//
 	
-	public ConfigFileHandling(ConfigBase configBase, Path configPath)
+	public ConfigFileHandler(Path configPath)
 	{
-		this.logger = LogManager.getLogger(this.getClass().getSimpleName() + ", " + configBase.modID);
+		this.logger = LogManager.getLogger(this.getClass().getSimpleName() + ", " + ModInfo.ID);
-		this.configBase = configBase;
 		this.configPath = configPath;
 		
-		this.nightConfig = CommentedFileConfig.builder(this.configPath.toFile()).build();
+		this.nightConfig = CommentedFileConfig
+				.builder(this.configPath.toFile())
+				// sync is needed so file reading/writing only happens during locked sections,
+				// otherwise some GUI changes may be lost when changing screens
+				.sync()
+				.build();
 	}
 	
 	
 	
+	//====================//
+	// entire config file //
+	//====================//
 	
 	/** Saves the entire config to the file */
 	public void saveToFile() { this.saveToFile(this.nightConfig); }
@@ -96,7 +101,7 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 			this.loadNightConfig(nightConfig);
 			
 			
-			for (AbstractConfigType<?, ?> entry : this.configBase.entries)
+			for (AbstractConfigBase<?> entry : ConfigHandler.INSTANCE.configBaseList)
 			{
 				if (ConfigEntry.class.isAssignableFrom(entry.getClass()))
 				{
@@ -134,7 +139,7 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 		{
 			this.readWriteLock.lock();
 			
-			int currentCfgVersion = this.configBase.configVersion;
+			int currentCfgVersion = ModInfo.CONFIG_FILE_VERSION;
 			try
 			{
 				// Dont load the real `this.nightConfig`, instead create a tempoary one
@@ -146,17 +151,17 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 			}
 			catch (Exception ignored) { }
 			
-			if (currentCfgVersion == this.configBase.configVersion)
+			if (currentCfgVersion == ModInfo.CONFIG_FILE_VERSION)
 			{
 				// handle normally
 			}
-			else if (currentCfgVersion > this.configBase.configVersion)
+			else if (currentCfgVersion > ModInfo.CONFIG_FILE_VERSION)
 			{
-				this.logger.warn("Found config version [" + currentCfgVersion + "] which is newer than current mods config version of [" + this.configBase.configVersion + "]. You may have downgraded the mod and items may have been moved, you have been warned");
+				this.logger.warn("Found config version [" + currentCfgVersion + "] which is newer than current mods config version of [" + ModInfo.CONFIG_FILE_VERSION + "]. You may have downgraded the mod and items may have been moved, you have been warned");
 			}
 			else // if (currentCfgVersion < configBase.configVersion)
 			{
-				this.logger.warn(this.configBase.modName + " config is of an older version, currently there is no config updater... so resetting config");
+				this.logger.warn(ModInfo.NAME + " config is of an older version, currently there is no config updater... so resetting config");
 				try
 				{
 					Files.delete(this.configPath);
@@ -168,7 +173,7 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 			}
 			
 			this.loadFromFile(this.nightConfig);
-			this.nightConfig.set("_version", this.configBase.configVersion);
+			this.nightConfig.set("_version", ModInfo.CONFIG_FILE_VERSION);
 		}
 		finally
 		{
@@ -194,7 +199,7 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 		
 		
 		// Load all the entries
-		for (AbstractConfigType<?, ?> entry : this.configBase.entries)
+		for (AbstractConfigBase<?> entry : ConfigHandler.INSTANCE.configBaseList)
 		{
 			if (ConfigEntry.class.isAssignableFrom(entry.getClass())
 				&& entry.getAppearance().showInFile)
@@ -218,6 +223,9 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 	
 	
 	
+	//=======================//
+	// single config entries //
+	//=======================//
 	
 	// Save an entry when only given the entry
 	public void saveEntry(ConfigEntry<?> entry)
@@ -235,10 +243,10 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 		else if (entry.getTrueValue() == null)
 		{
 			// TODO when can this happen?
-			throw new IllegalArgumentException("Entry [" + entry.getNameWCategory() + "] is null, this may be a problem with [" + this.configBase.modName + "]. Please contact the authors.");
+			throw new IllegalArgumentException("Entry [" + entry.getNameAndCategory() + "] is null, this may be a problem with [" + ModInfo.NAME + "]. Please contact the authors.");
 		}
 		
-		workConfig.set(entry.getNameWCategory(), ConfigTypeConverters.attemptToConvertToString(entry.getType(), entry.getTrueValue()));
+		workConfig.set(entry.getNameAndCategory(), ConfigTypeConverters.attemptToConvertToString(entry.getType(), entry.getTrueValue()));
 	}
 	
 	/** Loads an entry when only given the entry */
@@ -248,9 +256,11 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 	public <T> void loadEntry(ConfigEntry<T> entry, CommentedFileConfig nightConfig)
 	{
 		if (!entry.getAppearance().showInFile)
+		{
 			return;
+		}
 		
-		if (!nightConfig.contains(entry.getNameWCategory()))
+		if (!nightConfig.contains(entry.getNameAndCategory()))
 		{
 			this.saveEntry(entry, nightConfig);
 			return;
@@ -261,13 +271,13 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 		{
 			if (entry.getType().isEnum())
 			{
-				entry.pureSet((T) (nightConfig.getEnum(entry.getNameWCategory(), (Class<? extends Enum>) entry.getType())));
+				entry.setWithoutFiringEvents((T) (nightConfig.getEnum(entry.getNameAndCategory(), (Class<? extends Enum>) entry.getType())));
 				return;
 			}
 			
 			// try converting the value if necessary
 			Class<?> expectedValueClass = entry.getType();
-			Object value = nightConfig.get(entry.getNameWCategory());
+			Object value = nightConfig.get(entry.getNameAndCategory());
 			Object convertedValue = ConfigTypeConverters.attemptToConvertFromString(expectedValueClass, value);
 			if (!convertedValue.getClass().equals(expectedValueClass))
 			{
@@ -276,19 +286,18 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 						"Make sure a converter is defined in ["+ConfigTypeConverters.class.getSimpleName()+"].");
 				convertedValue = entry.getDefaultValue();
 			}
-			entry.pureSet((T) convertedValue);
+			entry.setWithoutFiringEvents((T) convertedValue);
 			
 			if (entry.getTrueValue() == null) 
 			{
-				this.logger.warn("Entry [" + entry.getNameWCategory() + "] returned as null from the config. Using default value.");
+				this.logger.warn("Entry [" + entry.getNameAndCategory() + "] returned as null from the config. Using default value.");
-				entry.pureSet(entry.getDefaultValue());
+				entry.setWithoutFiringEvents(entry.getDefaultValue());
 			}
 		}
 		catch (Exception e)
 		{
-//                e.printStackTrace();
+			this.logger.warn("Entry [" + entry.getNameAndCategory() + "] had an invalid value when loading the config. Using default value.");
-			this.logger.warn("Entry [" + entry.getNameWCategory() + "] had an invalid value when loading the config. Using default value.");
+			entry.setWithoutFiringEvents(entry.getDefaultValue());
-			entry.pureSet(entry.getDefaultValue());
 		}
 	}
 	
@@ -309,22 +318,21 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 		// the new line makes it easier to read and separate configs
 		// the space makes sure the first word of a comment isn't directly in line with the "#" 
 		comment = "\n " + comment;
-		nightConfig.setComment(entry.getNameWCategory(), comment);
+		nightConfig.setComment(entry.getNameAndCategory(), comment);
 	}
 	
 	
 	
-	
+	//=============//
+	// nightconfig //
+	//=============//
 	
 	/**
-	 * Uses {@link ConfigFileHandling#nightConfig} to do {@link CommentedFileConfig#load()} but with error checking
+	 * Uses {@link ConfigFileHandler#nightConfig} to do {@link CommentedFileConfig#load()} but with error checking
 	 *
 	 * @apiNote This overwrites any value currently stored in the config
 	 */
-	public void loadNightConfig()
+	public void loadNightConfig() { this.loadNightConfig(this.nightConfig); }
-	{
-		loadNightConfig(this.nightConfig);
-	}
 	/**
 	 * Does {@link CommentedFileConfig#load()} but with error checking
 	 *
@@ -353,12 +361,16 @@ public class ConfigFileHandling
 		{
 			System.out.println("Creating file failed");
 			this.logger.error(ex);
-			SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftClientWrapper.class).crashMinecraft("Loading file and resetting config file failed at path [" + configPath + "]. Please check the file is ok and you have the permissions", ex);
+			SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftClientWrapper.class).crashMinecraft("Loading file and resetting config file failed at path [" + this.configPath + "]. Please check the file is ok and you have the permissions", ex);
 		}
 	}
 	
 	
 	
+	//===============//
+	// file handling //
+	//===============//
+	
 	public static void reCreateFile(Path path)
 	{
 		try

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/gui/IConfigGuiInfo.java

@@ -0,0 +1,10 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.gui;
+
+/** 
+ * Points to a Common object that holds the GUI state.
+ * Having this interface allows for cleaner casting.
+ */
+public interface IConfigGuiInfo
+{
+	
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/gui/JavaScreenHandlerScreen.java

@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;
 
 import javax.swing.*;
 import java.awt.*;
+import java.awt.event.ActionEvent;
 import java.awt.event.KeyEvent;
 import java.awt.event.KeyListener;
 
@@ -35,6 +36,8 @@ public class JavaScreenHandlerScreen extends AbstractScreen
 	public static boolean firstRun = true;
 	public final Component jComponent;
 	
+	
+	
 	static
 	{
 		// Note: this code can cause Mac
@@ -54,19 +57,25 @@ public class JavaScreenHandlerScreen extends AbstractScreen
 	public void init()
 	{
 		if (firstRun)
+		{
 			frame = EmbeddedFrameUtil.embeddedFrameCreate(this.minecraftWindow); // Don't call this multiple times
+		}
 		
-		frame.add(jComponent);
+		frame.add(this.jComponent);
+		frame.setBackground(new Color(0, 125, 155));
 		
 		JavaScreenHandlerScreen thiss = this;
 		
-		frame.addKeyListener(new KeyListener() {
+		frame.addKeyListener(new KeyListener() 
+		{
 			@Override
 			public void keyPressed(KeyEvent keyEvent)
 			{
 				System.out.println("Key pressed code=" + keyEvent.getKeyCode() + ", char=" + keyEvent.getKeyChar());
 				if (keyEvent.getKeyCode() == KeyEvent.VK_ESCAPE)
+				{
 					thiss.close = true;
+				}
 			}
 			
 			@Override
@@ -80,8 +89,8 @@ public class JavaScreenHandlerScreen extends AbstractScreen
 			EmbeddedFrameUtil.embeddedFrameSetBounds(frame, 0, 0, this.width, this.height);
 			firstRun = false;
 		}
-		else
+		
-			EmbeddedFrameUtil.showFrame(frame);
+		EmbeddedFrameUtil.showFrame(frame);
 	}
 	
 	/** A testing/debug screen */
@@ -89,13 +98,43 @@ public class JavaScreenHandlerScreen extends AbstractScreen
 	{
 		public ExampleScreen()
 		{
-			setLayout(new GridBagLayout());
+			this.setLayout(new GridBagLayout());
-			GridBagConstraints constraints = new GridBagConstraints();
+			this.setBackground(new Color(255, 0, 0)); // doesn't appear to be used
-			constraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.HORIZONTAL;
+			
-			constraints.weightx = 0.5;
+			GridBagConstraints helloWorldConstraints = new GridBagConstraints();
-			constraints.gridx = 0;
+			helloWorldConstraints.weightx = 0.5;
-			constraints.gridy = 0;
+			helloWorldConstraints.gridx = 0;
-			add(new JLabel("Hello World!"), constraints);
+			helloWorldConstraints.gridy = 0;
+			//helloWorldConstraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
+			this.add(new JLabel("Hello World!"), helloWorldConstraints);
+			
+			
+			GridBagConstraints buttonConstraints = new GridBagConstraints();
+			buttonConstraints.weightx = 0.5;
+			buttonConstraints.gridx = 0;
+			buttonConstraints.gridy = 1;
+			//buttonConstraints.fill = GridBagConstraints.BOTH;
+			JButton button = new JButton();
+			button.setBackground(Color.GREEN);
+			button.setFocusable(false); // otherwise we can't use escape to leave
+			button.setAction(new ExampleButtonEventHandler("Button text"));
+			this.add(button, buttonConstraints);
+		}
+		
+		private class ExampleButtonEventHandler extends AbstractAction
+		{
+			public ExampleButtonEventHandler(String text)
+			{
+				super(text);
+				//this.putValue(SHORT_DESCRIPTION, text);
+				//this.putValue(MNEMONIC_KEY, text);
+			}
+			
+			@Override
+			public void actionPerformed(ActionEvent e)
+			{
+				System.out.println("button pressed");
+			}
 		}
 		
 	}
@@ -116,8 +155,10 @@ public class JavaScreenHandlerScreen extends AbstractScreen
 	@Override
 	public void onClose()
 	{
-		frame.remove(jComponent);
+		frame.remove(this.jComponent);
 		EmbeddedFrameUtil.hideFrame(frame);
 	}
 	
+	
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/gui/OpenGLConfigScreen.java

@@ -1,126 +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.gui;
-
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiGpuUploadMethod;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.glObject.buffer.GLVertexBuffer;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.glObject.shader.ShaderProgram;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.glObject.vertexAttribute.AbstractVertexAttribute;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.glObject.vertexAttribute.VertexPointer;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftGLWrapper;
-import org.lwjgl.opengl.GL32;
-
-import java.nio.ByteBuffer;
-import java.nio.ByteOrder;
-
-/**
- * @author coolGi
- */
-public class OpenGLConfigScreen extends AbstractScreen
-{
-	private static final IMinecraftGLWrapper GLMC = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftGLWrapper.class);
-	
-	private ShaderProgram basicShader;
-	private GLVertexBuffer sameContextBuffer;
-	private GLVertexBuffer sharedContextBuffer;
-	private AbstractVertexAttribute va;
-	
-	
-	
-	@Override
-	public void init()
-	{
-		System.out.println("init");
-		
-		this.va = AbstractVertexAttribute.create();
-		this.va.bind();
-		// Pos
-		this.va.setVertexAttribute(0, 0, VertexPointer.addVec2Pointer(false));
-		// Color
-		this.va.setVertexAttribute(0, 1, VertexPointer.addVec4Pointer(false));
-		this.va.completeAndCheck(Float.BYTES * 6);
-		this.basicShader = new ShaderProgram("shaders/test/vert.vert", "shaders/test/frag.frag",
-						"fragColor", new String[]{"vPosition", "color"});
-		this.createBuffer();
-	}
-	
-	// Render a square with uv color
-	private static final float[] vertices = {
-			// PosX,Y, ColorR,G,B,A
-			-0.5f, -0.5f, 0.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f, 1.0f,
-			0.4f, -0.4f, 1.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f, 1.0f,
-			0.3f, 0.3f, 1.0f, 1.0f, 0.0f, 0.0f,
-			-0.2f, 0.2f, 0.0f, 1.0f, 1.0f, 1.0f
-	};
-	
-	private static GLVertexBuffer createTextingBuffer()
-	{
-		ByteBuffer buffer = ByteBuffer.allocateDirect(vertices.length * Float.BYTES);
-		// Fill buffer with the vertices.
-		buffer = buffer.order(ByteOrder.nativeOrder());
-		buffer.asFloatBuffer().put(vertices);
-		buffer.rewind();
-		GLVertexBuffer vbo = new GLVertexBuffer(false);
-		vbo.bind();
-		vbo.uploadBuffer(buffer, 4, EDhApiGpuUploadMethod.DATA, vertices.length * Float.BYTES);
-		return vbo;
-	}
-	
-	private void createBuffer()
-	{
-		this.sharedContextBuffer = createTextingBuffer();
-		this.sameContextBuffer = createTextingBuffer();
-	}
-	
-	@Override
-	public void render(float delta)
-	{
-		System.out.println("Updated config screen with the delta of " + delta);
-		
-		GL32.glViewport(0, 0, this.width, this.height);
-		GL32.glPolygonMode(GL32.GL_FRONT_AND_BACK, GL32.GL_FILL);
-		GLMC.disableFaceCulling();
-		GLMC.disableDepthTest();
-		GLMC.disableBlend();
-		
-		this.basicShader.bind();
-		this.va.bind();
-		
-		// Switch between the two buffers per second
-		if (System.currentTimeMillis() % 2000 < 1000)
-		{
-			this.sameContextBuffer.bind();
-			this.va.bindBufferToAllBindingPoints(this.sameContextBuffer.getId());
-		}
-		else
-		{
-			this.sameContextBuffer.bind();
-			this.va.bindBufferToAllBindingPoints(this.sharedContextBuffer.getId());
-		}
-		// Render the square
-		GL32.glDrawArrays(GL32.GL_TRIANGLE_FAN, 0, 4);
-		GL32.glClear(GL32.GL_DEPTH_BUFFER_BIT);
-	}
-	
-	@Override
-	public void tick() { System.out.println("Ticked"); }
-	
-}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/AbstractConfigBase.java

@@ -19,25 +19,27 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types;
 
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigBase;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.gui.IConfigGuiInfo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigEntryAppearance;
 
 /**
- * The class where all config options should extend
+ * The class all config options should extend
  *
  * @author coolGi
  */
-// Note for devs: The "S" is the class that is extending this
+public abstract class AbstractConfigBase<T>
-public abstract class AbstractConfigType<T, S>
 {
 	public String category = "";    // This should only be set once in the init
 	public String name;            // This should only be set once in the init
 	protected final T defaultValue;
 	protected final boolean isFloatingPointNumber;
 	protected T value;
-	public ConfigBase configBase;
 	
-	public Object guiValue; // This is a storage variable something like the gui can use
+	/** 
+	 * This stores information related to the GUI state.
+	 * This is set during config UI setup.
+	 */
+	public IConfigGuiInfo guiValue;
 	
 	protected EConfigEntryAppearance appearance;
 	
@@ -47,7 +49,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractConfigType<T, S>
 	// constructor //
 	//=============//
 	
-	protected AbstractConfigType(EConfigEntryAppearance appearance, T defaultValue)
+	protected AbstractConfigBase(EConfigEntryAppearance appearance, T defaultValue)
 	{
 		this.defaultValue = defaultValue;
 		this.value = defaultValue;
@@ -74,7 +76,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractConfigType<T, S>
 	
 	public String getCategory() { return this.category; }
 	public String getName() { return this.name; }
-	public String getNameWCategory() { return (this.category.isEmpty() ? "" : this.category + ".") + this.name; }
+	public String getNameAndCategory() { return (this.category.isEmpty() ? "" : this.category + ".") + this.name; }
 	
 	
 	/** Gets the class of T */

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/ConfigCategory.java

@@ -27,10 +27,19 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigEntryAppearance
  *
  * @author coolGi
  */
-public class ConfigCategory extends AbstractConfigType<Class<?>, ConfigCategory>
+public class ConfigCategory extends AbstractConfigBase<Class<?>>
 {
-	/** This should not be set by anything other than the config system itself */
+	/** 
-	public String destination;    // Where the category goes to
+	 * Defines where this category points to. <br>
+	 * May be defined during config setup.
+	 */
+	public String destination;
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
 	
 	private ConfigCategory(EConfigEntryAppearance appearance, Class<?> value, String destination)
 	{
@@ -38,20 +47,26 @@ public class ConfigCategory extends AbstractConfigType<Class<?>, ConfigCategory>
 		this.destination = destination;
 	}
 	
-	public String getDestination()
+	
-	{
+	
-		return this.destination;
+	//==================//
-	}
+	// property getters //
+	//==================//
+	
+	public String getDestination() { return this.destination; }
 	
 	/** Use get() instead for category */
 	@Override
 	@Deprecated
-	public Class<?> getType()
+	public Class<?> getType() { return this.value; }
-	{
-		return value;
-	}
 	
-	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigType.Builder<Class<?>, Builder>
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// builder //
+	//=========//
+	
+	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigBase.Builder<Class<?>, Builder>
 	{
 		private String tmpDestination = null;
 		

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/ConfigEntry.java

@@ -20,50 +20,52 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types;
 
 
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.NumberUtil;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigHandler;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.NumberUtil;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.file.ConfigFileHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.listeners.ConfigChangeListener;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.listeners.IConfigListener;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigEntryAppearance;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigEntryPerformance;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigValidity;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.interfaces.config.IConfigEntry;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.Arrays;
 import java.util.function.Consumer;
 
 /**
- * Use for making the config variables
+ * This config type allows for entering text, number, or enum values.
- * for types that are not supported by it look in ConfigBase
  *
  * @author coolGi
- * @version 2023-7-16
  */
-public class ConfigEntry<T> extends AbstractConfigType<T, ConfigEntry<T>> implements IConfigEntry<T>
+public class ConfigEntry<T> extends AbstractConfigBase<T>
 {
-	private String comment;
+	private final String comment;
 	private T min;
 	private T max;
 	private final ArrayList<IConfigListener> listenerList;
 	private final String chatCommandName;
 	
-	private final EConfigEntryPerformance performance;
-	
-	// API control //
 	/**
 	 * If true this config can be controlled by the API <br>
 	 * and any get() method calls will return the apiValue if it is set.
 	 */
-	public final boolean allowApiOverride;
+	private final boolean allowApiOverride;
+	/** Will be null if un-set */
+	@Nullable
 	private T apiValue;
 	
 	
 	
-	/** Creates the entry */
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
 	private ConfigEntry(
 			EConfigEntryAppearance appearance, 
-			T value, String comment, T min, T max, 
+			String comment, String chatCommandName, 
-			String chatCommandName, boolean allowApiOverride, 
+			T value, T min, T max,
-			EConfigEntryPerformance performance, 
+			boolean allowApiOverride, 
 			ArrayList<IConfigListener> listenerList)
 	{
 		super(appearance, value);
@@ -73,38 +75,57 @@ public class ConfigEntry<T> extends AbstractConfigType<T, ConfigEntry<T>> implem
 		this.max = max;
 		this.chatCommandName = chatCommandName;
 		this.allowApiOverride = allowApiOverride;
-		this.performance = performance;
 		this.listenerList = listenerList;
 	}
 	
 	
 	
-	/** Gets the default value of the option */
+	//==========================//
-	@Override
+	// property getters/setters //
-	public T getDefaultValue() { return super.defaultValue; }
+	//==========================//
+	
+	/** the string used when entering the config into the command line or chat */
+	public String getChatCommandName() { return this.chatCommandName; }
+	
+	public String getComment() { return this.comment; }
+	
+	/**
+	 * If true this config can be controlled by the API <br>
+	 * and any get() method calls will return the apiValue if it is set.
+	 */
+	public boolean getAllowApiOverride() { return this.allowApiOverride; }
+	
+	public T getMin() { return this.min; }
+	public void setMin(T newMin) { this.min = newMin; }
+	public T getMax() { return this.max; }
+	public void setMax(T newMax) { this.max = newMax; }
+	
+	
+	
+	//===============//
+	// value setters //
+	//===============//
 	
-	@Override
 	public void setApiValue(T newApiValue)
 	{
 		this.apiValue = newApiValue;
 		this.listenerList.forEach(IConfigListener::onConfigValueSet);
 	}
-	@Override
-	public T getApiValue() { return this.apiValue; }
-	@Override
-	public boolean getAllowApiOverride() { return this.allowApiOverride; }
 	
-	/** 
+	public boolean apiIsOverriding() 
-	 * DONT USE THIS IN YOUR CODE <br>
+	{ 
-	 * Sets the value without informing the rest of the code (ie, doesnt call listeners, or saves the value). <br>
+		return this.allowApiOverride 
-	 * Should only be used when loading the config from the file (in places like the {@link com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.file.ConfigFileHandling} or {@link com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.ConfigBase})
+				&& this.apiValue != null; 
-	 */
-	public void pureSet(T newValue) {
-		super.set(newValue);
 	}
+		
+	/** 
+	 * Should only be used when loading the config from file. <Br>
+	 * Sets the value without informing the rest of the code (ie, it doesn't call listeners, or saving the value to file).
+	 * @see ConfigFileHandler
+	 */
+	public void setWithoutFiringEvents(T newValue) { super.set(newValue); }
 	
 	/** Sets the value without saving */
-	@Override
 	public void setWithoutSaving(T newValue)
 	{
 		super.set(newValue);
@@ -129,74 +150,35 @@ public class ConfigEntry<T> extends AbstractConfigType<T, ConfigEntry<T>> implem
 	}
 	
 	
+	
+	//===============//
+	// value getters //
+	//===============//
+	
 	@Override
 	public T get()
 	{
-		if (allowApiOverride && apiValue != null)
+		if (this.allowApiOverride 
+			&& this.apiValue != null)
 		{
-			return apiValue;
+			return this.apiValue;
 		}
 		
 		return super.get();
 	}
-	@Override
+	/** Ignores the API value if set. */
-	public T getTrueValue()
+	public T getTrueValue() { return super.get(); }
-	{
+	
-		return super.get();
+	public T getDefaultValue() { return super.defaultValue; }
-	}
+	
+	@Nullable
+	public T getApiValue() { return this.apiValue; }
 	
 	
-	/** Gets the min value */
-	@Override
-	public T getMin() { return this.min; }
-	/** Sets the min value */
-	@Override
-	public void setMin(T newMin) { this.min = newMin; }
-	/** Gets the max value */
-	@Override
-	public T getMax() { return this.max; }
-	/** Sets the max value */
-	@Override
-	public void setMax(T newMax) { this.max = newMax; }
-	/** Sets the min and max within a single setter */
-	@Override
-	public void setMinMax(T newMin, T newMax)
-	{
-		this.setMin(newMin);
-		this.setMax(newMax);
-	}
 	
-	/**
+	//===========//
-	 * Clamps the value within the set range
+	// listeners //
-	 *
+	//===========//
-	 * @apiNote This does not save the value
-	 */
-	public void clampWithinRange() { this.clampWithinRange(this.min, this.max); }
-	/**
-	 * Clamps the value within a set range
-	 *
-	 * @param min The minimum that the value can be
-	 * @param max The maximum that the value can be
-	 * @apiNote This does not save the value
-	 */
-	@SuppressWarnings("unchecked") // Suppress due to its always safe
-	public void clampWithinRange(T min, T max)
-	{
-		byte validness = this.isValid(min, max);
-		if (validness == -1) this.value = (T) NumberUtil.getMinimum(this.value.getClass());
-		if (validness == 1) this.value = (T) NumberUtil.getMaximum(this.value.getClass());
-	}
-	
-	// TODO is this for command line use?
-	public String getChatCommandName() { return this.chatCommandName; }
-	
-	@Override
-	public String getComment() { return this.comment; }
-	@Override
-	public void setComment(String newComment) { this.comment = newComment; }
-	
-	/** Gets the performance impact of an option */
-	public EConfigEntryPerformance getPerformance() { return this.performance; }
 	
 	/** Fired whenever the config value changes to a new value. */
 	public void addValueChangeListener(Consumer<T> onValueChangeFunc)
@@ -221,116 +203,114 @@ public class ConfigEntry<T> extends AbstractConfigType<T, ConfigEntry<T>> implem
 	public void setListeners(IConfigListener... newListeners) { this.listenerList.addAll(Arrays.asList(newListeners)); }
 	
 	
-	/**
+	
-	 * Checks if the option is valid
+	//====================//
-	 *
+	// min/max validation //
-	 * @return 0 == valid
+	//====================//
-	 * <p>  2 == invalid
+	
-	 * <p>  1 == number too high
+	/** Checks if this config's current value is valid */
-	 * <p> -1 == number too low
+	public EConfigValidity getValidity() { return this.getValidity(this.value, this.min, this.max); }
-	 */
+	/** Checks if the given value is valid */
-	@Override
+	public EConfigValidity getValidity(@Nullable T value) { return this.getValidity(value, this.min, this.max); }
-	public byte isValid() { return isValid(this.value, this.min, this.max); }
+	/** Checks if the given value is valid */
-	/**
+	public EConfigValidity getValidity(@Nullable T value, @Nullable T min, @Nullable T max)
-	 * Checks if a new value is valid
-	 *
-	 * @param value Value that is being checked whether valid
-	 * @return 0 == valid
-	 * <p>  2 == invalid
-	 * <p>  1 == number too high
-	 * <p> -1 == number too low
-	 */
-	@Override
-	public byte isValid(T value) { return this.isValid(value, this.min, this.max); }
-	/**
-	 * Checks if a new value is valid
-	 *
-	 * @param min The minimum that the value can be
-	 * @param max The maximum that the value can be
-	 * @return 0 == valid
-	 * <p>  2 == invalid
-	 * <p>  1 == number too high
-	 * <p> -1 == number too low
-	 */
-	public byte isValid(T min, T max) { return this.isValid(this.value, min, max); }
-	/**
-	 * Checks if a new value is valid
-	 *
-	 * @param value Value that is being checked whether valid
-	 * @param min The minimum that the value can be
-	 * @param max The maximum that the value can be
-	 * @return 0 == valid
-	 * <p>  2 == invalid
-	 * <p>  1 == number too high
-	 * <p> -1 == number too low
-	 */
-	public byte isValid(T value, T min, T max)
 	{
-		if (this.configBase.disableMinMax)
+		if (!ConfigHandler.INSTANCE.runMinMaxValidation)
 		{
-			return 0;
+			return EConfigValidity.VALID;
 		}
-		else if (min == null && max == null)
+		else if (min == null 
+				&& max == null)
 		{
 			// no validation is needed for this field
-			return 0;
+			return EConfigValidity.VALID;
 		}
-		else if (value == null || this.value == null
+		else if (value == null 
+				|| this.value == null
 				|| value.getClass() != this.value.getClass())
 		{
-			// If the 2 variables aren't the same type then it will be invalid
+			// If the 2 variables aren't the same type
-			return 2;
+			// or the input is missing
+			// then it will be invalid
+			return EConfigValidity.INVALID;
 		}
-		else if (Number.class.isAssignableFrom(value.getClass()))
+		else if (value instanceof Number)
 		{ 
-			// Only check min max if it is a number
+			// Only check min/max if this config's type is a number
-			if (max != null && NumberUtil.greaterThan((Number) value, (Number) max))
+			if (max != null 
+				&& NumberUtil.greaterThan((Number) value, (Number) max))
 			{
-				return 1;
+				return EConfigValidity.NUMBER_TOO_HIGH;
-			}
-			if (min != null && NumberUtil.lessThan((Number) value, (Number) min))
-			{
-				return -1;
 			}
 			
-			return 0;
+			if (min != null 
+				&& NumberUtil.lessThan((Number) value, (Number) min))
+			{
+				return EConfigValidity.NUMBER_TOO_LOW;
+			}
+			
+			return EConfigValidity.VALID;
 		}
 		else
 		{
-			return 0;
+			return EConfigValidity.VALID;
 		}
 	}
 	
+	
+	
+	//===============//
+	// file handling //
+	//===============//
+	
 	/** This should normally not be called since set() automatically calls this */
-	public void save() { configBase.configFileINSTANCE.saveEntry(this); }
+	public void save() { ConfigHandler.INSTANCE.configFileHandler.saveEntry(this); }
 	/** This should normally not be called except for special circumstances */
-	public void load() { configBase.configFileINSTANCE.loadEntry(this); }
+	public void load() { ConfigHandler.INSTANCE.configFileHandler.loadEntry(this); }
 	
 	
-	@Override
+	
-	public boolean equals(IConfigEntry<?> obj) { return obj.getClass() == ConfigEntry.class && equals((ConfigEntry<?>) obj); }
+	//================//
+	// base overrides //
+	//================//
+	
+	public boolean equals(AbstractConfigBase<?> obj) 
+	{
+		return obj.getClass() == ConfigEntry.class 
+				&& this.equals((ConfigEntry<?>) obj); 
+	}
 	/** Is the value of this equal to another */
 	public boolean equals(ConfigEntry<?> obj)
 	{
 		// Can all of this just be "return this.value.equals(obj.value)"?
 		
 		if (Number.class.isAssignableFrom(this.value.getClass()))
+		{
 			return this.value == obj.value;
+		}
 		else
+		{
 			return this.value.equals(obj.value);
+		}
 	}
 	
 	
-	public static class Builder<T> extends AbstractConfigType.Builder<T, Builder<T>>
+	
+	//=========//
+	// builder //
+	//=========//
+	
+	public static class Builder<T> extends AbstractConfigBase.Builder<T, Builder<T>>
 	{
 		private String tmpComment = null;
 		private T tmpMin = null;
 		private T tmpMax = null;
 		protected String tmpChatCommandName = null;
 		private boolean tmpUseApiOverwrite = true;
-		private EConfigEntryPerformance tmpPerformance = EConfigEntryPerformance.DONT_SHOW;
 		protected ArrayList<IConfigListener> tmpIConfigListener = new ArrayList<>();
 		
+		
+		
 		public Builder<T> comment(String newComment)
 		{
 			this.tmpComment = newComment;
@@ -376,12 +356,6 @@ public class ConfigEntry<T> extends AbstractConfigType<T, ConfigEntry<T>> implem
 			return this;
 		}
 		
-		public Builder<T> setPerformance(EConfigEntryPerformance newPerformance)
-		{
-			this.tmpPerformance = newPerformance;
-			return this;
-		}
-		
 		
 		
 		public Builder<T> replaceListeners(ArrayList<IConfigListener> newConfigListener)
@@ -410,13 +384,15 @@ public class ConfigEntry<T> extends AbstractConfigType<T, ConfigEntry<T>> implem
 		
 		
 		
+		// build //
+		
 		public ConfigEntry<T> build()
 		{
 			return new ConfigEntry<>(
-					this.tmpAppearance, 
+					this.tmpAppearance,
-					this.tmpValue, this.tmpComment, this.tmpMin, this.tmpMax, 
+					this.tmpComment, this.tmpChatCommandName, this.tmpValue, this.tmpMin, this.tmpMax,
-					this.tmpChatCommandName, this.tmpUseApiOverwrite, 
+					this.tmpUseApiOverwrite, 
-					this.tmpPerformance, this.tmpIConfigListener);
+					this.tmpIConfigListener);
 		}
 		
 	}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/ConfigUIButton.java

@@ -21,29 +21,42 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigEntryAppearance;
 
-public class ConfigUIButton extends AbstractConfigType<Runnable, ConfigUIButton>
+public class ConfigUIButton extends AbstractConfigBase<Runnable>
 {
-	public ConfigUIButton(Runnable runnable)
+	//=============//
-	{
+	// constructor //
-		super(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI, runnable);
+	//=============//
-	}
 	
-	/** Runs the action of the button. NOTE: Will run on the main thread (so can halt the main process if not offloaded to a different thread) */
+	public ConfigUIButton(Runnable runnable)
+	{ super(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI, runnable); }
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// actions //
+	//=========//
+	
+	/** 
+	 * Runs the action of the button. 
+	 * NOTE: This will run on the render thread 
+	 * (so it can halt the main process if it takes too long and isn't offloaded to another thread)
+	 */
 	public void runAction() { this.value.run(); }
 	
-	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigType.Builder<Runnable, Builder>
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// builder //
+	//=========//
+	
+	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigBase.Builder<Runnable, Builder>
 	{
 		/** Appearance shouldn't be changed */
 		@Override
-		public Builder setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance newAppearance)
+		public Builder setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance newAppearance) { return this; }
-		{
-			return this;
-		}
 		
 		public ConfigUIButton build()
-		{
+		{ return new ConfigUIButton(this.tmpValue); }
-			return new ConfigUIButton(this.tmpValue);
-		}
 		
 	}
 	

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/ConfigUIComment.java

@@ -19,20 +19,47 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types;
 
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigCommentTextPosition;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigEntryAppearance;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
+import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 /**
  * Adds something like a ConfigEntry but without a button to change the input
  *
  * @author coolGi
  */
-public class ConfigUIComment extends AbstractConfigType<String, ConfigUIComment>
+public class ConfigUIComment extends AbstractConfigBase<String>
 {
-	public ConfigUIComment()
+	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
+	
+	
+	public String parentConfigPath = null;
+	@Nullable
+	public EConfigCommentTextPosition textPosition = null;
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
+	public ConfigUIComment(String parentConfigPath, @Nullable EConfigCommentTextPosition textPosition)
 	{
 		super(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI, "");
+		this.parentConfigPath = parentConfigPath;
+		this.textPosition = textPosition;
 	}
 	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// setters //
+	//=========//
+	
 	/** Appearance shouldn't be changed */
 	@Override
 	public void setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance newAppearance) { }
@@ -41,27 +68,112 @@ public class ConfigUIComment extends AbstractConfigType<String, ConfigUIComment>
 	@Override
 	public void set(String newValue) { }
 	
-	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigType.Builder<String, Builder>
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// builder //
+	//=========//
+	
+	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigBase.Builder<String, Builder>
 	{
+		public String tempParentConfigPath = null;
+		@Nullable
+		public EConfigCommentTextPosition tempTextPosition = null;
+		
+		
+		
 		/** Appearance shouldn't be changed */
+		@Deprecated
 		@Override
-		public Builder setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance newAppearance)
+		public Builder setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance newAppearance) { return this; }
-		{
-			return this;
-		}
 		
 		/** Pointless to set the value */
+		@Deprecated
 		@Override
 		public Builder set(String newValue)
+		{ return this; }
+		
+		
+		public Builder setParentConfigClass(@NotNull Class<?> parentConfigClass)
 		{
+			// expected format: "Config.Client.Advanced"
+			String packageName = parentConfigClass.getPackage().getName(); // com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config
+			String fullName = parentConfigClass.getName(); // com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config$Common$MultiThreading
+			
+			try
+			{
+				String configPath = fullName.substring(
+						packageName.length() + // "com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config"
+								1 + // "." before "Config"
+								Config.class.getSimpleName().length() + // "Config" 
+								1); // "$" before the inner class name
+				
+				// configPath after substring:
+				// Config$Common$MultiThreading
+				
+				this.tempParentConfigPath = convertPackageNameToLangPath(configPath); // client.advanced.graphics.Quality
+			}
+			catch (Exception e)
+			{
+				this.tempParentConfigPath = parentConfigClass.getSimpleName();
+				LOGGER.warn("Failed to parse config class: ["+fullName+"], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"], defaulting to: ["+this.tempParentConfigPath+"].", e);
+			}
+			
 			return this;
 		}
+		/** 
+		 * example:
+		 * input:  "Client$Advanced$multiThreading"
+		 * output: "client.advanced.multiThreading"
+		 */
+		public static String convertPackageNameToLangPath(String input)
+		{
+			StringBuilder result = new StringBuilder(input.length());
+			
+			for (int i = 0; i < input.length(); i++)
+			{
+				char ch = input.charAt(i);
+				if (i == 0)
+				{
+					result.append(Character.toLowerCase(ch));
+					continue;
+				}
+				
+				// replace '$' -> '.' to match lang path naming
+				if (ch == '$')
+				{
+					result.append('.');
+					continue;
+				}
+				
+				char lastCh = input.charAt(i-1);
+				if (lastCh == '$')
+				{
+					result.append(Character.toLowerCase(ch));
+					continue;
+				}
+				
+				result.append(ch);
+			}
+			return result.toString();
+		}
+		
+		
+		public Builder setTextPosition(EConfigCommentTextPosition textPosition)
+		{
+			this.tempTextPosition = textPosition;
+			return this; 
+		}
+		
+		
+		
+		// build //
 		
 		public ConfigUIComment build()
-		{
+		{ return new ConfigUIComment(this.tempParentConfigPath, this.tempTextPosition); }
-			return new ConfigUIComment();
-		}
 		
 	}
 	
+	
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/ConfigUISpacer.java

@@ -0,0 +1,71 @@
+/*
+ *    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.types;
+
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigEntryAppearance;
+
+/**
+ * Adds empty space the height of a button.
+ * Useful for separating different categories.
+ */
+public class ConfigUISpacer extends AbstractConfigBase<String>
+{
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
+	public ConfigUISpacer()
+	{ super(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI, ""); }
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// setters //
+	//=========//
+	
+	/** Appearance shouldn't be changed */
+	@Override
+	public void setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance newAppearance) { }
+	
+	/** Pointless to set the value */
+	@Override
+	public void set(String newValue) { }
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// builder //
+	//=========//
+	
+	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigBase.Builder<String, Builder>
+	{
+		/** Appearance shouldn't be changed */
+		@Override
+		public Builder setAppearance(EConfigEntryAppearance newAppearance) { return this; }
+		
+		/** Pointless to set the value */
+		@Override
+		public Builder set(String newValue) { return this; }
+		
+		public ConfigUISpacer build() { return new ConfigUISpacer(); }
+		
+	}
+	
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/ConfigUiLinkedEntry.java

@@ -23,17 +23,24 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums.EConfigEntryAppearance
 
 /**
  * Creates a UI element that copies everything from another element.
- * This only effects the UI
+ * This element is only visible in the GUI.
  *
  * @author coolGi
  */
-@Deprecated // FIXME doesn't work with localization
+public class ConfigUiLinkedEntry extends AbstractConfigBase<AbstractConfigBase<?>>
-public class ConfigUiLinkedEntry extends AbstractConfigType<AbstractConfigType<?, ?>, ConfigUiLinkedEntry>
 {
-	public ConfigUiLinkedEntry(AbstractConfigType<?, ?> value)
+	//=============//
-	{
+	// constructor //
-		super(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI, value);
+	//=============//
-	}
+	
+	public ConfigUiLinkedEntry(AbstractConfigBase<?> value)
+	{ super(EConfigEntryAppearance.ONLY_IN_GUI, value); }
+	
+	
+	
+	//=========//
+	// setters //
+	//=========//
 	
 	/** Appearance shouldn't be changed */
 	@Override
@@ -41,10 +48,15 @@ public class ConfigUiLinkedEntry extends AbstractConfigType<AbstractConfigType<?
 	
 	/** Value shouldn't be changed after creation */
 	@Override
-	public void set(AbstractConfigType<?, ?> newValue) { }
+	public void set(AbstractConfigBase<?> newValue) { }
 	
 	
-	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigType.Builder<AbstractConfigType<?, ?>, Builder>
+	
+	//=========//
+	// builder //
+	//=========//
+	
+	public static class Builder extends AbstractConfigBase.Builder<AbstractConfigBase<?>, Builder>
 	{
 		/** Appearance shouldn't be changed */
 		@Override
@@ -60,4 +72,6 @@ public class ConfigUiLinkedEntry extends AbstractConfigType<AbstractConfigType<?
 		
 	}
 	
+	
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/enums/EConfigCommentTextPosition.java

@@ -20,19 +20,13 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums;
 
 /**
- * What is the performance impact of an entry
+ * RIGHT_OVER_BUTTONS <br/>
- * (default is DONT_SHOW)
+ * CENTER_OF_SCREEN <br/>
- *
+ * CENTERED_OVER_BUTTONS <br/>
- * @author coolGi
  */
-public enum EConfigEntryPerformance
+public enum EConfigCommentTextPosition
 {
-	NONE,
+	RIGHT_JUSTIFIED,
-	VERY_LOW,
+	CENTER_OF_SCREEN,
-	LOW,
+	CENTERED_OVER_BUTTONS,
-	MEDIUM,
-	HIGH,
-	VERY_HIGH,
-	
-	DONT_SHOW
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/config/types/enums/EConfigValidity.java

@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.types.enums;
+
+/**
+ * VALID
+ * INVALID
+ * NUMBER_TOO_HIGH
+ * NUMBER_TOO_LOW
+ */
+public enum EConfigValidity
+{
+	VALID,
+	INVALID,
+	NUMBER_TOO_HIGH,
+	NUMBER_TOO_LOW,
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/fullData/FullDataPointIdMap.java

@@ -29,13 +29,12 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.block.IBlockStateWrappe
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IBiomeWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.IWrapperFactory;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
-import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.ints.Int2ReferenceOpenHashMap;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 
 import java.io.*;
 import java.util.*;
-import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantReadWriteLock;
+import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentHashMap;
 
 /**
  * WARNING: This is not THREAD-SAFE! <br><br>
@@ -46,7 +45,7 @@ import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantReadWriteLock;
  *  since it stringifies every block and biome name, which is quite bulky.
  *  It might be worth while to have a biome and block ID that then both get mapped
  *  to the data point ID to reduce file size.
- *  And/or it would be good to dynamically remove IDs that aren't currently in use.  
+ *  And/or it would be good to dynamically remove IDs that aren't currently in use.
  * 
  * @author Leetom
  */
@@ -63,15 +62,12 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 	private static final String BLOCK_STATE_SEPARATOR_STRING = "_DH-BSW_";
 	
 	
-	/** used when the data point map is running normally */
-	private final ReentrantReadWriteLock readWriteLock = new ReentrantReadWriteLock();
-	
 	/** should only be used for debugging */
 	private long pos;
 	
 	/** The index should be the same as the Entry's ID */
 	private final ArrayList<Entry> entryList = new ArrayList<>();
-	private final HashMap<Entry, Integer> idMap = new HashMap<>();
+	private final ConcurrentHashMap<Entry, Integer> idMap = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
 	
 	private int cachedHashCode = 0;
 	
@@ -89,34 +85,25 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 	// getters //
 	//=========//
 	
-	/** @throws IndexOutOfBoundsException if the given ID isn't in the {@link FullDataPointIdMap#entryList} */
-	private Entry getEntry(int id) throws IndexOutOfBoundsException
-	{
-		try
-		{
-			this.readWriteLock.readLock().lock();
-			Entry entry;
-			try
-			{
-				entry = this.entryList.get(id);
-			}
-			catch (IndexOutOfBoundsException e)
-			{
-				throw new IndexOutOfBoundsException("FullData ID Map out of sync for pos: "+this.pos+". ID: ["+id+"] greater than the number of known ID's: ["+this.entryList.size()+"].");
-			}
-			
-			return entry;
-		}
-		finally
-		{
-			this.readWriteLock.readLock().unlock();
-		}
-	}
-	
 	/** @see FullDataPointIdMap#getEntry(int) */
 	public IBiomeWrapper getBiomeWrapper(int id) throws IndexOutOfBoundsException { return this.getEntry(id).biome; }
 	/** @see FullDataPointIdMap#getEntry(int) */
 	public IBlockStateWrapper getBlockStateWrapper(int id) throws IndexOutOfBoundsException { return this.getEntry(id).blockState; }
+	/** @throws IndexOutOfBoundsException if the given ID isn't in the {@link FullDataPointIdMap#entryList} */
+	private Entry getEntry(int id) throws IndexOutOfBoundsException
+	{
+		Entry entry;
+		try
+		{
+			entry = this.entryList.get(id);
+		}
+		catch (IndexOutOfBoundsException e)
+		{
+			throw new IndexOutOfBoundsException("FullData ID Map out of sync for pos: "+this.pos+". ID: ["+id+"] greater than the number of known ID's: ["+this.entryList.size()+"].");
+		}
+		
+		return entry;
+	}
 	
 	
 	/** @return -1 if the list is empty */
@@ -137,74 +124,37 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 	 * If an entry with the given values already exists nothing will
 	 * be added but the existing item's ID will still be returned.
 	 */
-	public int addIfNotPresentAndGetId(IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper blockState) { return this.addIfNotPresentAndGetId(Entry.getEntry(biome, blockState), true); }
+	public int addIfNotPresentAndGetId(IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper blockState) { return this.addIfNotPresentAndGetId(Entry.getEntry(biome, blockState)); }
-	/** @param useWriteLocks should only be false if this method is already in a write lock to prevent unlocking at the wrong time */
+	private int addIfNotPresentAndGetId(Entry biomeBlockStateEntry)
-	private int addIfNotPresentAndGetId(Entry biomeBlockStateEntry, boolean useWriteLocks)
 	{
-		try
+		// try getting the existing ID
+		Integer nullableId = this.idMap.get(biomeBlockStateEntry);
+		if (nullableId != null)
 		{
-			if (useWriteLocks)
+			return nullableId;
-			{
-				this.readWriteLock.writeLock().lock();
-			}
-			
-			
-			int id;
-			if (this.idMap.containsKey(biomeBlockStateEntry))
-			{
-				// use the existing ID
-				id = this.idMap.get(biomeBlockStateEntry);
-			}
-			else
-			{
-				// Add the new ID
-				id = this.entryList.size();
-				this.entryList.add(biomeBlockStateEntry);
-				this.idMap.put(biomeBlockStateEntry, id);
-				
-				// invalidate the cached hash code
-				this.cachedHashCode = 0;
-			}
-			
-			return id;
 		}
-		finally
+		
+		
+		// create the new ID
+		return this.idMap.compute(biomeBlockStateEntry, (Entry newBiomeBlockStateEntry, Integer currentId) -> 
 		{
-			if (useWriteLocks)
+			if (currentId != null)
 			{
-				this.readWriteLock.writeLock().unlock();
+				return currentId;
-			}
-		}
-	}
-	
-	/** allows for adding duplicate {@link Entry} */
-	private void add(Entry biomeBlockStateEntry, boolean useWriteLocks)
-	{
-		try
-		{
-			if (useWriteLocks)
-			{
-				this.readWriteLock.writeLock().lock();
 			}
 			
 			
-			int id = this.entryList.size();
+			// Add the new ID
+			currentId = this.entryList.size();
 			this.entryList.add(biomeBlockStateEntry);
-			this.idMap.put(biomeBlockStateEntry, id);
 			
 			// invalidate the cached hash code
 			this.cachedHashCode = 0;
-		}
+			
-		finally
+			return currentId;
-		{
+		});
-			if (useWriteLocks)
-			{
-				this.readWriteLock.writeLock().unlock();
-			}
-		}
 	}
 	
-	
 	/**
 	 * Adds every {@link Entry} from inputMap into this map. <br>
 	 * Allows duplicate entries. <br><br>
@@ -216,28 +166,23 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 	 */
 	public void addAll(FullDataPointIdMap inputMap)
 	{
-		try
+		ArrayList<Entry> entriesToMerge = inputMap.entryList;
+		for (int i = 0; i < entriesToMerge.size(); i++)
 		{
-			//LOGGER.trace("adding {" + this.pos + ", " + this.entryList.size() + "} and {" + inputMap.pos + ", " + inputMap.entryList.size() + "}");
+			Entry entity = entriesToMerge.get(i);
-			
+			this.add(entity);
-			inputMap.readWriteLock.readLock().lock();
-			this.readWriteLock.writeLock().lock();
-			
-			ArrayList<Entry> entriesToMerge = inputMap.entryList;
-			for (int i = 0; i < entriesToMerge.size(); i++)
-			{
-				Entry entity = entriesToMerge.get(i);
-				this.add(entity, false);
-			}
-		}
-		finally
-		{
-			this.readWriteLock.writeLock().unlock();
-			inputMap.readWriteLock.readLock().unlock();
-			
-			//LOGGER.trace("finished merging {" + this.pos + ", " + this.entryList.size() + "} and {" + inputMap.pos + ", " + inputMap.entryList.size() + "}");
 		}
 	}
+	/** allows for adding duplicate {@link Entry} */
+	private void add(Entry biomeBlockStateEntry)
+	{
+		int id = this.entryList.size();
+		this.entryList.add(biomeBlockStateEntry);
+		this.idMap.put(biomeBlockStateEntry, id);
+		
+		// invalidate the cached hash code
+		this.cachedHashCode = 0;
+	}
 	
 	/**
 	 * Adds each entry from the given map to this map. <br><br>
@@ -250,31 +195,16 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 	 */
 	public int[] mergeAndReturnRemappedEntityIds(FullDataPointIdMap inputMap)
 	{
-		try
+		ArrayList<Entry> entriesToMerge = inputMap.entryList;
+		int[] remappedEntryIds = new int[entriesToMerge.size()];
+		for (int i = 0; i < entriesToMerge.size(); i++)
 		{
-			//LOGGER.trace("merging {" + this.pos + ", " + this.entryList.size() + "} and {" + inputMap.pos + ", " + inputMap.entryList.size() + "}");
+			Entry entity = entriesToMerge.get(i);
-			
+			int id = this.addIfNotPresentAndGetId(entity);
-			inputMap.readWriteLock.readLock().lock();
+			remappedEntryIds[i] = id;
-			this.readWriteLock.writeLock().lock();
-			
-			ArrayList<Entry> entriesToMerge = inputMap.entryList;
-			int[] remappedEntryIds = new int[entriesToMerge.size()];
-			for (int i = 0; i < entriesToMerge.size(); i++)
-			{
-				Entry entity = entriesToMerge.get(i);
-				int id = this.addIfNotPresentAndGetId(entity, false);
-				remappedEntryIds[i] = id;
-			}
-			
-			return remappedEntryIds;
-		}
-		finally
-		{
-			this.readWriteLock.writeLock().unlock();
-			inputMap.readWriteLock.readLock().unlock();
-			
-			//LOGGER.trace("finished merging {" + this.pos + ", " + this.entryList.size() + "} and {" + inputMap.pos + ", " + inputMap.entryList.size() + "}");
 		}
+		
+		return remappedEntryIds;
 	}
 	
 	/** Should only be used if this map is going to be reused, otherwise bad things will happen. */
@@ -295,38 +225,29 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 	/** Serializes all contained entries into the given stream, formatted in UTF */
 	public void serialize(DhDataOutputStream outputStream) throws IOException
 	{
-		try
+		outputStream.writeInt(this.entryList.size());
+		
+		// only used when debugging
+		HashMap<String, FullDataPointIdMap.Entry> dataPointEntryBySerialization = new HashMap<>();
+		
+		for (Entry entry : this.entryList)
 		{
-			this.readWriteLock.readLock().lock();
+			String entryString = entry.serialize();
-			outputStream.writeInt(this.entryList.size());
+			outputStream.writeUTF(entryString);
 			
-			// only used when debugging
+			if (RUN_SERIALIZATION_DUPLICATE_VALIDATION)
-			HashMap<String, FullDataPointIdMap.Entry> dataPointEntryBySerialization = new HashMap<>();
-			
-			for (Entry entry : this.entryList)
 			{
-				String entryString = entry.serialize();
+				if (dataPointEntryBySerialization.containsKey(entryString))
-				outputStream.writeUTF(entryString);
-				
-				if (RUN_SERIALIZATION_DUPLICATE_VALIDATION)
 				{
-					if (dataPointEntryBySerialization.containsKey(entryString))
+					LOGGER.error("Duplicate serialized entry found with serial: " + entryString);
-					{
-						LOGGER.error("Duplicate serialized entry found with serial: " + entryString);
-					}
-					if (dataPointEntryBySerialization.containsValue(entry))
-					{
-						LOGGER.error("Duplicate serialized entry found with value: " + entry.serialize());
-					}
-					dataPointEntryBySerialization.put(entryString, entry);
 				}
+				if (dataPointEntryBySerialization.containsValue(entry))
+				{
+					LOGGER.error("Duplicate serialized entry found with value: " + entry.serialize());
+				}
+				dataPointEntryBySerialization.put(entryString, entry);
 			}
 		}
-		finally
-		{
-			this.readWriteLock.readLock().unlock();
-			//LOGGER.trace("serialize " + this.pos + " " + this.entryList.size());
-		}
 	}
 	
 	/** Creates a new IdBiomeBlockStateMap from the given UTF formatted stream */
@@ -429,14 +350,15 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 	{
 		private static final IWrapperFactory WRAPPER_FACTORY = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IWrapperFactory.class);
 		
-		private static final Int2ReferenceOpenHashMap<ArrayList<Entry>> ENTRY_POOL = new Int2ReferenceOpenHashMap<>();
+		/** two levels are present so we don't need to use a key object */
-		/** lock is necessary since {@link Int2ReferenceOpenHashMap} isn't concurrent and concurrent threads can cause infinite loops */
+		private static final ConcurrentHashMap<IBiomeWrapper, ConcurrentHashMap<IBlockStateWrapper, Entry>> ENTRY_BY_BLOCKSTATE_BY_BIOMEWRAPPER = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
-		private static final ReentrantReadWriteLock ENTRY_POOL_LOCK = new ReentrantReadWriteLock();
 		
 		public final IBiomeWrapper biome;
 		public final IBlockStateWrapper blockState;
 		
-		private Integer hashCode = null;
+		private int hashCode = 0;
+		private boolean hashGenerated = false;
+		private String serialString = null;
 		
 		
 		
@@ -446,62 +368,21 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 		
 		public static Entry getEntry(IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper blockState)
 		{
-			int entryHash = getHashCode(biome, blockState);
+			// check for existing entry
-			
+			ConcurrentHashMap<IBlockStateWrapper, Entry> entryByBlockState = ENTRY_BY_BLOCKSTATE_BY_BIOMEWRAPPER.get(biome);
-			// try getting the existing entry
+			if (entryByBlockState != null)
-			try
 			{
-				ENTRY_POOL_LOCK.readLock().lock();
+				Entry entry = entryByBlockState.get(blockState);
-				
+				if (entry != null)
-				// check if an entry already exists
-				ArrayList<Entry> entryList = ENTRY_POOL.get(entryHash);
-				if (entryList != null)
 				{
-					// at least one entry exists with this hash code
+					return entry;
-					for (int i = 0; i < entryList.size(); i++)
-					{
-						Entry entry = entryList.get(i);
-						if (entry.biome.equals(biome) && entry.blockState.equals(blockState))
-						{
-							return entry;
-						}
-					}
-					
-					// if we got here, then there was a hash collision and this entry wasn't present in the array
 				}
 			}
-			finally
-			{
-				ENTRY_POOL_LOCK.readLock().unlock();
-			}
 			
-			
+			// Lazily create the inner map and new Entry
-			// no entry exists,
+			return ENTRY_BY_BLOCKSTATE_BY_BIOMEWRAPPER
-			// create a new one
+					.computeIfAbsent(biome, newBiome -> new ConcurrentHashMap<>())
-			try
+					.computeIfAbsent(blockState, newBlockState -> new Entry(biome, blockState));
-			{
-				ENTRY_POOL_LOCK.writeLock().lock();
-				
-				ArrayList<Entry> entryList = ENTRY_POOL.get(entryHash);
-				if (entryList == null)
-				{
-					// no entries exist for this hash code
-					
-					// we assume that hash collisions should basically never happen, 
-					// so the array starts with an initial capacity of 1.
-					// However, since collisions will eventually happen, using an arrayList prevents unexpected bugs caused by collisions.
-					entryList = new ArrayList<>(1);
-					ENTRY_POOL.put(entryHash, entryList);
-				}
-				
-				Entry newEntry = new Entry(biome, blockState);
-				entryList.add(newEntry);
-				return newEntry;
-			}
-			finally
-			{
-				ENTRY_POOL_LOCK.writeLock().unlock();
-			}
 		}
 		private Entry(IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper blockState)
 		{
@@ -515,8 +396,24 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 		// overrides //
 		//===========//
 		
-		public static int getHashCode(Entry entry) { return getHashCode(entry.biome, entry.blockState); }
+		/** 
-		public static int getHashCode(IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper blockState)
+		 * Reminder: this hash code won't always be unique, collisions can occur;
+		 * because of that this hash shouldn't be the only unique identifier for this object.
+		 */
+		@Override
+		public int hashCode()
+		{
+			// cache the hash code to improve speed
+			if (!this.hashGenerated)
+			{
+				this.hashCode = generateHashCode(this);
+				this.hashGenerated = true;
+			}
+			
+			return this.hashCode;
+		}
+		private static int generateHashCode(Entry entry) { return generateHashCode(entry.biome, entry.blockState); }
+		private static int generateHashCode(IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper blockState)
 		{
 			final int prime = 31;
 			
@@ -527,26 +424,19 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 			result = prime * result + (blockState == null ? 0 : blockState.hashCode());
 			return result;
 		}
-		@Override
-		public int hashCode()
-		{
-			// cache the hash code to improve speed
-			if (this.hashCode == null)
-			{
-				this.hashCode = getHashCode(this);
-			}
-			
-			return this.hashCode;
-		}
 		
 		@Override
 		public boolean equals(Object otherObj)
 		{
 			if (otherObj == this)
+			{
 				return true;
+			}
 			
 			if (!(otherObj instanceof Entry))
+			{
 				return false;
+			}
 			
 			Entry other = (Entry) otherObj;
 			return other.biome.getSerialString().equals(this.biome.getSerialString())
@@ -562,7 +452,15 @@ public class FullDataPointIdMap
 		// (de)serializing //
 		//=================//
 		
-		public String serialize() { return this.biome.getSerialString() + BLOCK_STATE_SEPARATOR_STRING + this.blockState.getSerialString(); }
+		public String serialize() 
+		{
+			if (this.serialString == null)
+			{
+				this.serialString = this.biome.getSerialString() + BLOCK_STATE_SEPARATOR_STRING + this.blockState.getSerialString();
+			}
+			
+			return this.serialString;
+		}
 		
 		public static Entry deserialize(String str, ILevelWrapper levelWrapper) throws DataCorruptedException
 		{

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/fullData/sources/FullDataSourceV1.java

@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ public class FullDataSourceV1 implements IDataSource<IDhLevel>
 	public String getKeyDisplayString() { return DhSectionPos.toString(this.pos); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public Long getPos() { return this.pos; }
+	public long getPos() { return this.pos; }
 	
 	public void resizeDataStructuresForRepopulation(long pos)
 	{

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/fullData/sources/FullDataSourceV2.java

@@ -29,12 +29,16 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.AbstractDataSourceHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.IDataSource;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IDhLevel;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListParent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.AbstractPhantomArrayList;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListCheckout;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListPool;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhLodPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.*;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.objects.DataCorruptedException;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.chunk.IChunkWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.ModInfo;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.bytes.ByteArrayList;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.LongArrayList;
@@ -53,7 +57,7 @@ import java.util.List;
  * @see FullDataSourceV1
  */
 public class FullDataSourceV2 
-		extends PhantomArrayListParent
+		extends AbstractPhantomArrayList
 		implements IDataSource<IDhLevel>, IDhApiFullDataSource
 {
 	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
@@ -73,7 +77,7 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 	
 	public static final byte DATA_FORMAT_VERSION = 1;
 	
-	public static final PhantomArrayListPool ARRAY_LIST_POOL = new PhantomArrayListPool("FullDataV2", false);
+	public static final PhantomArrayListPool ARRAY_LIST_POOL = new PhantomArrayListPool("FullDataV2");
 	
 	
 	
@@ -116,7 +120,12 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 	public final LongArrayList[] dataPoints;
 	
 	public boolean isEmpty;
-	public boolean applyToParent = false;
+	/** Will be null if we don't want to update this value in the DB */
+	@Nullable
+	public Boolean applyToParent = null;
+	/** Will be null if we don't want to update this value in the DB */
+	@Nullable
+	public Boolean applyToChildren = null;
 	
 	/** should only be used by methods exposed via the DH API */
 	private boolean runApiChunkValidation = false;
@@ -127,7 +136,7 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 	// constructors //
 	//==============//
 	
-	public static FullDataSourceV2 createFromChunk(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper) { return LodDataBuilder.createFromChunk(chunkWrapper); }
+	public static FullDataSourceV2 createFromChunk(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper, IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper) { return LodDataBuilder.createFromChunk(levelWrapper, chunkWrapper); }
 	
 	public static FullDataSourceV2 createFromLegacyDataSourceV1(FullDataSourceV1 legacyData)
 	{
@@ -269,20 +278,88 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 		{
 			ListUtil.clearAndSetSize(this.columnWorldCompressionMode, WIDTH * WIDTH);
 		}
-		
-		
-		// the pooled arrays have all been set,
-		// the checkout object is no longer needed
-		this.pooledArraysCheckout = null;
 	}
 	
 	
 	
 	//======//
-	// data //
+	// getters //
 	//======//
 	
-	public LongArrayList get(int relX, int relZ) throws IndexOutOfBoundsException { return this.dataPoints[relativePosToIndex(relX, relZ)]; }
+	public LongArrayList get(int relX, int relZ) throws IndexOutOfBoundsException 
+	{ return this.dataPoints[relativePosToIndex(relX, relZ)]; }
+	
+	/** 
+	 * returns {@link FullDataPointUtil#EMPTY_DATA_POINT} if the given {@link DhBlockPos}
+	 * is outside this data source's boundaries.
+	 */
+	public long getAtBlockPos(DhBlockPos blockPos)
+	{
+		DhLodPos requestedPos = new DhLodPos(LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, blockPos.getX(), blockPos.getZ());
+		
+		// stop if the requested blockPos is outside this datasource
+		{
+			// get the detail levels for this request
+			byte requestedDetailLevel = requestedPos.detailLevel;
+			byte requestedSectionDetailLevel = (byte) (requestedDetailLevel + DhSectionPos.SECTION_MINIMUM_DETAIL_LEVEL);
+	
+			// get the positions for this request
+			long sectionPos = requestedPos.getSectionPosWithSectionDetailLevel(requestedSectionDetailLevel);
+			if (!DhSectionPos.contains(this.pos, sectionPos))
+			{
+				return FullDataPointUtil.EMPTY_DATA_POINT;
+			}
+		}
+		
+		
+		// get the relative data source position
+		byte requestDetailLevel = (byte) (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) - DhSectionPos.SECTION_MINIMUM_DETAIL_LEVEL);
+		DhLodPos relativePos = requestedPos.getDhSectionRelativePositionForDetailLevel(requestDetailLevel);
+		
+		// get the data column
+		LongArrayList dataColumn = this.get(relativePos.x, relativePos.z);
+		if (dataColumn == null)
+		{
+			return FullDataPointUtil.EMPTY_DATA_POINT;
+		}
+		
+		
+		// search for a datapoint that contains the given block y position
+		long dataPoint;
+		for (int i = 0; i < dataColumn.size(); i++)
+		{
+			dataPoint = dataColumn.getLong(i);
+			
+			// we are looking for a specific datapoint,
+			// don't look at null ones
+			if (dataPoint == FullDataPointUtil.EMPTY_DATA_POINT)
+			{
+				continue;
+			}
+			
+			
+			
+			int requestedY = blockPos.getY();
+			int bottomY = FullDataPointUtil.getBottomY(dataPoint) + this.levelMinY;
+			int height = FullDataPointUtil.getHeight(dataPoint);
+			int topY = bottomY + height;
+			
+			// does this datapoint contain the requested Y position? 
+			if (bottomY <= requestedY
+				&& requestedY < topY) // blockPositions start from the bottom of the block, thus "<=" for bottomY, just "<" for topY
+			{
+				return dataPoint;
+			}
+		}
+		
+		return FullDataPointUtil.EMPTY_DATA_POINT;
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//==========//
+	// updating //
+	//==========//
 	
 	@Override
 	public boolean update(@NotNull FullDataSourceV2 inputDataSource, @Nullable IDhLevel level) { return this.update(inputDataSource); }
@@ -306,10 +383,47 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 		if (inputDetailLevel == thisDetailLevel)
 		{
 			dataChanged = this.updateFromSameDetailLevel(inputDataSource, remappedIds);
+			
+			// same detail level, propagate parent/children update flags from input
+			if (this.applyToParent != null || inputDataSource.applyToParent != null)
+			{
+				this.applyToParent =
+						// copy over application flag if either are set to continue propagating
+						(BoolUtil.falseIfNull(this.applyToParent) || BoolUtil.falseIfNull(inputDataSource.applyToParent))
+						// don't propagate past the top of the tree
+						&& (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) < AbstractDataSourceHandler.TOP_SECTION_DETAIL_LEVEL);
+			}
+			
+			// null check to prevent setting a flag we don't want to save in the DB
+			if (this.applyToChildren != null || inputDataSource.applyToChildren != null)
+			{
+				this.applyToChildren =
+						(BoolUtil.falseIfNull(this.applyToChildren) || BoolUtil.falseIfNull(inputDataSource.applyToChildren))
+						// don't propagate past the bottom of the tree
+						&& (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) > AbstractDataSourceHandler.MIN_SECTION_DETAIL_LEVEL);
+			}
 		}
 		else if (inputDetailLevel + 1 == thisDetailLevel)
 		{
 			dataChanged = this.updateFromOneBelowDetailLevel(inputDataSource, remappedIds);
+			
+			// propagating up, parent will need changes
+			this.applyToParent =
+					dataChanged
+					&& (BoolUtil.falseIfNull(this.applyToParent) || BoolUtil.falseIfNull(inputDataSource.applyToParent))
+					&& (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) < AbstractDataSourceHandler.TOP_SECTION_DETAIL_LEVEL);
+			
+		}
+		else if (inputDetailLevel - 1 == thisDetailLevel)
+		{
+			dataChanged = this.downsampleFromOneAboveDetailLevel(inputDataSource, remappedIds);
+			
+			// propagating down, children will need changes
+			
+			this.applyToChildren =
+					dataChanged
+					&& (BoolUtil.falseIfNull(this.applyToChildren) || BoolUtil.falseIfNull(inputDataSource.applyToChildren))
+					&& (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) > AbstractDataSourceHandler.MIN_SECTION_DETAIL_LEVEL);
 		}
 		else
 		{
@@ -317,12 +431,9 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 			// and would lead to edge cases that don't necessarily need to be supported 
 			// (IE what do you do when the input is smaller than a single datapoint in the receiving data source?)
 			// instead it's better to just percolate the updates up
-			throw new UnsupportedOperationException("Unsupported data source update. Expected input detail level of ["+thisDetailLevel+"] or ["+(thisDetailLevel+1)+"], received detail level ["+inputDetailLevel+"].");
+			throw new UnsupportedOperationException("Unsupported data source update. Expected input detail level of ["+(thisDetailLevel-1)+"], ["+thisDetailLevel+"], or ["+(thisDetailLevel+1)+"], received detail level ["+inputDetailLevel+"].");
 		}
 		
-		// determine if this data source should be applied to its parent
-		this.applyToParent = (dataChanged && DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) < AbstractDataSourceHandler.TOP_SECTION_DETAIL_LEVEL);
-		
 		if (dataChanged)
 		{
 			// update the hash code
@@ -331,6 +442,7 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 		
 		return dataChanged;
 	}
+	
 	public boolean updateFromSameDetailLevel(FullDataSourceV2 inputDataSource, int[] remappedIds)
 	{
 		// both data sources should have the same detail level
@@ -353,9 +465,31 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 				{
 					byte thisGenState = this.columnGenerationSteps.getByte(index);
 					byte inputGenState = inputDataSource.columnGenerationSteps.getByte(index);
+				
 					
-					if (inputGenState != EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY.value
+					// determine if this column should be updated
-						&& thisGenState <= inputGenState)
+					boolean genStateAllowsUpdating = false;
+					// if the input is downsampled, we only want to replace empty or downsampled values
+					if (inputGenState == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.DOWN_SAMPLED.value
+						&&
+						(
+							thisGenState == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY.value
+							|| thisGenState == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.DOWN_SAMPLED.value
+						))
+					{
+						genStateAllowsUpdating = true;
+					}
+					// if the input is any other non-empty value,
+					// replace anything that is less-complete
+					else if (inputGenState != EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY.value
+							&& thisGenState <= inputGenState)
+					{
+						// don't apply less-complete generation data
+						genStateAllowsUpdating = true;
+					}
+					
+					
+					if (genStateAllowsUpdating)
 					{
 						// check if the data changed
 						if (this.dataPoints[index] == null)
@@ -835,6 +969,102 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 		return value;
 	}
 	
+	/** 
+	 * Only downsamples into a given column if this data source doesn't
+	 * already contain data in that column.
+	 * This is done to prevent accidentally downsampling onto already present higher-detail data.
+	 */
+	public boolean downsampleFromOneAboveDetailLevel(FullDataSourceV2 inputDataSource, int[] remappedIds)
+	{
+		if (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(inputDataSource.pos) - 1 != DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos))
+		{
+			throw new IllegalArgumentException("Input data source must be exactly 1 detail level above this data source. Expected [" + (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) - 1) + "], received [" + DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(inputDataSource.pos) + "].");
+		}
+		
+		// input is one detail level higher (lower detail)
+		// so 1x1 input data points will be converted into 2x2 recipient data point
+		
+		
+		// determine where in this data source should be read from
+		// since the input is one detail level above this will be one of input position's 4 children
+		int minParentXPos = DhSectionPos.getX(DhSectionPos.getChildByIndex(inputDataSource.pos, 0));
+		int inputOffsetX = (DhSectionPos.getX(this.pos) == minParentXPos) ? 0 : (WIDTH / 2);
+		int minParentZPos = DhSectionPos.getZ(DhSectionPos.getChildByIndex(inputDataSource.pos, 0));
+		int inputOffsetZ = (DhSectionPos.getZ(this.pos) == minParentZPos) ? 0 : (WIDTH / 2);
+		
+		
+		
+		// merge the input's data points
+		// into this data source's
+		boolean dataChanged = false;
+		for (int x = 0; x < WIDTH; x++)
+		{
+			for (int z = 0; z < WIDTH; z++)
+			{
+				// recipient index is 1-to-1
+				int recipientIndex = relativePosToIndex(x, z);
+				
+				int inputX = (x / 2) + inputOffsetX;
+				int inputZ = (z / 2) + inputOffsetZ;
+				int inputIndex = relativePosToIndex(inputX, inputZ);
+				
+				
+				// world gen //
+				
+				// a separate generation step needs to be used so can replace
+				// this data with higher-quality data when it is available
+				byte inputGenStep = EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.DOWN_SAMPLED.value;
+				this.columnGenerationSteps.set(recipientIndex, inputGenStep);
+				
+				
+				// world compression //
+				byte worldCompressionMode = inputDataSource.columnWorldCompressionMode.getByte(recipientIndex);
+				this.columnWorldCompressionMode.set(recipientIndex, worldCompressionMode);
+				
+				
+				
+				// data points //
+				
+				// check if this column should be downsampled
+				boolean downSampleColumn;
+				if (this.dataPoints[recipientIndex] == null)
+				{
+					downSampleColumn = true;
+				}
+				else
+				{
+					downSampleColumn = true; // assume empty until we find non-empty data
+					for (long dataPoint : this.dataPoints[recipientIndex])
+					{
+						if (dataPoint != FullDataPointUtil.EMPTY_DATA_POINT)
+						{
+							downSampleColumn = false;
+							break;
+						}
+					}
+				}
+				
+				if (downSampleColumn)
+				{
+					LongArrayList inputDataArray = inputDataSource.dataPoints[inputIndex];
+					this.dataPoints[recipientIndex] = inputDataArray;
+					this.remapDataColumn(recipientIndex, remappedIds);
+					
+					if (RUN_DATA_ORDER_VALIDATION)
+					{
+						throwIfDataColumnInWrongOrder(inputDataSource.pos, this.dataPoints[recipientIndex]);
+					}
+					
+					dataChanged = true;
+				}
+				
+				this.isEmpty = false;
+			}
+		}
+		
+		return dataChanged;
+	}
+	
 	
 	
 	//================//
@@ -866,6 +1096,11 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 	 */
 	public static void throwIfDataColumnInWrongOrder(long pos, LongArrayList dataArray) throws IllegalStateException
 	{
+		if (dataArray.size() < 2)
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
 		long firstDataPoint = dataArray.getLong(0);
 		int firstBottomY = FullDataPointUtil.getBottomY(firstDataPoint);
 		
@@ -884,6 +1119,11 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 	 */
 	private static void ensureDataColumnOrder(LongArrayList dataColumn)
 	{
+		if (dataColumn.size() < 2)
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
 		long firstDataPoint = dataColumn.getLong(0);
 		int firstBottomY = FullDataPointUtil.getBottomY(firstDataPoint);
 		
@@ -911,7 +1151,7 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 	//=====================//
 	
 	@Override
-	public Long getPos() { return this.pos; }
+	public long getPos() { return this.pos; }
 	
 	@Override
 	public byte getDataDetailLevel() { return (byte) (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) - DhSectionPos.SECTION_MINIMUM_DETAIL_LEVEL); }
@@ -972,7 +1212,7 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 			LongArrayList packedDataPoints = LodDataBuilder.convertApiDataPointListToPackedLongArray(columnDataPoints, this, 0);
 			
 			// TODO there should be an "unknown" compression and generation step, or be defined via the datapoints
-			this.setSingleColumn(packedDataPoints, relX, relZ, EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.LIGHT, EDhApiWorldCompressionMode.MERGE_SAME_BLOCKS);
+			this.setSingleColumn(packedDataPoints, relX, relZ, EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.SURFACE, EDhApiWorldCompressionMode.MERGE_SAME_BLOCKS);
 			
 			return columnDataPoints;
 		}
@@ -1001,6 +1241,15 @@ public class FullDataSourceV2
 	
 	
 	
+	//============//
+	// unit tests //
+	//============//
+	
+	public PhantomArrayListCheckout getPhantomArrayCheckoutForUnitTesting()
+	{ return this.pooledArraysCheckout; }
+	
+	
+	
 	//================//
 	// base overrides //
 	//================//

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/render/CachedColumnRenderSource.java

@@ -0,0 +1,96 @@
+package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.render;
+
+import com.google.common.cache.Cache;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
+
+import java.util.concurrent.CompletableFuture;
+import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicInteger;
+import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;
+
+/** 
+ * Wrapper for {@link ColumnRenderSource} that handles reference counting
+ * and cache tracking.
+ */
+public class CachedColumnRenderSource implements AutoCloseable
+{
+	/** an externally handled future that will complete once the {@link CachedColumnRenderSource#columnRenderSource} has finished loading */
+	public final CompletableFuture<CachedColumnRenderSource> loadFuture;
+	/** will be null initially, should be non-null once the corresponding load future is done */
+	@Nullable
+	public ColumnRenderSource columnRenderSource = null;
+	
+	private final AtomicInteger referenceCount;
+	private final Cache<Long, CachedColumnRenderSource> cachedRenderSourceByPos;
+	private final ReentrantLock getterLock;
+	
+	
+	
+	//=============//
+	// constructor //
+	//=============//
+	
+	public CachedColumnRenderSource(
+			@NotNull CompletableFuture<CachedColumnRenderSource> loadFuture,
+			@NotNull ReentrantLock getterLock,
+			@NotNull Cache<Long, CachedColumnRenderSource> cachedRenderSourceByPos)
+	{
+		this.loadFuture = loadFuture;
+		this.getterLock = getterLock;
+		this.referenceCount = new AtomicInteger(1);
+		this.cachedRenderSourceByPos = cachedRenderSourceByPos;
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//====================//
+	// reference counting //
+	//====================//
+	
+	public void markInUse() { this.referenceCount.getAndIncrement(); }
+	
+	
+	
+	//================//
+	// base overrides //
+	//================//
+	
+	/** 
+	 * Will be called multiple times,
+	 * however it will only close the underlying data once
+	 * all references have closed.
+	 */
+	@Override 
+	public void close() throws IllegalStateException
+	{
+		try
+		{
+			// lock to prevent other threads for accessing the cache if we invalidate it
+			this.getterLock.lock();
+			
+			// should only happen if something goes wrong up-stream
+			if (this.columnRenderSource == null)
+			{
+				return;
+			}
+			
+			
+			// only close once everyone is done with this datasource
+			int refCount = this.referenceCount.decrementAndGet();
+			if (refCount == 0)
+			{
+				this.cachedRenderSourceByPos.invalidate(this.columnRenderSource.pos);
+				this.columnRenderSource.close();
+			}
+			else if (refCount < 0)
+			{
+				throw new IllegalStateException("Render source ["+this.columnRenderSource.pos+"] reference count incorrect. Object already closed.");
+			}
+		}
+		finally
+		{
+			this.getterLock.unlock();
+		}
+	}
+	
+}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/render/ColumnRenderSource.java

@@ -19,20 +19,13 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.render;
 
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.worldGeneration.EDhApiWorldGenerationStep;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.transformers.FullDataToRenderDataTransformer;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.IDataSource;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListParent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.AbstractPhantomArrayList;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListPool;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos2D;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.ListUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.ModInfo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.render.columnViews.ColumnArrayView;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.render.columnViews.ColumnQuadView;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IDhClientLevel;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.BitShiftUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.ColorUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.RenderDataPointUtil;
@@ -46,9 +39,7 @@ import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicLong;
  *
  * @see RenderDataPointUtil
  */
-public class ColumnRenderSource
+public class ColumnRenderSource extends AbstractPhantomArrayList
-		extends PhantomArrayListParent
-		implements IDataSource<IDhClientLevel>
 {
 	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
 	
@@ -134,80 +125,12 @@ public class ColumnRenderSource
 	
 	
 	
-	//=============//
-	// data update //
-	//=============//
-	
-	@Override
-	public boolean update(FullDataSourceV2 inputFullDataSource, IDhClientLevel level)
-	{
-		final String errorMessagePrefix = "Unable to complete update for RenderSource pos: [" + this.pos + "] and pos: [" + inputFullDataSource.getPos() + "]. Error:";
-		
-		boolean dataChanged = false;
-		if (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(inputFullDataSource.getPos()) == DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos))
-		{
-			try
-			{
-				if (Thread.interrupted())
-				{
-					LOGGER.warn(errorMessagePrefix + "write interrupted.");
-					return false;
-				}
-				
-				
-				
-				DhBlockPos2D centerBlockPos = DhSectionPos.getCenterBlockPos(inputFullDataSource.getPos());
-				int halfBlockWidth = DhSectionPos.getBlockWidth(inputFullDataSource.getPos()) / 2;
-				DhBlockPos2D minBlockPos = new DhBlockPos2D(centerBlockPos.x - halfBlockWidth, centerBlockPos.z - halfBlockWidth);
-				
-				for (int x = 0; x < FullDataSourceV2.WIDTH; x++)
-				{
-					for (int z = 0; z < FullDataSourceV2.WIDTH; z++)
-					{
-						ColumnArrayView columnArrayView = this.getVerticalDataPointView(x, z);
-						int columnHash = columnArrayView.getDataHash();
-						
-						LongArrayList dataColumn = inputFullDataSource.get(x, z);
-						EDhApiWorldGenerationStep worldGenStep = inputFullDataSource.getWorldGenStepAtRelativePos(x, z);
-						if (dataColumn != null && worldGenStep != EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY)
-						{
-							FullDataToRenderDataTransformer.updateOrReplaceRenderDataViewColumnWithFullDataColumn(
-									level, inputFullDataSource.mapping,
-									minBlockPos.x + x,
-									minBlockPos.z + z,
-									columnArrayView, dataColumn);
-							dataChanged |= columnHash != columnArrayView.getDataHash();
-							
-							this.fillDebugFlag(x, z, 1, 1, ColumnRenderSource.DebugSourceFlag.DIRECT);
-						}
-					}
-				}
-			}
-			catch (Exception e)
-			{
-				LOGGER.error(errorMessagePrefix + e.getMessage(), e);
-			}
-		}
-		
-		if (dataChanged)
-		{
-			this.localVersion.incrementAndGet();
-			this.markNotEmpty();
-		}
-		
-		return dataChanged;
-	}
-	
-	
-	
 	//=====================//
 	// data helper methods //
 	//=====================//
 	
 	public Long getPos() { return this.pos; }
-	@Override
 	public Long getKey() { return this.pos; }
-	@Override
 	public String getKeyDisplayString() { return DhSectionPos.toString(this.pos); }
 	
 	public byte getDataDetailLevel() { return (byte) (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(this.pos) - SECTION_SIZE_OFFSET); }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/render/bufferBuilding/ColumnRenderBufferBuilder.java

@@ -41,8 +41,6 @@ import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 
 import java.util.concurrent.CompletableFuture;
-import java.util.concurrent.RejectedExecutionException;
-import java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor;
 
 /**
  * Used to populate the buffers in a {@link ColumnRenderSource} object.
@@ -286,7 +284,7 @@ public class ColumnRenderBufferBuilder
 			}// for z
 		}// for x
 		
-		quadBuilder.finalizeData();
+		quadBuilder.mergeQuads();
 	}
 	private static void addLodToBuffer(
 			IDhClientLevel clientLevel,

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/render/bufferBuilding/LodQuadBuilder.java

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.render.bufferBuilding;
 import java.nio.ByteBuffer;
 import java.nio.ByteOrder;
 import java.util.*;
+import java.util.concurrent.atomic.AtomicLong;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiGrassSideRendering;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiBlockMaterial;
@@ -172,19 +173,6 @@ public class LodQuadBuilder
 		BufferQuad quad = new BufferQuad(minX, maxY, minZ, widthEastWest, widthNorthSouthOrUpDown, color, irisBlockMaterialId, skylight, blocklight, EDhDirection.UP);
 		boolean isTransparent = (this.doTransparency && ColorUtil.getAlpha(color) < 255);
 		ArrayList<BufferQuad> quadList = isTransparent ? this.transparentQuads[EDhDirection.UP.ordinal()] : this.opaqueQuads[EDhDirection.UP.ordinal()];
-		
-		
-		// attempt to merge this quad with adjacent ones
-		if (!quadList.isEmpty() &&
-				(
-					quadList.get(quadList.size() - 1).tryMerge(quad, BufferMergeDirectionEnum.EastWest)
-					|| quadList.get(quadList.size() - 1).tryMerge(quad, BufferMergeDirectionEnum.NorthSouthOrUpDown))
-			)
-		{
-			this.premergeCount++;
-			return;
-		}
-		
 		quadList.add(quad);
 	}
 	
@@ -193,14 +181,6 @@ public class LodQuadBuilder
 		BufferQuad quad = new BufferQuad(x, y, z, width, wz, color, irisBlockMaterialId, skylight, blocklight, EDhDirection.DOWN);
 		ArrayList<BufferQuad> qs = (doTransparency && ColorUtil.getAlpha(color) < 255)
 				? transparentQuads[EDhDirection.DOWN.ordinal()] : opaqueQuads[EDhDirection.DOWN.ordinal()];
-		if (!qs.isEmpty()
-				&& (qs.get(qs.size() - 1).tryMerge(quad, BufferMergeDirectionEnum.EastWest)
-						|| qs.get(qs.size() - 1).tryMerge(quad, BufferMergeDirectionEnum.NorthSouthOrUpDown))
-			)
-		{
-			premergeCount++;
-			return;
-		}
 		qs.add(quad);
 	}
 	
@@ -210,9 +190,6 @@ public class LodQuadBuilder
 	// data finalizing //
 	//=================//
 	
-	/** runs any final data cleanup, merging, etc. */
-	public void finalizeData() { this.mergeQuads(); }
-	
 	/** Uses Greedy meshing to merge this builder's Quads. */
 	public void mergeQuads()
 	{
@@ -251,7 +228,9 @@ public class LodQuadBuilder
 	private static long mergeQuadsInternal(ArrayList<BufferQuad>[] list, int directionIndex, BufferMergeDirectionEnum mergeDirection)
 	{
 		if (list[directionIndex].size() <= 1)
+		{
 			return 0;
+		}
 		
 		list[directionIndex].sort((objOne, objTwo) -> objOne.compare(objTwo, mergeDirection));
 		

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/transformers/FullDataToRenderDataTransformer.java

@@ -26,7 +26,6 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSour
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.render.ColumnRenderSource;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.render.columnViews.ColumnArrayView;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IDhClientLevel;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListCheckout;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListPool;
@@ -37,6 +36,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.IWrapperFactory;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.block.IBlockStateWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftClientWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IBiomeWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.BitShiftUtil;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.LongArrayList;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.LongOpenHashSet;
@@ -66,13 +66,13 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 	//==============================//
 	
 	@Nullable
-	public static ColumnRenderSource transformFullDataToRenderSource(@Nullable FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource, @Nullable IDhClientLevel level)
+	public static ColumnRenderSource transformFullDataToRenderSource(@Nullable FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource, @Nullable IClientLevelWrapper levelWrapper)
 	{
 		if (fullDataSource == null)
 		{
 			return null;
 		}
-		else if (level == null)
+		else if (levelWrapper == null)
 		{
 			// if the client is no longer loaded in the world, render sources cannot be created 
 			return null;
@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 		
 		try
 		{
-			return transformCompleteFullDataToColumnData(level, fullDataSource);
+			return transformCompleteFullDataToColumnData(levelWrapper, fullDataSource);
 		}
 		catch (InterruptedException e)
 		{
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 	 * @throws InterruptedException Can be caused by interrupting the thread upstream.
 	 * Generally thrown if the method is running after the client leaves the current world.
 	 */
-	private static ColumnRenderSource transformCompleteFullDataToColumnData(IDhClientLevel level, FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource) throws InterruptedException
+	private static ColumnRenderSource transformCompleteFullDataToColumnData(IClientLevelWrapper levelWrapper, FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource) throws InterruptedException
 	{
  		final long pos = fullDataSource.getPos();
 		final byte dataDetail = fullDataSource.getDataDetailLevel();
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 		
 		
 		
-		final ColumnRenderSource columnSource = ColumnRenderSource.createEmpty(pos, vertSize, level.getMinY());
+		final ColumnRenderSource columnSource = ColumnRenderSource.createEmpty(pos, vertSize, levelWrapper.getMinHeight());
 		if (fullDataSource.isEmpty)
 		{
 			return columnSource;
@@ -121,9 +121,9 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 		int baseX = DhSectionPos.getMinCornerBlockX(pos);
 		int baseZ = DhSectionPos.getMinCornerBlockZ(pos);
 		
-		for (int x = 0; x < DhSectionPos.getWidthCountForLowerDetailedSection(pos, dataDetail); x++)
+		for (int x = 0; x < FullDataSourceV2.WIDTH; x++)
 		{
-			for (int z = 0; z < DhSectionPos.getWidthCountForLowerDetailedSection(pos, dataDetail); z++)
+			for (int z = 0; z < FullDataSourceV2.WIDTH; z++)
 			{
 				throwIfThreadInterrupted();
 				
@@ -131,7 +131,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 				LongArrayList dataColumn = fullDataSource.get(x, z);
 				
 				updateOrReplaceRenderDataViewColumnWithFullDataColumn(
-						level, fullDataSource.mapping, 
+						levelWrapper, fullDataSource, 
 						// bitshift is to account for LODs with a detail level greater than 0 so the block pos is correct
 						baseX + BitShiftUtil.pow(x,dataDetail), baseZ + BitShiftUtil.pow(z,dataDetail), 
 						columnArrayView, dataColumn);
@@ -139,19 +139,20 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 		}
 		
 		columnSource.fillDebugFlag(0, 0, ColumnRenderSource.SECTION_SIZE, ColumnRenderSource.SECTION_SIZE, ColumnRenderSource.DebugSourceFlag.FULL);
-			
+		
 		return columnSource;
 	}
 	
 	/** Updates the given {@link ColumnArrayView} to match the incoming Full data {@link LongArrayList} */
 	public static void updateOrReplaceRenderDataViewColumnWithFullDataColumn(
-			IDhClientLevel level, 
+			IClientLevelWrapper levelWrapper,
-			FullDataPointIdMap fullDataMapping, int blockX, int blockZ, 
+			FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource, int blockX, int blockZ, 
 			ColumnArrayView columnArrayView, 
 			LongArrayList fullDataColumn)
 	{
 		// we can't do anything if the full data is missing or empty
-		if (fullDataColumn == null || fullDataColumn.size() == 0)
+		if (fullDataColumn == null 
+			|| fullDataColumn.size() == 0)
 		{
 			return;
 		}
@@ -160,7 +161,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 		if (fullDataLength <= columnArrayView.verticalSize())
 		{
 			// Directly use the arrayView since it fits.
-			setRenderColumnView(level, fullDataMapping, blockX, blockZ, columnArrayView, fullDataColumn);
+			setRenderColumnView(levelWrapper, fullDataSource, blockX, blockZ, columnArrayView, fullDataColumn);
 		}
 		else
 		{
@@ -171,7 +172,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 			{
 				// expand the ColumnArrayView to fit the new larger max vertical size
 				ColumnArrayView newColumnArrayView = new ColumnArrayView(dataArrayList, fullDataLength, 0, fullDataLength);
-				setRenderColumnView(level, fullDataMapping, blockX, blockZ, newColumnArrayView, fullDataColumn);
+				setRenderColumnView(levelWrapper, fullDataSource, blockX, blockZ, newColumnArrayView, fullDataColumn);
 				columnArrayView.changeVerticalSizeFrom(newColumnArrayView);
 			}
 			finally
@@ -181,7 +182,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 		}
 	}
 	private static void setRenderColumnView(
-			IDhClientLevel level, FullDataPointIdMap fullDataMapping,
+			IClientLevelWrapper levelWrapper, FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource,
 			int blockX, int blockZ,
 			ColumnArrayView renderColumnData, LongArrayList fullColumnData)
 	{
@@ -192,18 +193,18 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 		boolean ignoreNonCollidingBlocks = (Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.blocksToIgnore.get() == EDhApiBlocksToAvoid.NON_COLLIDING);
 		boolean colorBelowWithAvoidedBlocks = Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Quality.tintWithAvoidedBlocks.get();
 		
-		HashSet<IBlockStateWrapper> blockStatesToIgnore = WRAPPER_FACTORY.getRendererIgnoredBlocks(level.getLevelWrapper());
+		HashSet<IBlockStateWrapper> blockStatesToIgnore = WRAPPER_FACTORY.getRendererIgnoredBlocks(levelWrapper);
-		HashSet<IBlockStateWrapper> caveBlockStatesToIgnore = WRAPPER_FACTORY.getRendererIgnoredCaveBlocks(level.getLevelWrapper());
+		HashSet<IBlockStateWrapper> caveBlockStatesToIgnore = WRAPPER_FACTORY.getRendererIgnoredCaveBlocks(levelWrapper);
 		
-		int caveCullingMaxY = Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Culling.caveCullingHeight.get() - level.getMinY();
+		int caveCullingMaxY = Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Culling.caveCullingHeight.get() - levelWrapper.getMinHeight();
 		boolean caveCullingEnabled = 
 			Config.Client.Advanced.Graphics.Culling.enableCaveCulling.get()
 			&& (
 				// dimensions with a ceiling will be all caves so we don't want cave culling
-				!level.getLevelWrapper().hasCeiling()
+				!levelWrapper.hasCeiling()
 				// the end has a lot of overhangs with 0 lighting above the void, which look broken with
 				// the current cave culling logic (this could probably be improved, but just skipping it works best for now)
-				&& !level.getLevelWrapper().getDimensionType().isTheEnd()
+				&& !levelWrapper.getDimensionType().isTheEnd()
 			);
 		
 		boolean isColumnVoid = true;
@@ -222,6 +223,8 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 		// convert full data to render data //
 		//==================================//
 		
+		FullDataPointIdMap fullDataMapping = fullDataSource.mapping;
+		
 		DhBlockPosMutable mutableBlockPos = new DhBlockPosMutable(blockX, 0, blockZ);
 		
 		// goes from the top down
@@ -236,7 +239,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 			int blockLight = FullDataPointUtil.getBlockLight(fullData);
 			int skyLight = FullDataPointUtil.getSkyLight(fullData);
 			
-			mutableBlockPos.setY(bottomY + level.getMinY());
+			mutableBlockPos.setY(bottomY + levelWrapper.getMinHeight());
 			
 			IBiomeWrapper biome;
 			IBlockStateWrapper block;
@@ -250,7 +253,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 				if (!brokenPos.contains(fullDataMapping.getPos()))
 				{
 					brokenPos.add(fullDataMapping.getPos());
-					String levelId = level.getLevelWrapper().getDhIdentifier();
+					String levelId = levelWrapper.getDhIdentifier();
 					LOGGER.warn("Unable to get data point with id ["+id+"] " +
 							"(Max possible ID: ["+fullDataMapping.getMaxValidId()+"]) " +
 							"for pos ["+fullDataMapping.getPos()+"] in level ["+levelId+"]. " +
@@ -270,7 +273,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 			//====================//
 			
 			boolean ignoreBlock = blockStatesToIgnore.contains(block);
-			boolean caveBlock = caveBlockStatesToIgnore.contains(block);
+			boolean caveBlock = caveBlockStatesToIgnore.contains(block); // TODO caves should also ignore transparent/non-solid blocks (IE grass and plants) wthout each being defined
 			if (caveBlock)
 			{
 				if (caveCullingEnabled
@@ -320,11 +323,14 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 			//=======================//
 			
 			if (ignoreNonCollidingBlocks 
-				&& !block.isSolid() && !block.isLiquid() && block.getOpacity() != LodUtil.BLOCK_FULLY_OPAQUE)
+				&& !block.isSolid() 
+				&& !block.isLiquid() 
+				&& block.getOpacity() != LodUtil.BLOCK_FULLY_OPAQUE)
 			{
 				if (colorBelowWithAvoidedBlocks)
 				{
-					int tempColor = level.computeBaseColor(mutableBlockPos, biome, block);
+					int tempColor = levelWrapper.getBlockColor(mutableBlockPos, biome, fullDataSource, block);
+					
 					// don't transfer the color when alpha is 0
 					// this prevents issues if grass is transparent
 					if (ColorUtil.getAlpha(tempColor) != 0)
@@ -344,7 +350,7 @@ public class FullDataToRenderDataTransformer
 			if (colorToApplyToNextBlock == -1)
 			{
 				// use this block's color
-				color = level.computeBaseColor(mutableBlockPos, biome, block);
+				color = levelWrapper.getBlockColor(mutableBlockPos, biome, fullDataSource, block);
 			}
 			else
 			{

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/dataObjects/transformers/LodDataBuilder.java

@@ -24,15 +24,15 @@ import java.util.List;
 
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.config.EDhApiWorldCompressionMode;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.worldGeneration.EDhApiWorldGenerationStep;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBiomeWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.block.IDhApiBlockStateWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiChunkProcessingEvent;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.data.DhApiChunk;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.data.DhApiTerrainDataPoint;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.enums.EDhDirection;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPosMutable;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.FullDataPointUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
@@ -43,6 +43,8 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.chunk.IChunkWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.misc.IMutableBlockPosWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IBiomeWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.IWrapperFactory;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.DependencyInjection.ApiEventInjector;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.LongArrayList;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
@@ -50,7 +52,8 @@ import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 public class LodDataBuilder
 {
 	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
-	private static final IBlockStateWrapper AIR = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IWrapperFactory.class).getAirBlockStateWrapper();
+	private static final IWrapperFactory WRAPPER_FACTORY = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IWrapperFactory.class);
+	private static final IBlockStateWrapper AIR = WRAPPER_FACTORY.getAirBlockStateWrapper();
 	
 	private static boolean getTopErrorLogged = false;
 	
@@ -60,12 +63,13 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 	// converters //
 	//============//
 	
-	public static FullDataSourceV2 createFromChunk(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper)
+	public static FullDataSourceV2 createFromChunk(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper, IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper)
 	{
 		// only block lighting is needed here, sky lighting is populated at the data source stage
-		LodUtil.assertTrue(chunkWrapper.isDhBlockLightingCorrect());
+		LodUtil.assertTrue(chunkWrapper.isDhBlockLightingCorrect(), "Provided chunk's DH Block lighting hasn't been baked.");
-		
 		
+		int chunkPosX = chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX();
+		int chunkPosZ = chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ();
 		
 		int sectionPosX = getXOrZSectionPosFromChunkPos(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX());
 		int sectionPosZ = getXOrZSectionPosFromChunkPos(chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ());
@@ -73,52 +77,38 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 		
 		FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = FullDataSourceV2.createEmpty(pos);
 		dataSource.isEmpty = false;
+		// chunk updates always propagate up
+		dataSource.applyToParent = true;
 		
 		
 		
 		// compute the chunk dataSource offset
 		// this offset is used to determine where in the dataSource this chunk's data should go
-		int chunkOffsetX = chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX();
-		if (chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX() < 0)
-		{
-			// expected offset positions:
-			// chunkPos -> offset
-			//  5 -> 1
-			//  4 -> 0 ---
-			//  3 -> 3
-			//  2 -> 2
-			//  1 -> 1
-			//  0 -> 0 ===
-			// -1 -> 3
-			// -2 -> 2
-			// -3 -> 1
-			// -4 -> 0 ---
-			// -5 -> 3
-			chunkOffsetX = ((chunkOffsetX) % FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE);
-			if (chunkOffsetX != 0)
-			{
-				chunkOffsetX += FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE;
-			}
-		}
-		else
-		{
-			chunkOffsetX %= FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE;
-		}
-		chunkOffsetX *= LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH;
 		
-		int chunkOffsetZ = chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ();
+		// expected offset positions:
-		if (chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ() < 0)
+		// chunkPos -> offset
-		{
+		//  5 -> 1
-			chunkOffsetZ = ((chunkOffsetZ) % FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE);
+		//  4 -> 0 ---
-			if (chunkOffsetZ != 0)
+		//  3 -> 3
-			{
+		//  2 -> 2
-				chunkOffsetZ += FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE;
+		//  1 -> 1
-			}
+		//  0 -> 0 ===
-		}
+		// -1 -> 3
-		else
+		// -2 -> 2
-		{
+		// -3 -> 1
-			chunkOffsetZ %= FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE;
+		// -4 -> 0 ---
-		}
+		// -5 -> 3
+		
+		// Fast modulo calculation using bitwise AND since NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE is a power of 2 (4)
+		// For any number n: n & (2^k - 1) is equivalent to Math.floorMod(n, 2^k)
+		// Original: Math.floorMod(x, 4) - Handles negative numbers, gives non-negative result in range [0,3]
+		// Bitwise: x & (4-1) - Also gives non-negative result in range [0,3]
+		// Example: -5 & 3 = 3, which equals Math.floorMod(-5, 4) = 3
+		int chunkOffsetX = chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getX() & (FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE - 1);
+		int chunkOffsetZ = chunkWrapper.getChunkPos().getZ() & (FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE - 1);
+		
+		// Convert from chunk coordinates to block coordinates
+		chunkOffsetX *= LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH;
 		chunkOffsetZ *= LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH;
 		
 		
@@ -135,50 +125,54 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 			IMutableBlockPosWrapper mcBlockPos = chunkWrapper.getMutableBlockPosWrapper();
 			IBlockStateWrapper previousBlockState = null;
 			
+			DhApiChunkProcessingEvent.EventParam mutableChunkProcessedEventParam 
+					= new DhApiChunkProcessingEvent.EventParam(levelWrapper, chunkPosX, chunkPosZ);
+			
 			int minBuildHeight = chunkWrapper.getMinNonEmptyHeight();
+			int exclusiveMaxBuildHeight = chunkWrapper.getExclusiveMaxBuildHeight();
+			int inclusiveMinBuildHeight = chunkWrapper.getInclusiveMinBuildHeight();
+			int dataCapacity = chunkWrapper.getHeight() / 4;
+			
 			for (int relBlockX = 0; relBlockX < LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH; relBlockX++)
 			{
 				for (int relBlockZ = 0; relBlockZ < LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH; relBlockZ++)
 				{
-					LongArrayList longs =  dataSource.get(
+					// Calculate column position
-							relBlockX + chunkOffsetX,
+					int columnX = relBlockX + chunkOffsetX;
-							relBlockZ + chunkOffsetZ);
+					int columnZ = relBlockZ + chunkOffsetZ;
+					
+					// Get column data
+					LongArrayList longs = dataSource.get(columnX, columnZ);
 					if (longs == null)
 					{
-						longs = new LongArrayList(chunkWrapper.getHeight() / 4);
+						longs = new LongArrayList(dataCapacity);
 					}
 					else
 					{
 						longs.clear();
 					}
 					
-					int lastY = chunkWrapper.getExclusiveMaxBuildHeight();
+					int lastY = exclusiveMaxBuildHeight;
-					IBiomeWrapper biome = chunkWrapper.getBiome(relBlockX, lastY, relBlockZ);
+					IBiomeWrapper currentBiome = chunkWrapper.getBiome(relBlockX, lastY, relBlockZ);
-					IBlockStateWrapper blockState = AIR;
+					IBlockStateWrapper currentBlockState = AIR;
-					int mappedId = dataSource.mapping.addIfNotPresentAndGetId(biome, blockState);
+					int mappedId = dataSource.mapping.addIfNotPresentAndGetId(currentBiome, currentBlockState);
 					
+					// Determine lighting (we are at the height limit. There are no torches here, and sky is not obscured.) // TODO: Per face lighting someday?
+					byte blockLight = LodUtil.MIN_MC_LIGHT;
+					byte skyLight = LodUtil.MAX_MC_LIGHT;
 					
-					byte blockLight;
+					// Get the maximum height from both heightmaps
-					byte skyLight;
+					int y = Math.max(
-					if (lastY < chunkWrapper.getExclusiveMaxBuildHeight())
+							// max between both heightmaps to account for solid invisible blocks (glass)
-					{
+							// and non-solid opaque blocks (at one point this was stairs, not sure what would fit this now)
-						// FIXME: The lastY +1 offset is to reproduce the old behavior. Remove this when we get per-face lighting
+							chunkWrapper.getLightBlockingHeightMapValue(relBlockX, relBlockZ),
-						blockLight = (byte) chunkWrapper.getDhBlockLight(relBlockX, lastY + 1, relBlockZ);
+							chunkWrapper.getSolidHeightMapValue(relBlockX, relBlockZ)
-						skyLight = (byte) chunkWrapper.getDhSkyLight(relBlockX, lastY + 1, relBlockZ);
+					);
-					}
-					else
-					{
-						//we are at the height limit. There are no torches here, and sky is not obscured.
-						blockLight = LodUtil.MIN_MC_LIGHT;
-						skyLight = LodUtil.MAX_MC_LIGHT;
-					}
 					
-					
+					// Go up until we reach open air or the world limit
-					// determine the starting Y Pos
-					int y = chunkWrapper.getLightBlockingHeightMapValue(relBlockX, relBlockZ);
-					// go up until we reach open air or the world limit
 					IBlockStateWrapper topBlockState = previousBlockState = chunkWrapper.getBlockState(relBlockX, y, relBlockZ, mcBlockPos, previousBlockState);
-					while (!topBlockState.isAir() && y < chunkWrapper.getExclusiveMaxBuildHeight())
+					while (!topBlockState.isAir() 
+							&& y < exclusiveMaxBuildHeight)
 					{
 						try
 						{
@@ -191,7 +185,7 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 						{
 							if (!getTopErrorLogged)
 							{
-								LOGGER.warn("Unexpected issue in LodDataBuilder, future errors won't be logged. Chunk [" + chunkWrapper.getChunkPos() + "] with max height: [" + chunkWrapper.getExclusiveMaxBuildHeight() + "] had issue getting block at pos [" + relBlockX + "," + y + "," + relBlockZ + "] error: " + e.getMessage(), e);
+								LOGGER.warn("Unexpected issue in LodDataBuilder, future errors won't be logged. Chunk [" + chunkWrapper.getChunkPos() + "] with max height: [" + exclusiveMaxBuildHeight + "] had issue getting block at pos [" + relBlockX + "," + y + "," + relBlockZ + "] error: " + e.getMessage(), e);
 								getTopErrorLogged = true;
 							}
 							
@@ -200,7 +194,8 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 						}
 					}
 					
-					
+					// Process blocks from top to bottom
+					boolean forceSingleBlock = false;
 					for (; y >= minBuildHeight; y--)
 					{
 						IBiomeWrapper newBiome = chunkWrapper.getBiome(relBlockX, y, relBlockZ);
@@ -208,30 +203,62 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 						byte newBlockLight = (byte) chunkWrapper.getDhBlockLight(relBlockX, y + 1, relBlockZ);
 						byte newSkyLight = (byte) chunkWrapper.getDhSkyLight(relBlockX, y + 1, relBlockZ);
 						
-						// save the biome/block change
+						// Save the biome/block change if different from previous
-						if (!newBiome.equals(biome) || !newBlockState.equals(blockState))
+						if (!newBiome.equals(currentBiome) 
+							|| !newBlockState.equals(currentBlockState) 
+							|| forceSingleBlock)
 						{
-							longs.add(FullDataPointUtil.encode(mappedId, lastY - y, y + 1 - chunkWrapper.getInclusiveMinBuildHeight(), blockLight, skyLight));
+							// if the previous block potentially colors this block
-							biome = newBiome;
+							// make this block a single entry, aka add the next block even if it is the same
-							blockState = newBlockState;
+							// this is done to allow fire, snow, flowers, etc. to properly color the top of columns vs the whole column
+							forceSingleBlock = 
+									!currentBlockState.isAir()
+									&& !currentBlockState.isSolid()
+									&& !currentBlockState.isLiquid()
+									&& currentBlockState.getOpacity() != LodUtil.BLOCK_FULLY_OPAQUE;
 							
-							mappedId = dataSource.mapping.addIfNotPresentAndGetId(biome, blockState);
+							
+							// check for API overrides
+							{
+								mutableChunkProcessedEventParam.updateForPosition(relBlockX, y, relBlockZ, newBlockState, newBiome);
+								ApiEventInjector.INSTANCE.fireAllEvents(DhApiChunkProcessingEvent.class, mutableChunkProcessedEventParam);
+								
+								// did the API user override this block?
+								if (mutableChunkProcessedEventParam.getBlockOverride() != null)
+								{
+									// API users shouldn't be creating their own IBlockStateWrapper objects
+									newBlockState = (IBlockStateWrapper)mutableChunkProcessedEventParam.getBlockOverride();
+								}
+								
+								// did the API user override this biome?
+								if (mutableChunkProcessedEventParam.getBiomeOverride() != null)
+								{
+									// API users shouldn't be creating their own IBlockStateWrapper objects
+									newBiome = (IBiomeWrapper) mutableChunkProcessedEventParam.getBiomeOverride();
+								}
+							}
+							
+							
+							longs.add(FullDataPointUtil.encode(mappedId, lastY - y, y + 1 - inclusiveMinBuildHeight, blockLight, skyLight));
+							currentBiome = newBiome;
+							currentBlockState = newBlockState;
+							
+							mappedId = dataSource.mapping.addIfNotPresentAndGetId(currentBiome, currentBlockState);
 							blockLight = newBlockLight;
 							skyLight = newSkyLight;
 							lastY = y;
 						}
 					}
-					longs.add(FullDataPointUtil.encode(mappedId, lastY - y, y + 1 - chunkWrapper.getInclusiveMinBuildHeight(), blockLight, skyLight));
 					
-					dataSource.setSingleColumn(longs,
+					// Add the final data point
-							relBlockX + chunkOffsetX,
+					longs.add(FullDataPointUtil.encode(mappedId, lastY - y, y + 1 - inclusiveMinBuildHeight, blockLight, skyLight));
-							relBlockZ + chunkOffsetZ,
+					
-							EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.LIGHT,
+					// Set the column in the data source
-							worldCompressionMode);
+					dataSource.setSingleColumn(longs, columnX, columnZ, EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.LIGHT, worldCompressionMode);
 				}
 			}
 			
-			if (ignoreHiddenBlocks) 
+			if (ignoreHiddenBlocks)
 			{
 				cullHiddenBlocks(dataSource, chunkOffsetX, chunkOffsetZ);
 			}
@@ -268,16 +295,16 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 				{
 					long currentPoint = centerColumn.getLong(centerIndex);
 					
-					// translucent data points are not eligible to be culled.
+					// Translucent data points are not eligible to be culled.
 					if (isTranslucent(dataSource, currentPoint))
 					{
 						continue;
 					}
 					
 					// the top segment should never be culled.
-					if (centerIndex == 0 
+					if (centerIndex == 0
-						|| isTranslucent(dataSource, centerColumn.getLong(centerIndex - 1))
+							|| isTranslucent(dataSource, centerColumn.getLong(centerIndex - 1))
-						)
+					)
 					{
 						continue;
 					}
@@ -285,9 +312,15 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 					// the bottom segment can sometimes be culled.
 					// assume it will not be seen from below,
 					// because this would imply the player is in the void.
-					if (centerIndex + 1 < centerColumn.size() 
+					if (centerIndex + 1 < centerColumn.size()
-						&& isTranslucent(dataSource, centerColumn.getLong(centerIndex + 1))
+							&& isTranslucent(dataSource, centerColumn.getLong(centerIndex + 1))
-						)
+					)
+					{
+						continue;
+					}
+					
+					// the lowest/bedrock segment should not be culled
+					if (centerIndex + 1 == centerColumn.size())
 					{
 						continue;
 					}
@@ -320,9 +353,11 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 						continue;
 					}
 					
-					// current point is fully surrounded. remove it.
+					// Current point is fully surrounded. remove it.
 					centerColumn.removeLong(centerIndex);
-					// make the above data point cover the area that the current point used to occupy.
+					
+					// Make the above data point cover the area that the current point used to occupy.
+					// The element that was at `centerIndex - 1` is still at that position even after removal of centerIndex.
 					long above = centerColumn.getLong(centerIndex - 1);
 					above = FullDataPointUtil.setBottomY(above, FullDataPointUtil.getBottomY(currentPoint));
 					above = FullDataPointUtil.setHeight(above, FullDataPointUtil.getHeight(currentPoint) + FullDataPointUtil.getHeight(above));
@@ -331,31 +366,31 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 			}
 		}
 	}
-
+	
 	/**
-	checks if centerPoint is "covered" by opaque data points in adjacentColumn.
+	 checks if centerPoint is "covered" by opaque data points in adjacentColumn.
-	centerPoint counts as covered if, and only if, for all Y levels in its height range,
+	 centerPoint counts as covered if, and only if, for all Y levels in its height range,
-	there exists an opaque data point in adjacentColumn which overlaps with that Y level.
+	 there exists an opaque data point in adjacentColumn which overlaps with that Y level.
-
+	 
-	@param source used to lookup blocks (and their opacities) based on their IDs.
+	 @param source used to lookup blocks (and their opacities) based on their IDs.
-	@param centerPoint the point being checked to see if it's fully covered.
+	 @param centerPoint the point being checked to see if it's fully covered.
-	@param adjacentColumn the data points which might cover centerPoint.
+	 @param adjacentColumn the data points which might cover centerPoint.
-	@param adjacentIndex the starting index in adjacentColumn to start scanning at.
+	 @param adjacentIndex the starting index in adjacentColumn to start scanning at.
-	indices greater than adjacentIndex have already been checked and confirmed to
+	 indices greater than adjacentIndex have already been checked and confirmed to
-	not overlap or only overlap partially with centerPoint's Y range.
+	 not overlap or only overlap partially with centerPoint's Y range.
-
+	 
-	@return if centerPoint is covered, returns the index of the segment which finishes covering it.
+	 @return if centerPoint is covered, returns the index of the segment which finishes covering it.
-	the start of the covering may be a smaller index. in this case, the returned index may be used
+	 the start of the covering may be a smaller index. in this case, the returned index may be used
-	as the adjacentIndex provided to this method on the next iteration which yields a new centerPoint.
+	 as the adjacentIndex provided to this method on the next iteration which yields a new centerPoint.
-
+	 
-	if centerPoint is NOT covered, returns the bitwise negation of the index of the
+	 if centerPoint is NOT covered, returns the bitwise negation of the index of the
-	segment which did not cover it. this guarantees that the returned value is negative.
+	 segment which did not cover it. this guarantees that the returned value is negative.
-	the caller should check for negative return values and manually un-negate them to proceed with the loop.
+	 the caller should check for negative return values and manually un-negate them to proceed with the loop.
-
+	 
-	in other words, this function returns the index of the next adjacent data 
+	 in other words, this function returns the index of the next adjacent data
-	point to use in the loop, AND a boolean indicating whether or not the 
+	 point to use in the loop, AND a boolean indicating whether or not the
-	centerPoint is covered;	both are packed into the same int, and returned.
+	 centerPoint is covered;	both are packed into the same int, and returned.
-	*/
+	 */
 	private static int checkOcclusion(FullDataSourceV2 source, long centerPoint, LongArrayList adjacentColumn, int adjacentIndex)
 	{
 		int bottomOfCenter = FullDataPointUtil.getBottomY(centerPoint);
@@ -380,12 +415,12 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 		
 		throw new LodUtil.AssertFailureException("Adjacent column ends before center column does.");
 	}
-
+	
 	private static boolean isTranslucent(FullDataSourceV2 source, long point) {
 		return source.mapping.getBlockStateWrapper(FullDataPointUtil.getId(point)).getOpacity() < LodUtil.BLOCK_FULLY_OPAQUE;
 	}
-
+	
-
+	
 	
 	/** @throws ClassCastException if an API user returns the wrong object type(s) */
 	public static FullDataSourceV2 createFromApiChunkData(DhApiChunk apiChunk, boolean runAdditionalValidation) throws ClassCastException, DataCorruptedException, IllegalArgumentException
@@ -395,9 +430,13 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 		int sectionPosZ = getXOrZSectionPosFromChunkPos(apiChunk.chunkPosZ);
 		long pos = DhSectionPos.encode(DhSectionPos.SECTION_BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, sectionPosX, sectionPosZ);
 		
-		// chunk relative block position in the data source
+		// Fast modulo calculation using bitwise AND since NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE is a power of 2 (4)
-		int relSourceBlockX = Math.floorMod(apiChunk.chunkPosX, 4) * LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH;
+		// For any number n: n & (2^k - 1) is equivalent to Math.floorMod(n, 2^k)
-		int relSourceBlockZ = Math.floorMod(apiChunk.chunkPosZ, 4) * LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH;
+		// Original: Math.floorMod(x, 4) - Handles negative numbers, gives non-negative result in range [0,3]
+		// Bitwise: x & (4-1) - Also gives non-negative result in range [0,3]
+		// Example: -5 & 3 = 3, which equals Math.floorMod(-5, 4) = 3
+		int relSourceBlockX = (apiChunk.chunkPosX & (FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE - 1)) * LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH;
+		int relSourceBlockZ = (apiChunk.chunkPosZ & (FullDataSourceV2.NUMB_OF_CHUNKS_WIDE - 1)) * LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH;
 		
 		FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = FullDataSourceV2.createEmpty(pos);
 		for (int relBlockZ = 0; relBlockZ < LodUtil.CHUNK_WIDTH; relBlockZ++)
@@ -416,8 +455,8 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 				// TODO add the ability for API users to define a different compression mode
 				//  or add a "unkown" compression mode
 				dataSource.setSingleColumn(
-						packedDataPoints, 
+						packedDataPoints,
-						relBlockX + relSourceBlockX, relBlockZ + relSourceBlockZ, 
+						relBlockX + relSourceBlockX, relBlockZ + relSourceBlockZ,
 						EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.LIGHT, EDhApiWorldCompressionMode.MERGE_SAME_BLOCKS);
 				dataSource.isEmpty = false;
 			}
@@ -433,7 +472,7 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 	
 	/** @see FullDataPointUtil */
 	public static LongArrayList convertApiDataPointListToPackedLongArray(
-			@Nullable List<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> columnDataPoints, FullDataSourceV2 dataSource, 
+			@Nullable List<DhApiTerrainDataPoint> columnDataPoints, FullDataSourceV2 dataSource,
 			int bottomYBlockPos) throws DataCorruptedException
 	{
 		// this null check does 2 nice things at the same time:
@@ -526,24 +565,24 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 			}
 			// is there a gap between the last datapoint?
 			if (topYPos != lastBottomYPos
-				&& lastBottomYPos != Integer.MIN_VALUE)
+					&& lastBottomYPos != Integer.MIN_VALUE)
 			{
 				throw new IllegalArgumentException("DhApiTerrainDataPoint ["+i+"] has a gap between it and index ["+(i-1)+"]. Empty spaces should be filled by air, otherwise DH's downsampling won't calculate lighting correctly.");
 			}
 			
 			
-			lastBottomYPos = bottomYPos; 
+			lastBottomYPos = bottomYPos;
 		}
 		
 	}
 	
 	
 	
-	//================//
+	//==================//
-	// helper methods //
+	// internal helpers //
-	//================//
+	//==================//
 	
-	public static int getXOrZSectionPosFromChunkPos(int chunkXOrZPos)
+	private static int getXOrZSectionPosFromChunkPos(int chunkXOrZPos)
 	{
 		// get the section position
 		int sectionPos = chunkXOrZPos;
@@ -552,4 +591,6 @@ public class LodDataBuilder
 		return sectionPos;
 	}
 	
+	
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/IDataSource.java

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.dto.IBaseDTO;
  */
 public interface IDataSource<TDhLevel extends IDhLevel> extends IBaseDTO<Long>, AutoCloseable
 {
-	Long getPos();
+	long getPos();
 	
 	/** @return true if the data was changed */
 	boolean update(FullDataSourceV2 chunkData, TDhLevel level);

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/beacon/BeaconBeamDataHandler.java

@@ -1,177 +0,0 @@
-package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.beacon;
-
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.generic.BeaconRenderHandler;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.generic.GenericObjectRenderer;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.dto.BeaconBeamDTO;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.repo.BeaconBeamRepo;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.KeyedLockContainer;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
-import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;
-
-import javax.annotation.Nullable;
-import java.util.HashMap;
-import java.util.HashSet;
-import java.util.List;
-import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;
-
-public class BeaconBeamDataHandler
-{
-	private final BeaconBeamRepo beaconBeamRepo;
-	
-	@Nullable
-	private BeaconRenderHandler beaconRenderHandler;
-	
-	private final KeyedLockContainer<Long> updateLockContainer = new KeyedLockContainer<>();
-	
-	
-	
-	//=============//
-	// constructor //
-	//=============//
-	
-	public BeaconBeamDataHandler(@NotNull BeaconBeamRepo beaconBeamRepo, @Nullable GenericObjectRenderer renderer)
-	{
-		this.beaconBeamRepo = beaconBeamRepo;
-		
-		if (renderer != null)
-		{
-			this.beaconRenderHandler = new BeaconRenderHandler(renderer);
-		}
-	}
-	
-	
-	
-	//==========//
-	// updating //
-	//==========//
-	
-	public void setBeaconBeamsForChunk(DhChunkPos chunkPos, List<BeaconBeamDTO> activeBeamList)
-	{
-		long sectionPos = DhSectionPos.encode(LodUtil.CHUNK_DETAIL_LEVEL, chunkPos.getX(), chunkPos.getZ());
-		this.setBeaconBeamsForPos(sectionPos, activeBeamList);
-	}
-	
-	public void setBeaconBeamsForPos(long sectionPos, List<BeaconBeamDTO> activeBeamList)
-	{
-		// locked to prevent two threads from updating the same section at the same time
-		ReentrantLock lock = this.updateLockContainer.getLockForPos(sectionPos);
-		try
-		{
-			lock.lock();
-			
-			HashSet<DhBlockPos> allPosSet = new HashSet<>();
-			
-			// sort new beams
-			HashMap<DhBlockPos, BeaconBeamDTO> activeBeamByPos = new HashMap<>(activeBeamList.size());
-			for (BeaconBeamDTO beam : activeBeamList)
-			{
-				activeBeamByPos.put(beam.blockPos, beam);
-				allPosSet.add(beam.blockPos);
-			}
-			
-			// get existing beams
-			List<BeaconBeamDTO> existingBeamList = this.beaconBeamRepo.getAllBeamsForPos(sectionPos);
-			HashMap<DhBlockPos, BeaconBeamDTO> existingBeamByPos = new HashMap<>(existingBeamList.size());
-			for (BeaconBeamDTO beam : existingBeamList)
-			{
-				existingBeamByPos.put(beam.blockPos, beam);
-				allPosSet.add(beam.blockPos);
-			}
-			
-			
-			
-			for (DhBlockPos beaconPos : allPosSet)
-			{
-				if (!DhSectionPos.contains(sectionPos, beaconPos))
-				{
-					// don't update beacons outside the updated chunk
-					continue;
-				}
-				
-				BeaconBeamDTO existingBeam = existingBeamByPos.get(beaconPos);
-				BeaconBeamDTO activeBeam = activeBeamByPos.get(beaconPos);
-				
-				
-				if (activeBeam != null)
-				{
-					if (existingBeam == null)
-					{
-						// new beam found, add to DB
-						this.beaconBeamRepo.save(activeBeam);
-						if (this.beaconRenderHandler != null)
-						{
-							this.beaconRenderHandler.startRenderingBeacon(activeBeam);
-						}
-					}
-					else
-					{
-						// beam still exists in chunk
-						if (!existingBeam.color.equals(activeBeam.color))
-						{
-							// beam colors were changed
-							this.beaconBeamRepo.save(activeBeam);
-							if (this.beaconRenderHandler != null)
-							{
-								this.beaconRenderHandler.updateBeaconColor(activeBeam);
-							}
-						}
-					}
-				}
-				else if (existingBeam != null)
-				{
-					// beam no longer exists at position, remove from DB
-					this.beaconBeamRepo.deleteWithKey(beaconPos);
-					if (this.beaconRenderHandler != null)
-					{
-						this.beaconRenderHandler.stopRenderingBeaconAtPos(beaconPos);
-					}
-				}
-				
-			}
-		}
-		finally
-		{
-			lock.unlock();
-		}
-	}
-	
-	
-	
-	//===================//
-	// loading/unloading //
-	//===================//
-	
-	public void loadBeaconBeamsInPos(long pos)
-	{
-		if (this.beaconRenderHandler == null)
-		{
-			return;
-		}
-		
-		// get all beams in pos
-		List<BeaconBeamDTO> existingBeamList = this.beaconBeamRepo.getAllBeamsForPos(pos);
-		for (BeaconBeamDTO newBeam : existingBeamList)
-		{
-			this.beaconRenderHandler.startRenderingBeacon(newBeam);
-		}
-	}
-	
-	public void unloadBeaconBeamsInPos(long pos)
-	{
-		if (this.beaconRenderHandler == null)
-		{
-			return;
-		}
-		
-		// get all beams in pos
-		List<BeaconBeamDTO> existingBeamList = this.beaconBeamRepo.getAllBeamsForPos(pos);
-		for (BeaconBeamDTO beam : existingBeamList)
-		{
-			this.beaconRenderHandler.stopRenderingBeaconAtPos(beam.blockPos);
-		}
-	}
-	
-}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/fullDatafile/DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache.java

@@ -1,9 +1,5 @@
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.fullDatafile;
 
-import com.google.common.cache.Cache;
-import com.google.common.cache.CacheBuilder;
-import com.google.common.cache.RemovalCause;
-import com.google.common.cache.RemovalNotification;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
@@ -14,6 +10,7 @@ import org.jetbrains.annotations.NotNull;
 
 import java.lang.ref.WeakReference;
 import java.util.Collections;
+import java.util.Enumeration;
 import java.util.Set;
 import java.util.concurrent.*;
 import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;
@@ -38,7 +35,7 @@ public class DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache implements AutoCloseable
 	
 	
 	
-	private final Cache<Long, FullDataSourceV2> dataSourceByPosition;
+	private final ConcurrentHashMap<Long, DataSourceSavedTimePair> dataSourceByPosition = new ConcurrentHashMap<Long, DataSourceSavedTimePair>();
 	
 	/* don't let two threads load the same position at the same time */
 	protected final KeyedLockContainer<Long> saveLockContainer = new KeyedLockContainer<>();
@@ -60,16 +57,15 @@ public class DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache implements AutoCloseable
 	public DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache(@NotNull ISaveDataSourceFunc onSaveTimeoutAsyncFunc, int saveDelayInMs)
 	{
 		this.onSaveTimeoutAsyncFunc = onSaveTimeoutAsyncFunc;
+		
+		// we can't clean items faster than the cleanup timer fires
+		if (saveDelayInMs < CLEANUP_CHECK_TIME_IN_MS)
+		{
+			LOGGER.warn("The save delay ["+saveDelayInMs+"] shouldn't be less than the cleanup check timer interval ["+CLEANUP_CHECK_TIME_IN_MS+"].");
+		}
 		this.saveDelayInMs = saveDelayInMs;
 		
 		
-		this.dataSourceByPosition =
-			CacheBuilder.newBuilder()
-				.expireAfterAccess(this.saveDelayInMs, TimeUnit.MILLISECONDS)
-				.expireAfterWrite(this.saveDelayInMs, TimeUnit.MILLISECONDS)
-				.removalListener(this::handleDataSourceRemoval)
-				.<Long, FullDataSourceV2>build();
-		
 		SAVE_CACHE_SET.add(new WeakReference<>(this));
 	}
 	
@@ -83,61 +79,98 @@ public class DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache implements AutoCloseable
 	 * Writing into memory is done synchronously so inputDataSource can 
 	 * be closed after this method finishes.
 	 */
-	public void writeDataSourceToMemoryAndQueueSave(FullDataSourceV2 inputDataSource)
+	public void writeDataSourceToMemoryAndQueueSave(@NotNull FullDataSourceV2 inputDataSource)
 	{
 		long inputPos = inputDataSource.getPos();
 		
-		ReentrantLock lock = this.saveLockContainer.getLockForPos(inputPos);
+		ReentrantLock lockForPos = this.saveLockContainer.getLockForPos(inputPos);
 		try
 		{
-			lock.lock();
+			lockForPos.lock();
 			
-			FullDataSourceV2 memoryDataSource = this.dataSourceByPosition.getIfPresent(inputPos);
+			FullDataSourceV2 memoryDataSource;
-			if (memoryDataSource == null)
+			
+			DataSourceSavedTimePair pair = this.dataSourceByPosition.getOrDefault(inputPos, null);
+			if (pair == null)
 			{
+				// no data currently in the memory cache for this position
 				memoryDataSource = FullDataSourceV2.createEmpty(inputPos);
-			}
+				pair = new DataSourceSavedTimePair(memoryDataSource);
-			memoryDataSource.update(inputDataSource);
+				this.dataSourceByPosition.put(inputPos, pair);
-			this.dataSourceByPosition.put(inputPos, memoryDataSource);
-		}
-		finally
-		{
-			lock.unlock();
-		}
-	}
-	
-	public int getUnsavedCount() { return (int)this.dataSourceByPosition.size(); }
-	
-	
-	public void handleDataSourceRemoval(RemovalNotification<Long, FullDataSourceV2> removalNotification)
-	{
-		RemovalCause cause = removalNotification.getCause();
-		if (cause == RemovalCause.EXPIRED
-			|| cause == RemovalCause.COLLECTED
-			|| cause == RemovalCause.SIZE)
-		{
-			// close the data source after it has expired from the cache
-			FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = removalNotification.getValue();
-			if (dataSource != null)
-			{
-				this.onSaveTimeoutAsyncFunc.saveAsync(dataSource)
-					.handle((voidObj, throwable) ->
-					{
-						try
-						{
-							dataSource.close();
-						}
-						catch (Exception e)
-						{
-							LOGGER.error("Unable to close datasource ["+ DhSectionPos.toString(dataSource.getPos()) +"], removal cause: ["+cause+"], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].", e);
-						}
-						
-						return null;
-					});
 			}
 			else
 			{
-				LOGGER.error("Unable to close null cached data source.");
+				memoryDataSource = pair.dataSource;
+			}
+			
+			// write the new data into memory
+			memoryDataSource.update(inputDataSource);
+			// keep track of when the last time we saved something was
+			pair.updateLastWrittenTimestamp();
+		}
+		finally
+		{
+			lockForPos.unlock();
+		}
+	}
+	
+	/** when this method is called the datasource should no longer be in the memory cache */
+	public void handleDataSourceRemoval(@NotNull FullDataSourceV2 removedDataSource)
+	{
+		this.onSaveTimeoutAsyncFunc.saveAsync(removedDataSource)
+			.handle((voidObj, throwable) ->
+			{
+				try
+				{
+					// if this close method is fired multiple times
+					// monoliths can appear due to concurrent writing to the
+					// backend arrays
+					removedDataSource.close();
+				}
+				catch (Exception e)
+				{
+					LOGGER.error("Unable to close datasource ["+ DhSectionPos.toString(removedDataSource.getPos()) +"], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].", e);
+				}
+				
+				return null;
+			});
+	}
+	
+	
+	
+	//==============//
+	// List methods //
+	//==============//
+	
+	public int getUnsavedCount() { return this.dataSourceByPosition.size(); }
+	
+	public void flush() { this.cleanUp(true); }
+	/** Removes everything from the memory cache and fires the {@link DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache#onSaveTimeoutAsyncFunc} for each. */
+	public void cleanUp(boolean flushAll)
+	{
+		Enumeration<Long> keyIterator = this.dataSourceByPosition.keys();
+		while (keyIterator.hasMoreElements())
+		{
+			Long pos = keyIterator.nextElement();
+			ReentrantLock posLock = this.saveLockContainer.getLockForPos(pos);
+			try
+			{
+				posLock.lock();
+				
+				DataSourceSavedTimePair savedPair = this.dataSourceByPosition.getOrDefault(pos, null);
+				if (savedPair != null)
+				{
+					if (flushAll
+						|| savedPair.dataSourceHasTimedOut(this.saveDelayInMs))
+					{
+						this.dataSourceByPosition.remove(pos);
+						this.handleDataSourceRemoval(savedPair.dataSource);
+					}
+				}
+			}
+			finally
+			{
+				posLock.unlock();
 			}
 		}
 	}
@@ -170,7 +203,7 @@ public class DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache implements AutoCloseable
 					}
 					else
 					{
-						cache.dataSourceByPosition.cleanUp();
+						cache.cleanUp(false);
 					}
 				});
 			}
@@ -213,4 +246,36 @@ public class DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache implements AutoCloseable
 		CompletableFuture<Void> saveAsync(FullDataSourceV2 inputDataSource);
 	}
 	
+	/** 
+	 * used to keep track of when data sources
+	 * were written to so we can flush them once
+	 * enough time has passed.
+	 */
+	private static class DataSourceSavedTimePair
+	{
+		@NotNull
+		public final FullDataSourceV2 dataSource;
+		/** the last unix millisecond time this data source was written to */
+		public long lastWrittenDateTimeMs;
+		
+		
+		public DataSourceSavedTimePair(@NotNull FullDataSourceV2 dataSource)
+		{
+			this.dataSource = dataSource;
+			this.lastWrittenDateTimeMs = System.currentTimeMillis();
+		}
+		
+		
+		public void updateLastWrittenTimestamp()
+		{ this.lastWrittenDateTimeMs = System.currentTimeMillis(); }
+		
+		public boolean dataSourceHasTimedOut(long msTillTimeout)
+		{
+			long currentTime = System.currentTimeMillis();
+			long timeSinceUpdate = currentTime - this.lastWrittenDateTimeMs;
+			return (timeSinceUpdate > msTillTimeout);
+		}
+	}
+	
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/fullDatafile/FullDataSourceProviderV1.java

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.dto.FullDataSourceV1DTO;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.repo.AbstractDhRepo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.repo.FullDataSourceV1Repo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.objects.DataCorruptedException;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.objects.dataStreams.DhDataInputStream;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.threading.ThreadPoolUtil;
 import it.unimi.dsi.fastutil.longs.LongArrayList;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
@@ -21,7 +22,6 @@ import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.concurrent.AbstractExecutorService;
 import java.util.concurrent.CompletableFuture;
 import java.util.concurrent.RejectedExecutionException;
-import java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor;
 import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;
 
 public class FullDataSourceProviderV1<TDhLevel extends IDhLevel>
@@ -79,7 +79,10 @@ public class FullDataSourceProviderV1<TDhLevel extends IDhLevel>
 	protected FullDataSourceV1 createDataSourceFromDto(FullDataSourceV1DTO dto) throws InterruptedException, IOException, DataCorruptedException
 	{
 		FullDataSourceV1 dataSource = FullDataSourceV1.createEmpty(dto.pos);
-		dataSource.populateFromStream(dto, dto.getInputStream(), this.level);
+		try (DhDataInputStream inputStream = dto.getInputStream())
+		{
+			dataSource.populateFromStream(dto, inputStream, this.level);
+		}
 		return dataSource;
 	}
 	

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/fullDatafile/FullDataSourceProviderV2.java

@@ -68,9 +68,9 @@ public class FullDataSourceProviderV2
 	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
 	private static final IMinecraftClientWrapper MC_CLIENT = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftClientWrapper.class);
 	
-	protected static final int NUMBER_OF_PARENT_UPDATE_TASKS_PER_THREAD = 50;
+	protected static final int NUMBER_OF_PARENT_UPDATE_TASKS_PER_THREAD = 5;
 	/** how many parent update tasks can be in the queue at once */
-	protected static final int MAX_UPDATE_TASK_COUNT = NUMBER_OF_PARENT_UPDATE_TASKS_PER_THREAD * Config.Common.MultiThreading.numberOfThreads.get();
+	protected static int getMaxUpdateTaskCount() { return NUMBER_OF_PARENT_UPDATE_TASKS_PER_THREAD* Config.Common.MultiThreading.numberOfThreads.get(); } 
 	
 	/** indicates how long the update queue thread should wait between queuing ticks */
 	protected static final int UPDATE_QUEUE_THREAD_DELAY_IN_MS = 250;
@@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ public class FullDataSourceProviderV2
 	 * Tracks which positions are currently being updated
 	 * to prevent duplicate concurrent updates.
 	 */
-	public final Set<Long> parentUpdatingPosSet = ConcurrentHashMap.newKeySet();
+	public final Set<Long> updatingPosSet = ConcurrentHashMap.newKeySet();
 	
 	// TODO only run thread if modifications happened recently
 	/** 
@@ -225,106 +225,11 @@ public class FullDataSourceProviderV2
 					targetBlockPos = MC_CLIENT.getPlayerBlockPos(); 
 				}
 				
-				// queue parent updates
+				this.runParentUpdates(executor, targetBlockPos);
-				if (executor.getQueueSize() < MAX_UPDATE_TASK_COUNT
+				
-					&& this.parentUpdatingPosSet.size() < MAX_UPDATE_TASK_COUNT)
+				if (Config.Common.LodBuilding.Experimental.upsampleLowerDetailLodsToFillHoles.get())
 				{
-					// get the positions that need to be applied to their parents
+					this.runChildUpdates(executor, targetBlockPos);
-					LongArrayList parentUpdatePosList = this.repo.getPositionsToUpdate(targetBlockPos.getX(), targetBlockPos.getZ(), MAX_UPDATE_TASK_COUNT);
-					
-					// combine updates together based on their parent
-					HashMap<Long, HashSet<Long>> updatePosByParentPos = new HashMap<>();
-					for (Long pos : parentUpdatePosList)
-					{
-						updatePosByParentPos.compute(DhSectionPos.getParentPos(pos), (parentPos, updatePosSet) -> 
-						{
-							if (updatePosSet == null)
-							{
-								updatePosSet = new HashSet<>();
-							}
-							updatePosSet.add(pos);
-							return updatePosSet;
-						});
-					}
-					
-					// queue the updates
-					for (Long parentUpdatePos : updatePosByParentPos.keySet())
-					{
-						// stop if there are already a bunch of updates queued
-						if (this.parentUpdatingPosSet.size() > MAX_UPDATE_TASK_COUNT
-							|| !this.parentUpdatingPosSet.add(parentUpdatePos))
-						{
-							break;
-						}
-						
-						try
-						{
-							executor.execute(() ->
-							{
-								ReentrantLock parentWriteLock = this.updateLockProvider.getLock(parentUpdatePos);
-								boolean parentLocked = false;
-								try
-								{
-									//LOGGER.info("updating parent: "+parentUpdatePos);
-									
-									// Locking the parent before the children should prevent deadlocks.
-									// TryLock is used instead of lock so this thread can handle a different update.
-									if (parentWriteLock.tryLock())
-									{
-										parentLocked = true;
-										this.lockedPosSet.add(parentUpdatePos);
-										
-										// apply each child pos to the parent
-										for (Long childPos : updatePosByParentPos.get(parentUpdatePos))
-										{
-											ReentrantLock childReadLock = this.updateLockProvider.getLock(childPos);
-											try
-											{
-												childReadLock.lock();
-												this.lockedPosSet.add(childPos);
-												
-												try (FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = this.get(childPos))
-												{
-													// can return null when the file handler is being shut down
-													if (dataSource != null)
-													{
-														this.updateDataSourceAtPos(parentUpdatePos, dataSource, false);
-														this.repo.setApplyToParent(childPos, false);
-													}
-												}
-											}
-											catch (Exception e)
-											{
-												LOGGER.error("Unexpected in update for parent pos: [" + DhSectionPos.toString(parentUpdatePos) + "] Error: [" + e.getMessage() + "].", e);
-											}
-											finally
-											{
-												childReadLock.unlock();
-												this.lockedPosSet.remove(childPos);
-											}
-										}
-									}
-								}
-								finally
-								{
-									if (parentLocked)
-									{
-										parentWriteLock.unlock();
-										this.lockedPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
-									}
-									
-									this.parentUpdatingPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
-								}
-							});
-						}
-						catch (RejectedExecutionException ignore)
-						{ /* the executor was shut down, it should be back up shortly and able to accept new jobs */ }
-						catch (Exception e)
-						{
-							this.parentUpdatingPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
-							throw e;
-						}
-					}
 				}
 				
 			}
@@ -340,6 +245,248 @@ public class FullDataSourceProviderV2
 		
 		LOGGER.info("Update thread ["+Thread.currentThread().getName()+"] terminated.");
 	}
+	/** will always apply updates */
+	private void runParentUpdates(PriorityTaskPicker.Executor executor, DhBlockPos targetBlockPos)
+	{
+		int maxUpdateTaskCount = getMaxUpdateTaskCount();
+		
+		// queue parent updates
+		if (executor.getQueueSize() < maxUpdateTaskCount
+			&& this.updatingPosSet.size() < maxUpdateTaskCount)
+		{
+			// get the positions that need to be applied to their parents
+			LongArrayList parentUpdatePosList = this.repo.getPositionsToUpdate(targetBlockPos.getX(), targetBlockPos.getZ(), maxUpdateTaskCount);
+			
+			// combine updates together based on their parent
+			HashMap<Long, HashSet<Long>> updatePosByParentPos = new HashMap<>();
+			for (Long pos : parentUpdatePosList)
+			{
+				updatePosByParentPos.compute(DhSectionPos.getParentPos(pos), (parentPos, updatePosSet) ->
+				{
+					if (updatePosSet == null)
+					{
+						updatePosSet = new HashSet<>();
+					}
+					updatePosSet.add(pos);
+					return updatePosSet;
+				});
+			}
+			
+			// queue the updates
+			for (Long parentUpdatePos : updatePosByParentPos.keySet())
+			{
+				// stop if there are already a bunch of updates queued
+				if (this.updatingPosSet.size() > maxUpdateTaskCount
+					|| executor.getQueueSize() > maxUpdateTaskCount
+					|| !this.updatingPosSet.add(parentUpdatePos))
+				{
+					break;
+				}
+				
+				try
+				{
+					executor.execute(() ->
+					{
+						ReentrantLock parentWriteLock = this.updateLockProvider.getLock(parentUpdatePos);
+						boolean parentLocked = false;
+						try
+						{
+							//LOGGER.info("updating parent: "+parentUpdatePos);
+							
+							// Locking the parent before the children should prevent deadlocks.
+							// TryLock is used instead of lock so this thread can handle a different update.
+							if (parentWriteLock.tryLock())
+							{
+								parentLocked = true;
+								this.lockedPosSet.add(parentUpdatePos);
+								
+								try (FullDataSourceV2 parentDataSource = this.get(parentUpdatePos))
+								{
+									// will return null if the file handler is shutting down
+									if (parentDataSource != null)
+									{
+										// apply each child pos to the parent
+										for (Long childPos : updatePosByParentPos.get(parentUpdatePos))
+										{
+											ReentrantLock childReadLock = this.updateLockProvider.getLock(childPos);
+											try
+											{
+												childReadLock.lock();
+												this.lockedPosSet.add(childPos);
+												
+												try (FullDataSourceV2 childDataSource = this.get(childPos))
+												{
+													// can return null when the file handler is being shut down
+													if (childDataSource != null)
+													{
+														parentDataSource.update(childDataSource);
+													}
+												}
+											}
+											catch (Exception e)
+											{
+												LOGGER.error("Unexpected in parent update propagation for parent pos: ["+DhSectionPos.toString(parentUpdatePos)+"], child pos: [" + DhSectionPos.toString(parentUpdatePos) + "], Error: [" + e.getMessage() + "].", e);
+											}
+											finally
+											{
+												childReadLock.unlock();
+												this.lockedPosSet.remove(childPos);
+											}
+										}
+										
+										
+										if (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(parentUpdatePos) < TOP_SECTION_DETAIL_LEVEL)
+										{
+											parentDataSource.applyToParent = true;
+										}
+										
+										this.updateDataSourceAtPos(parentUpdatePos, parentDataSource, false);
+										for (Long childPos : updatePosByParentPos.get(parentUpdatePos))
+										{
+											this.repo.setApplyToParent(childPos, false);
+										}
+									}
+								}
+							}
+						}
+						finally
+						{
+							if (parentLocked)
+							{
+								parentWriteLock.unlock();
+								this.lockedPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
+							}
+							
+							this.updatingPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
+						}
+					});
+				}
+				catch (RejectedExecutionException ignore)
+				{ /* the executor was shut down, it should be back up shortly and able to accept new jobs */ }
+				catch (Exception e)
+				{
+					this.updatingPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
+					throw e;
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
+	/** stops if it finds any LOD data */
+	private void runChildUpdates(PriorityTaskPicker.Executor executor, DhBlockPos targetBlockPos)
+	{
+		int maxUpdateTaskCount = getMaxUpdateTaskCount();
+		
+		// queue child updates
+		if (executor.getQueueSize() < maxUpdateTaskCount
+			&& this.updatingPosSet.size() < maxUpdateTaskCount)
+		{
+			// get the positions that need to be applied to their children
+			LongArrayList childUpdatePosList = this.repo.getChildPositionsToUpdate(targetBlockPos.getX(), targetBlockPos.getZ(), maxUpdateTaskCount);
+			
+			// queue the updates
+			for (long parentUpdatePos : childUpdatePosList)
+			{
+				// stop if there are already a bunch of updates queued
+ 				if (this.updatingPosSet.size() > maxUpdateTaskCount
+					    || executor.getQueueSize() > maxUpdateTaskCount)
+				{
+					break;
+				}
+				
+				// skip already updating positions
+				if (!this.updatingPosSet.add(parentUpdatePos))
+				{
+					continue;
+				}
+				
+				try
+				{
+					executor.execute(() ->
+					{
+						ReentrantLock parentReadLock = this.updateLockProvider.getLock(parentUpdatePos);
+						boolean parentLocked = false;
+						try
+						{
+							//LOGGER.info("updating parent: "+parentUpdatePos);
+							
+							// Locking the parent before the children should prevent deadlocks.
+							// TryLock is used instead of lock so this thread can handle a different update.
+							if (parentReadLock.tryLock())
+							{
+								parentLocked = true;
+								this.lockedPosSet.add(parentUpdatePos);
+								
+								try (FullDataSourceV2 parentDataSource = this.get(parentUpdatePos))
+								{
+									// will return null if the file handler is shutting down
+									if (parentDataSource != null)
+									{
+										// apply parent to each child
+										for (int i = 0; i < 4; i++)
+										{
+											long childPos = DhSectionPos.getChildByIndex(parentUpdatePos, i);
+											
+											ReentrantLock childWriteLock = this.updateLockProvider.getLock(childPos);
+											try
+											{
+												childWriteLock.lock();
+												this.lockedPosSet.add(childPos);
+												
+												try (FullDataSourceV2 childDataSource = this.get(childPos))
+												{
+													// will return null if the file handler is shutting down
+													if (childDataSource != null)
+													{
+														childDataSource.update(parentDataSource);
+														
+														// don't propagate child updates past the bottom of the tree
+														if (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(childPos) != DhSectionPos.SECTION_BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL)
+														{
+															childDataSource.applyToChildren = true;
+														}
+														
+														this.updateDataSourceAtPos(childPos, childDataSource, false);
+													}
+												}
+											}
+											catch (Exception e)
+											{
+												LOGGER.error("Unexpected in child update propagation for parent pos: ["+DhSectionPos.toString(parentUpdatePos)+"], child pos: [" + DhSectionPos.toString(parentUpdatePos) + "], Error: [" + e.getMessage() + "].", e);
+											}
+											finally
+											{
+												childWriteLock.unlock();
+												this.lockedPosSet.remove(childPos);
+											}
+										}
+										
+										this.repo.setApplyToChild(parentUpdatePos, false);
+									}
+								}
+							}
+						}
+						finally
+						{
+							if (parentLocked)
+							{
+								parentReadLock.unlock();
+								this.lockedPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
+							}
+							
+							this.updatingPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
+						}
+					});
+				}
+				catch (RejectedExecutionException ignore)
+				{ /* the executor was shut down, it should be back up shortly and able to accept new jobs */ }
+				catch (Exception e)
+				{
+					this.updatingPosSet.remove(parentUpdatePos);
+					throw e;
+				}
+			}
+		}
+	}
 	
 	
 	
@@ -645,7 +792,7 @@ public class FullDataSourceProviderV2
 		
 		this.queuedUpdateCountsByPos
 				.forEach((pos, updateCountRef) -> { renderer.renderBox(new DebugRenderer.Box(pos, -32f, 80f + (updateCountRef.get() * 16f), 0.20f, Color.WHITE)); });
-		this.parentUpdatingPosSet
+		this.updatingPosSet
 				.forEach((pos) -> { renderer.renderBox(new DebugRenderer.Box(pos, -32f, 80f, 0.20f, Color.MAGENTA)); });
 	}
 	

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/fullDatafile/GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider.java

@@ -34,7 +34,6 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListCheckout;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pooling.PhantomArrayListPool;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos2D;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.DebugRenderer;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.IDebugRenderable;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.threading.PriorityTaskPicker;
@@ -88,8 +87,20 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 	// event listeners //
 	//=================//
 	
-	public void addWorldGenCompleteListener(IOnWorldGenCompleteListener listener) { this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners.add(listener); }
+	public void addWorldGenCompleteListener(IOnWorldGenCompleteListener listener) 
-	public void removeWorldGenCompleteListener(IOnWorldGenCompleteListener listener) { this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners.remove(listener); }
+	{
+		synchronized (this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners)
+		{
+			this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners.add(listener);
+		}
+	}
+	public void removeWorldGenCompleteListener(IOnWorldGenCompleteListener listener) 
+	{
+		synchronized (this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners)
+		{
+			this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners.remove(listener);
+		}
+	}
 	
 	
 	
@@ -129,10 +140,14 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 	// TODO only fire after the section has finished generated or once every X seconds
 	private void fireOnGenPosSuccessListeners(long pos)
 	{
-		// fire the event listeners 
+		// synchronized to prevent a rare issue where the world generator is being shut down while this listener is firing
-		for (IOnWorldGenCompleteListener listener : this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners)
+		synchronized (this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners)
 		{
-			listener.onWorldGenTaskComplete(pos);
+			// fire the event listeners 
+			for (IOnWorldGenCompleteListener listener : this.onWorldGenTaskCompleteListeners)
+			{
+				listener.onWorldGenTaskComplete(pos);
+			}
 		}
 	}
 	
@@ -195,16 +210,18 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 		}
 		
 		
-		PriorityTaskPicker.Executor updateExecutor = ThreadPoolUtil.getUpdatePropagatorExecutor();
+		PriorityTaskPicker.Executor renderLoadExecutor = ThreadPoolUtil.getRenderLoadingExecutor();
-		if (updateExecutor == null || updateExecutor.getQueueSize() >= MAX_UPDATE_TASK_COUNT / 2)
+		if (renderLoadExecutor == null 
+			|| renderLoadExecutor.getQueueSize() >= getMaxUpdateTaskCount() / 2)
 		{
-			// don't queue additional world gen requests if the updater is behind
+			// don't queue additional world gen requests if the render loader handler is overwhelmed,
+			// otherwise LODs may not load in properly
 			return false;
 		}
 		
-		
+		PriorityTaskPicker.Executor fileHandlerExecutor = ThreadPoolUtil.getFileHandlerExecutor();
-		PriorityTaskPicker.Executor fileExecutor = ThreadPoolUtil.getFileHandlerExecutor();
+		if (fileHandlerExecutor == null 
-		if (fileExecutor == null || fileExecutor.getQueueSize() >= MAX_UPDATE_TASK_COUNT / 2)
+			|| fileHandlerExecutor.getQueueSize() >= getMaxUpdateTaskCount() / 2)
 		{
 			// don't queue additional world gen requests if the file handler is overwhelmed,
 			// otherwise LODs may not load in properly
@@ -229,9 +246,15 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 			// don't queue additional world gen requests if there are
 			// a lot of data sources in memory 
 			// (this is done to prevent infinite memory growth)
+			
+			// clear out the data sources that are in memory so
+			// we can start queuing new world gen tasks
+			this.delayedFullDataSourceSaveCache.flush();
+			
 			return false;
 		}
 		
+		
 		int availableTaskSlots = maxWorldGenQueueCount - worldGenQueue.getWaitingTaskCount();
 		if (availableTaskSlots <= 0)
 		{
@@ -298,7 +321,12 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 	public boolean isFullyGenerated(ByteArrayList columnGenerationSteps)
 	{
 		return IntStream.range(0, columnGenerationSteps.size())
-				.noneMatch(i -> columnGenerationSteps.getByte(i) == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY.value);
+				.noneMatch(i ->
+				{
+					byte value = columnGenerationSteps.getByte(i);
+					return value == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY.value
+							|| value == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.DOWN_SAMPLED.value;
+				});
 	}
 	
 	public static final PhantomArrayListPool ARRAY_LIST_POOL = new PhantomArrayListPool("Generated Provider");
@@ -328,7 +356,8 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 					// check if any positions are ungenerated
 					for (int i = 0; i < columnGenStepArray.size(); i++)
 					{
-						if (columnGenStepArray.getByte(i) == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY.value)
+						if (columnGenStepArray.getByte(i) == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY.value
+							|| columnGenStepArray.getByte(i) == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.DOWN_SAMPLED.value)
 						{
 							positionFullyGenerated = false;
 							break;
@@ -393,7 +422,8 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 								}
 							}
 							
-							if (currentMinWorldGenStep == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY)
+							if (currentMinWorldGenStep == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY 
+								|| currentMinWorldGenStep == EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.DOWN_SAMPLED)
 							{
 								// queue the task
 								break checkWorldGenLoop;
@@ -402,7 +432,8 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 					}
 				}
 				
-				if (currentMinWorldGenStep != EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY)
+				if (currentMinWorldGenStep != EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.EMPTY
+					&& currentMinWorldGenStep != EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.DOWN_SAMPLED)
 				{
 					// no world gen needed for this position
 					return;
@@ -455,6 +486,23 @@ public class GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider extends FullDataSourceProviderV2 im
 			};
 		}
 		
+		@Override
+		public CompletableFuture<Boolean> shouldGenerateSplitChild(long pos)
+		{
+			return GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider.this.getAsync(pos).thenApply(fullDataSource ->
+			{
+				//noinspection TryFinallyCanBeTryWithResources
+				try
+				{
+					return !GeneratedFullDataSourceProvider.this.isFullyGenerated(fullDataSource.columnGenerationSteps);
+				}
+				finally
+				{
+					fullDataSource.close();
+				}
+			});
+		}
+		
 	}
 	private CompletableFuture<Void> onDataSourceSaveAsync(FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource) 
 	{

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/fullDatafile/RemoteFullDataSourceProvider.java

@@ -99,7 +99,10 @@ public class RemoteFullDataSourceProvider extends GeneratedFullDataSourceProvide
 		Long timestamp = this.getTimestampForPos(pos);
 		if (timestamp != null)
 		{
-			this.syncOnLoadRequestQueue.submitRequest(pos, timestamp, this::updateDataSource);
+			this.syncOnLoadRequestQueue.submitRequest(pos, timestamp, fullDataSource ->
+			{
+				this.updateDataSourceAsync(fullDataSource).whenComplete((result, throwable) -> fullDataSource.close());
+			});
 		}
 		
 		return super.get(pos);

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/structure/ClientOnlySaveStructure.java

@@ -106,6 +106,19 @@ public class ClientOnlySaveStructure implements ISaveStructure
 		});
 	}
 	
+	@Override
+	public File getPre23SaveFolder(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper)
+	{
+		// Allow API users to override the save folder
+		IDhApiSaveStructure saveStructureOverride = OverrideInjector.INSTANCE.get(IDhApiSaveStructure.class);
+		if (saveStructureOverride != null)
+		{
+			return this.getSaveFolder(levelWrapper);
+		}
+		
+		return getSaveFolderByLevelId(levelWrapper.getDimensionType().getName());
+	}
+	
 	
 	
 	//================//

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/structure/ISaveStructure.java

@@ -34,5 +34,7 @@ public interface ISaveStructure extends AutoCloseable
 	 */
 	File getSaveFolder(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper);
 	
+	File getPre23SaveFolder(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper);
+	
 }
 

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/file/structure/LocalSaveStructure.java

@@ -75,6 +75,8 @@ public class LocalSaveStructure implements ISaveStructure
 		});
 	}
 	
+	@Override
+	public File getPre23SaveFolder(ILevelWrapper levelWrapper) { return this.getSaveFolder(levelWrapper); }
 	
 	
 	//==================//

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/generation/BatchGenerator.java

@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ public class BatchGenerator implements IDhApiWorldGenerator
 				targetStep = EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.FEATURES;
 				break;
 			case INTERNAL_SERVER:
-				targetStep = EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.LIGHT;  // TODO using something other than LIGHT would be good for clarity
+				targetStep = EDhApiWorldGenerationStep.LIGHT;
 				break;
 		}
 		

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/generation/DhLightingEngine.java

@@ -328,7 +328,8 @@ public class DhLightingEngine
 					continue;
 				}
 				
-				if (relNeighbourBlockPos.getY() < neighbourChunk.getMinNonEmptyHeight() || relNeighbourBlockPos.getY() > neighbourChunk.getExclusiveMaxBuildHeight())
+				if (relNeighbourBlockPos.getY() < neighbourChunk.getMinNonEmptyHeight()
+					|| relNeighbourBlockPos.getY() >= neighbourChunk.getExclusiveMaxBuildHeight())
 				{
 					// the light pos is outside the chunk's min/max height,
 					// this can happen if given a chunk that hasn't finished generating

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/generation/PregenManager.java

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.fullDatafile.GeneratedFullDataSource
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos2D;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.FormatUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.objects.RollingAverage;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IServerLevelWrapper;
@@ -167,17 +168,15 @@ public class PregenManager
 			this.generatedPercentage.update((double) this.nextSectionSpiralIndex.get() / this.sectionsToGenerate);
 			
 			double chunksToGenerate = Math.ceil(Math.sqrt(this.sectionsToGenerate) / 2 * 4 * 10) / 10; // ceil to nearest 0.1
+			int chunkRatePerSecond = (int) (1000 / this.averageTaskCompletionIntervalMs.getAverage() * 4 * 4);
 			double etaMs = this.averageTaskCompletionIntervalMs.getAverage() * (this.sectionsToGenerate - this.nextSectionSpiralIndex.get());
 			
-			return MessageFormat.format("Generated radius: {0,number,#.###} / {1,number,#.#} chunks ({2,number,#.###%}), ETA: {3}",
+			return MessageFormat.format("Generated radius: {0,number,#.###} / {1,number,#.#} chunks ({2} cps, {3,number,#.###%}), ETA: {4}",
 					this.generatedRadius.getValue(),
 					chunksToGenerate,
+					chunkRatePerSecond,
 					this.generatedPercentage.getValue(),
-					Duration.ofMillis((long) etaMs).toString()
+					FormatUtil.formatEta(Duration.ofMillis((long) etaMs))
-							.substring(2)
-							.replaceAll("(\\d[HMS])(?!$)", "$1 ")
-							.replaceAll("\\.\\d+", "")
-							.toLowerCase()
 			);
 		}
 		

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/generation/RemoteWorldRetrievalQueue.java

@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 
 import java.util.ArrayList;
 import java.util.List;
+import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.concurrent.*;
 
 public class RemoteWorldRetrievalQueue extends AbstractFullDataNetworkRequestQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDebugRenderable
@@ -47,7 +48,7 @@ public class RemoteWorldRetrievalQueue extends AbstractFullDataNetworkRequestQue
 	public void startAndSetTargetPos(DhBlockPos2D targetPos) { super.tick(targetPos); }
 	
 	@Override
-	public byte lowestDataDetail() { return LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL + 12; } // TODO should be the same as what the server's update propgator can provide
+	public byte lowestDataDetail() { return LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL + 12; } // TODO should be the same as what the server's update propagator can provide
 	@Override
 	public byte highestDataDetail() { return LodUtil.BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL; }
 	
@@ -56,7 +57,11 @@ public class RemoteWorldRetrievalQueue extends AbstractFullDataNetworkRequestQue
 	{
 		long generationStartMsTime = System.currentTimeMillis();
 		
-		return super.submitRequest(sectionPos, tracker.getDataSourceConsumer())
+		
+		return super.submitRequest(sectionPos, fullDataSource -> {
+					Objects.requireNonNull(tracker.getDataSourceConsumer()).accept(fullDataSource);
+					fullDataSource.close();
+				})
 				.thenApply(requestResult ->
 				{
 					long totalGenTimeInMs = System.currentTimeMillis() - generationStartMsTime;
@@ -74,7 +79,14 @@ public class RemoteWorldRetrievalQueue extends AbstractFullDataNetworkRequestQue
 							return WorldGenResult.CreateFail();
 						case REQUIRES_SPLITTING:
 							List<CompletableFuture<WorldGenResult>> childFutures = new ArrayList<>(4);
-							DhSectionPos.forEachChild(sectionPos, childPos -> childFutures.add(this.submitRetrievalTask(childPos, requiredDataDetail, tracker)));
+							DhSectionPos.forEachChild(sectionPos, childPos -> {
+								tracker.shouldGenerateSplitChild(childPos).thenAccept(shouldGenerate -> {
+									if (shouldGenerate)
+									{
+										childFutures.add(this.submitRetrievalTask(childPos, requiredDataDetail, tracker));
+									}
+								});
+							});
 							return WorldGenResult.CreateSplit(childFutures);
 					}
 					
@@ -111,6 +123,18 @@ public class RemoteWorldRetrievalQueue extends AbstractFullDataNetworkRequestQue
 		
 		return DhSectionPos.getChebyshevSignedBlockDistance(sectionPos, targetPos) <= this.networkState.sessionConfig.getMaxGenerationRequestDistance() * 16;
 	}
+	@Override
+	protected boolean onBeforeRequest(long sectionPos, CompletableFuture<ERequestResult> future)
+	{
+		if (DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(sectionPos) > DhSectionPos.SECTION_MINIMUM_DETAIL_LEVEL
+				&& !Config.Server.Experimental.enableNSizedGeneration.get())
+		{
+			future.complete(ERequestResult.REQUIRES_SPLITTING);
+			return false;
+		}
+		
+		return true;
+	}
 	
 	@Override
 	protected String getQueueName() { return "World Remote Generation Queue"; }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/generation/WorldGenerationQueue.java

@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.tasks.InProgressWorldGenTaskGr
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.tasks.WorldGenResult;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.tasks.WorldGenTask;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.tasks.WorldGenTaskGroup;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level.IDhServerLevel;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos2D;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
@@ -75,6 +76,7 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 	
 	
 	private final IDhApiWorldGenerator generator;
+	private final IDhServerLevel level;
 	
 	/** contains the positions that need to be generated */
 	private final ConcurrentHashMap<Long, WorldGenTask> waitingTasks = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
@@ -103,7 +105,7 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 	private int estimatedRemainingTaskCount = 0;
 	private int estimatedRemainingChunkCount = 0;
 	
-	private final RollingAverage rollingAverageChunkGenTimeInMs = new RollingAverage(1_000);
+	private final RollingAverage rollingAverageChunkGenTimeInMs = new RollingAverage(Runtime.getRuntime().availableProcessors() * 500);
 	public RollingAverage getRollingAverageChunkGenTimeInMs() { return this.rollingAverageChunkGenTimeInMs; }
 	
 	
@@ -112,10 +114,11 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 	// constructors //
 	//==============//
 	
-	public WorldGenerationQueue(IDhApiWorldGenerator generator)
+	public WorldGenerationQueue(IDhApiWorldGenerator generator, IDhServerLevel level)
 	{
 		LOGGER.info("Creating world gen queue");
 		this.generator = generator;
+		this.level = level;
 		this.lowestDataDetail = generator.getLargestDataDetailLevel();
 		this.highestDataDetail = generator.getSmallestDataDetailLevel();
 		
@@ -184,45 +187,40 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 		// update the target pos
 		this.generationTargetPos = targetPos;
 		
-		// ensure the queuing thread is running
+		// needs to be called at least once to start the queue
-		if (!this.generationQueueRunning)
+		this.tryQueueNewWorldGenRequestsAsync();
-		{
-			this.startWorldGenQueuingThread();
-		}
 	}
-	private void startWorldGenQueuingThread()
+	private synchronized void tryQueueNewWorldGenRequestsAsync()
 	{
+		if (!DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.worldLoaded()
+			|| DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.getReadOnly())
+		{
+			return;
+		}
+		
+		if (this.generationQueueRunning)
+		{
+			return;
+		}
 		this.generationQueueRunning = true;
 		
+		
+		
 		// queue world generation tasks on its own thread since this process is very slow and would lag the server thread
 		this.queueingThread.execute(() ->
 		{
 			try
 			{
-				// loop until the generator is shutdown
+				this.generator.preGeneratorTaskStart();
-				while (!Thread.interrupted() && DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.worldLoaded() && !DhApiWorldProxy.INSTANCE.getReadOnly())
+			
+				// queue generation tasks until the generator is full, or there are no more tasks to generate
+				boolean taskStarted = true;
+				while (!this.isGeneratorBusy()
+						&& taskStarted)
 				{
-					this.generator.preGeneratorTaskStart();
+					taskStarted = this.startNextWorldGenTask(this.generationTargetPos);
-					
-					// queue generation tasks until the generator is full, or there are no more tasks to generate
-					boolean taskStarted = true;
-					while (!this.isGeneratorBusy() && taskStarted)
-					{
-						taskStarted = this.startNextWorldGenTask(this.generationTargetPos);
-						if (!taskStarted)
-						{
-							int debugPointOne = 0;
-						}
-					}
-					
-					// if there aren't any new tasks, wait a second before checking again // TODO replace with a listener instead
-					Thread.sleep(1000);
 				}
 			}
-			catch (InterruptedException e)
-			{
-				/* do nothing, this means the thread is being shut down */
-			}
 			catch (Exception e)
 			{
 				LOGGER.error("queueing exception: " + e.getMessage(), e);
@@ -233,7 +231,7 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 			}
 		});
 	}
-	public boolean isGeneratorBusy()
+	private boolean isGeneratorBusy()
 	{
 		PriorityTaskPicker.Executor executor = ThreadPoolUtil.getWorldGenExecutor();
 		if (executor == null)
@@ -246,7 +244,6 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 		int maxWorldGenTaskCount = worldGenThreadCount * MAX_QUEUED_TASKS_PER_THREAD;
 		return executor.getQueueSize() > maxWorldGenTaskCount;
 	}
-	
 	/**
 	 * @param targetPos the position to center the generation around
 	 * @return false if no tasks were found to generate
@@ -379,6 +376,10 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 			{
 				LOGGER.error("Unexpected error completing world gen task at pos: ["+DhSectionPos.toString(taskPos)+"].", e);
 			}
+			finally
+			{
+				this.tryQueueNewWorldGenRequestsAsync();
+			}
 		});
 		
 		this.inProgressGenTasksByLodPos.put(taskPos, newTaskGroup);
@@ -409,8 +410,15 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 					{
 						try
 						{
-							IChunkWrapper chunk = WRAPPER_FACTORY.createChunkWrapper(generatedObjectArray);
+							IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper = WRAPPER_FACTORY.createChunkWrapper(generatedObjectArray);
-							try (FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = LodDataBuilder.createFromChunk(chunk))
+							
+							// TODO light data should be pulled (if possible) from the ChunkAccess object itself via ChunkFileReader.readLight
+							// but this should work for now
+							ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> nearbyChunkList = new ArrayList<IChunkWrapper>();
+							nearbyChunkList.add(chunkWrapper);
+							DhLightingEngine.INSTANCE.bakeChunkBlockLighting(chunkWrapper, nearbyChunkList, this.level.hasSkyLight() ? LodUtil.MAX_MC_LIGHT : LodUtil.MIN_MC_LIGHT);
+							
+							try (FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = LodDataBuilder.createFromChunk(this.level.getLevelWrapper(), chunkWrapper))
 							{
 								LodUtil.assertTrue(dataSource != null);
 								dataSourceConsumer.accept(dataSource);
@@ -439,9 +447,8 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 					ThreadPoolUtil.getWorldGenExecutor(),
 					(DhApiChunk dataPoints) ->
 					{
-						try
+						try(FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = LodDataBuilder.createFromApiChunkData(dataPoints, this.generator.runApiValidation()))
 						{
-							FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = LodDataBuilder.createFromApiChunkData(dataPoints, this.generator.runApiValidation());
 							dataSourceConsumer.accept(dataSource);
 						}
 						catch (DataCorruptedException | IllegalArgumentException e)
@@ -464,6 +471,12 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 				// set here so the API user doesn't have to pass in this value anywhere themselves
 				pooledDataSource.setRunApiChunkValidation(this.generator.runApiValidation());
 				
+				// only apply to children if we aren't at the bottom of the tree
+				
+				pooledDataSource.applyToChildren = DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(pooledDataSource.getPos()) > DhSectionPos.SECTION_BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL;
+				pooledDataSource.applyToParent = DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(pooledDataSource.getPos()) < DhSectionPos.SECTION_BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL + 12;
+				
+				
 				return this.generator.generateLod(
 						chunkPosMin.getX(), chunkPosMin.getZ(),
 						DhSectionPos.getX(requestPos), DhSectionPos.getZ(requestPos),
@@ -471,11 +484,19 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 						pooledDataSource,
 						generatorMode,
 						ThreadPoolUtil.getWorldGenExecutor(),
-						(IDhApiFullDataSource dataSource) ->
+						(IDhApiFullDataSource apiDataSource) ->
 						{
 							try
 							{
-								dataSourceConsumer.accept((FullDataSourceV2)dataSource);
+								FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource = (FullDataSourceV2) apiDataSource;
+								try
+								{
+									dataSourceConsumer.accept(fullDataSource);
+								}
+								finally
+								{
+									fullDataSource.close();
+								}
 							}
 							catch (IllegalArgumentException e)
 							{
@@ -642,8 +663,25 @@ public class WorldGenerationQueue implements IFullDataSourceRetrievalQueue, IDeb
 	@Override
 	public void debugRender(DebugRenderer renderer)
 	{
-		this.waitingTasks.keySet().forEach((pos) -> { renderer.renderBox(new DebugRenderer.Box(pos, -32f, 64f, 0.05f, Color.blue)); });
+		// show the wireframe a bit lower than world max height,
-		this.inProgressGenTasksByLodPos.forEach((pos, t) -> { renderer.renderBox(new DebugRenderer.Box(pos, -32f, 64f, 0.05f, Color.red)); });
+		// since most worlds don't render all the way up to the max height
+		int levelHeightRange = (this.level.getMaxY() - this.level.getMinY());
+		int maxY = this.level.getMaxY() - (levelHeightRange / 2);
+		
+		
+		// blue - queued
+		this.waitingTasks.keySet().forEach((pos) -> 
+		{ 
+			renderer.renderBox(
+					new DebugRenderer.Box(pos, this.level.getMinY(), maxY, 0.05f, Color.blue)); 
+		});
+		
+		// red - in progress
+		this.inProgressGenTasksByLodPos.forEach((pos, t) -> 
+		{ 
+			renderer.renderBox(
+					new DebugRenderer.Box(pos, this.level.getMinY(), maxY, 0.05f, Color.red)); 
+		});
 	}
 	
 	

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/generation/tasks/IWorldGenTaskTracker.java

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.tasks;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
 
 import javax.annotation.Nullable;
+import java.util.concurrent.CompletableFuture;
 import java.util.function.Consumer;
 
 /**
@@ -33,4 +34,6 @@ public interface IWorldGenTaskTracker
 	@Nullable
 	Consumer<FullDataSourceV2> getDataSourceConsumer();
 	
+	CompletableFuture<Boolean> shouldGenerateSplitChild(long pos);
+	
 }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/jar/EPlatform.java

@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ public enum EPlatform
 		{ // For MacOS it should either output "Mac OS X" or "Darwin" depending on the version of MacOS
 			current = MACOS;
 		}
-		else if (osName.startsWith("bsd"))
+		else if (osName.startsWith("bsd") || osName.startsWith("freebsd"))
 		{ // Depending on the BSD distro this will be different
 			current = BSD;
 		}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/jar/updater/SelfUpdater.java

@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.jar.installer.GitlabGetter;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.jar.installer.ModrinthGetter;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.jar.installer.WebDownloader;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.f3.F3Screen;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.IVersionConstants;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.ModInfo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.StringUtil;
@@ -42,8 +43,12 @@ import java.net.URLEncoder;
 import java.nio.file.Files;
 import java.nio.file.Path;
 import java.security.MessageDigest;
+import java.text.NumberFormat;
+import java.util.Collections;
+import java.util.Comparator;
+import java.util.zip.CRC32;
 import java.util.zip.ZipEntry;
-import java.util.zip.ZipInputStream;
+import java.util.zip.ZipFile;
 
 /**
  * Used to update the mod automatically
@@ -106,7 +111,7 @@ public class SelfUpdater
 		}
 		if (!ModrinthGetter.mcVersions.contains(mcVersion))
 		{
-			LOGGER.warn("Minecraft version ["+ mcVersion +"] is not findable on Modrinth, only findable versions are ["+ StringUtil.join(",", ModrinthGetter.mcVersions) +"]");
+			LOGGER.warn("Minecraft version ["+ mcVersion +"] is not findable on Modrinth, only findable versions are ["+ StringUtil.join(", ", ModrinthGetter.mcVersions) +"]");
 			return false;
 		}
 		
@@ -253,94 +258,177 @@ public class SelfUpdater
 			
 			deleteOldJarOnJvmShutdown = true;
 			
-			LOGGER.info("Distant Horizons successfully updated. It will apply on game's relaunch");
+			String message = "Distant Horizons successfully updated. It will apply on game's relaunch"; 
+			LOGGER.info(message);
 			new Thread(() -> 
 			{
-				String message = "Distant Horizons updated, this will be applied on game restart.";
+				try
-				if (!GraphicsEnvironment.isHeadless())
 				{
 					TinyFileDialogs.tinyfd_messageBox(ModInfo.READABLE_NAME, message, "ok", "info", false);
 				}
-				else
+				catch (Exception ignore) { }
-				{
-					LOGGER.info(message);
-				}
 			}).start();
 			return true;
 		}
 		catch (Exception e)
 		{
-			LOGGER.warn("Failed to update Distant Horizons to version [" + ModrinthGetter.getLatestNameForVersion(minecraftVersion) + "], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].", e);
+			// delete the update file to prevent issues with a corrupt jar floating around
+			try
+			{
+				Files.deleteIfExists(file.toPath());
+			}
+			catch (Exception deleteCorruptFileException)
+			{
+				LOGGER.error("Unable to delete corrupted update file at ["+file.toPath()+"], error: ["+deleteCorruptFileException.getMessage()+"].", deleteCorruptFileException);
+			}
+			
+			
+			String message = "Failed to update Distant Horizons to version [" + ModrinthGetter.getLatestNameForVersion(minecraftVersion) + "], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].";
+			
+			LOGGER.error(message, e);
+			try
+			{
+				TinyFileDialogs.tinyfd_messageBox(ModInfo.READABLE_NAME, message, "ok", "error", false);
+			}
+			catch (Exception ignore) { }
+			
 			return false;
 		}
 	}
 	
 	public static boolean updateNightlyMod(String minecraftVersion, File file)
 	{
-		if (GitlabGetter.INSTANCE.projectPipelines.size() == 0)
+		if (GitlabGetter.INSTANCE.projectPipelines.isEmpty())
 		{
 			LOGGER.warn("Failed to find any nightly builds for the minecraft version ["+minecraftVersion+"] update canceled.");
 			return false;
 		}
 		
 		
+		Path mergedZipPath = null;
 		try
 		{
 			LOGGER.info("Attempting to auto update Distant Horizons.");
 			
 			Files.createDirectories(file.getParentFile().toPath());
 			
-			File mergedZip = file.getParentFile().toPath().resolve("merged.zip").toFile();
+			mergedZipPath = file.getParentFile().toPath().resolve("merged.zip");
+			WebDownloader.downloadAsFile(GitlabGetter.INSTANCE.getDownloads(GitlabGetter.INSTANCE.projectPipelines.get(0).get("id")).get(minecraftVersion), mergedZipPath.toFile());
 			
-			WebDownloader.downloadAsFile(GitlabGetter.INSTANCE.getDownloads(GitlabGetter.INSTANCE.projectPipelines.get(0).get("id")).get(minecraftVersion), mergedZip);
+			try (ZipFile zipFile = new ZipFile(mergedZipPath.toFile()))
-			
-			ZipInputStream zis = new ZipInputStream(new FileInputStream(mergedZip));
-			ZipEntry zipEntry = zis.getNextEntry();
-			while (zipEntry != null)
 			{
-				if (!zipEntry.isDirectory() && zipEntry.getName().contains("Merged")) // Look until the merged jar is found
+				ZipEntry zipEntry = 
+						Collections.list(zipFile.entries()).stream()
+						.max(Comparator.comparingInt(entry -> entry.getName().length()))
+						// shouldn't happen, but just in case
+						.orElseThrow(() -> new Exception("Unable to find jar in zip. Is the downloaded zip empty?"));
+				
+				// expected values as defined by the zip
+				long expectedCheckSum = zipEntry.getCrc();
+				int expectedSize = (int)zipEntry.getSize();
+				
+				
+				// read in the file content
+				byte[] buffer = new byte[expectedSize];
+				CRC32 crcCheckSumGenerator = new CRC32();
+				InputStream inputStream = zipFile.getInputStream(zipEntry);
+				
+				int byteReadIndex = 0;
+				try
 				{
-					// write file content
+					NumberFormat outputFormat = NumberFormat.getNumberInstance();
-					FileOutputStream fos = new FileOutputStream(file);
-					byte[] buffer = new byte[1024];
 					
-					int len;
+					int nextByte = inputStream.read();
-					while ((len = zis.read(buffer)) > 0) {
+					while (nextByte != -1)
-						fos.write(buffer, 0, len);
-					}
-					fos.close();
-					
-					deleteOldJarOnJvmShutdown = true;
-					
-					LOGGER.info("Distant Horizons successfully updated. It will apply on game's relaunch");
-					new Thread(() -> 
 					{
-						String message = "Distant Horizons updated, this will be applied on game restart.";
+						buffer[byteReadIndex] = (byte) nextByte;
-						if (!GraphicsEnvironment.isHeadless())
+						crcCheckSumGenerator.update(nextByte);
+						nextByte = inputStream.read();
+						byteReadIndex++;
+						
+						// TODO it would be better to change this divisor based on the expected size,
+						//  so it would always be split up into 100 1% increments
+						//  but this will work for now when the expected size is about 17 MB, this will log about 170 times
+						if (byteReadIndex % 100_000 == 0)
 						{
-							TinyFileDialogs.tinyfd_messageBox(ModInfo.READABLE_NAME, message, "ok", "info", false);
+							LOGGER.info("Decompressing ["+outputFormat.format(((double)byteReadIndex / expectedSize)*100.0)+"]%");
 						}
-						else
+					}
-						{
+				}
-							LOGGER.info(message);
+				catch (EOFException ignore) { /* shouldn't happen, but just in case */ }
-						}
+				
-					}).start();
+				// confirm we read the whole file
-					
+				if (byteReadIndex != expectedSize) // +1 on the index isn't necessary since the readIndex will always end +1 from where it started
-					zis.close();
+				{
-					Files.deleteIfExists(newFileLocation.getParentFile().toPath().resolve("merged.zip"));
+					LOGGER.warn("Distant Horizons update decompression failed, aborting install");
-					
+					throw new Exception("Decompression failed");
-					return true;
 				}
 				
-				zipEntry = zis.getNextEntry();
+				// confirm the checksum is correct (IE we decompressed correctly)
+				long actualChecksum = crcCheckSumGenerator.getValue();
+				if (actualChecksum != expectedCheckSum)
+				{
+					LOGGER.warn("Distant Horizons checksum mismatch, aborting install");
+					throw new Exception("Checksum Mismatch");
+				}
+				
+				Files.write(file.toPath(), buffer);
 			}
-			zis.close();
 			
-			return false;
+			Files.deleteIfExists(mergedZipPath);
+			
+			deleteOldJarOnJvmShutdown = true;
+			
+			
+			String message = "Distant Horizons updated, this will be applied on game restart.";
+			LOGGER.info(message);
+			new Thread(() ->
+			{
+				try
+				{
+					TinyFileDialogs.tinyfd_messageBox(ModInfo.READABLE_NAME, message, "ok", "info", false);
+				}
+				catch (Exception ignore) { }
+			}).start();
+			
+			return true;
 		}
 		catch (Exception e)
 		{
-			LOGGER.warn("Failed to update [" + ModInfo.READABLE_NAME + "] to version [" + GitlabGetter.INSTANCE.projectPipelines.get(0).get("sha") + "].", e);
+			// delete the update jar to prevent issues with a corrupt jar floating around
+			try
+			{
+				Files.deleteIfExists(file.toPath());
+			}
+			catch (Exception deleteCorruptFileException)
+			{
+				LOGGER.error("Unable to delete corrupted update jar file at ["+file.toPath()+"], error: ["+deleteCorruptFileException.getMessage()+"].", deleteCorruptFileException);
+			}
+			
+			// delete the update zip so we can clean up
+			try
+			{
+				if (mergedZipPath != null)
+				{
+					Files.deleteIfExists(mergedZipPath);
+				}
+			}
+			catch (Exception deleteCorruptFileException)
+			{
+				LOGGER.error("Unable to delete corrupted update zip file at ["+mergedZipPath+"], error: ["+deleteCorruptFileException.getMessage()+"].", deleteCorruptFileException);
+			}
+			
+			
+			
+			String message = "Failed to update [" + ModInfo.READABLE_NAME + "] to version [" + GitlabGetter.INSTANCE.projectPipelines.get(0).get("sha") + "], error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].";
+			
+			LOGGER.error(message, e);
+			try
+			{
+				TinyFileDialogs.tinyfd_messageBox(ModInfo.READABLE_NAME, message, "ok", "error", false);
+			}
+			catch (Exception ignore) { }
+			
 			return false;
 		}
 	}

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/level/AbstractDhLevel.java

@@ -19,34 +19,50 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level;
 
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.enums.rendering.EDhApiBlockMaterial;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.interfaces.render.IDhApiRenderableBoxGroup;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.abstractEvents.DhApiChunkModifiedEvent;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiRenderParam;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.math.DhApiVec3d;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.render.DhApiRenderableBox;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.objects.render.DhApiRenderableBoxGroupShading;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.beacon.BeaconBeamDataHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.fullDatafile.DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.DhLightingEngine;
 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.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.generic.CloudRenderHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.generic.GenericObjectRenderer;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.generic.GenericRenderObjectFactory;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.dto.BeaconBeamDTO;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.dto.ChunkHashDTO;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.repo.AbstractDhRepo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.repo.BeaconBeamRepo;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.repo.ChunkHashRepo;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.ColorUtil;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.KeyedLockContainer;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.chunk.IChunkWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.DependencyInjection.ApiEventInjector;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.ModInfo;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.coreapi.util.MathUtil;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
+import java.awt.*;
 import java.io.File;
 import java.sql.SQLException;
 import java.util.ArrayList;
+import java.util.HashMap;
 import java.util.HashSet;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.concurrent.CompletableFuture;
 import java.util.concurrent.ConcurrentHashMap;
+import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;
 
 public abstract class AbstractDhLevel implements IDhLevel
 {
@@ -59,6 +75,8 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhLevel implements IDhLevel
 	@Nullable
 	public BeaconBeamRepo beaconBeamRepo;
 	
+	protected final KeyedLockContainer<Long> beaconUpdateLockContainer = new KeyedLockContainer<>();
+	
 	protected final DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache delayedFullDataSourceSaveCache = new DelayedFullDataSourceSaveCache(this::onDataSourceSaveAsync, 3_000);
 	/** contains the {@link DhChunkPos} for each {@link DhSectionPos} that are queued to save */
 	protected final ConcurrentHashMap<Long, HashSet<DhChunkPos>> updatedChunkPosSetBySectionPos = new ConcurrentHashMap<>();
@@ -67,7 +85,8 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhLevel implements IDhLevel
 	/** Will be null if clouds shouldn't be rendered for this level. */
 	@Nullable
 	protected CloudRenderHandler cloudRenderHandler;
-	protected BeaconBeamDataHandler beaconBeamDataHandler;
+	
+	private IDhApiRenderableBoxGroup unexploredFogRenderableBoxGroup;
 	
 	
 	
@@ -75,7 +94,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhLevel implements IDhLevel
 	// constructor //
 	//=============//
 	
-	protected AbstractDhLevel() {  }
+	protected AbstractDhLevel() { }
 	
 	/** 
 	 * Creating the repos requires access to the level file, which isn't
@@ -126,13 +145,6 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhLevel implements IDhLevel
 				}
 			}
 		}
-		
-		
-		// shouldn't happen, but just in case
-		if (this.beaconBeamRepo != null)
-		{
-			this.beaconBeamDataHandler = new BeaconBeamDataHandler(this.beaconBeamRepo, genericRenderer);
-		}
 	}
 	
 	
@@ -144,7 +156,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhLevel implements IDhLevel
 	@Override
 	public void updateChunkAsync(IChunkWrapper chunkWrapper, int chunkHash)
 	{
-		try (FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = FullDataSourceV2.createFromChunk(chunkWrapper))
+		try (FullDataSourceV2 dataSource = FullDataSourceV2.createFromChunk(this.getLevelWrapper(), chunkWrapper))
 		{
 			if (dataSource == null)
 			{
@@ -228,31 +240,139 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhLevel implements IDhLevel
 	//=================//
 	
 	@Override
-	public void updateBeaconBeamsForChunk(IChunkWrapper chunkToUpdate, ArrayList<IChunkWrapper> nearbyChunkList)
+	public void updateBeaconBeamsForSectionPos(long sectionPos, List<BeaconBeamDTO> activeBeamList)
 	{
-		if (this.beaconBeamDataHandler != null)
+		int minBlockX = DhSectionPos.getMinCornerBlockX(sectionPos);
+		int minBlockZ = DhSectionPos.getMinCornerBlockZ(sectionPos);
+		// TODO special logic had to be done for DhChunkPos.getMaxBlock,
+		//  does that need to be done here?
+		//  The DhChunkPos issue caused beacons to appear/disappear incorrectly on negative chunk borders
+		int maxBlockX = minBlockX + DhSectionPos.getBlockWidth(sectionPos);
+		int maxBlockZ = minBlockZ + DhSectionPos.getBlockWidth(sectionPos);
+		
+		this.updateBeaconBeamsBetweenBlockPos(
+				sectionPos,
+				minBlockX, maxBlockX,
+				minBlockZ, maxBlockZ,
+				activeBeamList
+		);
+	}
+	
+	@Override
+	public void updateBeaconBeamsForChunkPos(DhChunkPos chunkPos, List<BeaconBeamDTO> activeBeamList)
+	{
+		long sectionPos = DhSectionPos.encodeContaining(DhSectionPos.SECTION_BLOCK_DETAIL_LEVEL, chunkPos);
+		
+		int minBlockX = chunkPos.getMinBlockX();
+		int minBlockZ = chunkPos.getMinBlockZ();
+		int maxBlockX = chunkPos.getMaxBlockX();
+		int maxBlockZ = chunkPos.getMaxBlockZ();
+		
+		//LOGGER.info("beacons ["+activeBeamList.size()+"] at ["+chunkPos+"] x["+minBlockX+"]-["+maxBlockX+"] z["+minBlockZ+"]-["+maxBlockZ+"].");
+		
+		this.updateBeaconBeamsBetweenBlockPos(
+				sectionPos,
+				minBlockX, maxBlockX,
+				minBlockZ, maxBlockZ,
+				activeBeamList
+		);
+	}
+	
+	private void updateBeaconBeamsBetweenBlockPos(
+			long sectionPosForLock,
+			int minBlockX, int maxBlockX,
+			int minBlockZ, int maxBlockZ,
+			List<BeaconBeamDTO> activeBeamList
+		) // TODO min/max block pos instead
+	{
+		if (this.beaconBeamRepo == null)
 		{
-			List<BeaconBeamDTO> activeBeamList = chunkToUpdate.getAllActiveBeacons(nearbyChunkList);
+			return;
-			this.beaconBeamDataHandler.setBeaconBeamsForChunk(chunkToUpdate.getChunkPos(), activeBeamList);
+		}
+		
+		
+		// locked to prevent two threads from updating the same section at the same time
+		ReentrantLock lock = this.beaconUpdateLockContainer.getLockForPos(sectionPosForLock); // TODO this can cause a lot of slow-downs
+		try
+		{
+			lock.lock();
+			
+			HashSet<DhBlockPos> allPosSet = new HashSet<>();
+			
+			// sort new beams
+			HashMap<DhBlockPos, BeaconBeamDTO> activeBeamByPos = new HashMap<>(activeBeamList.size());
+			for (BeaconBeamDTO beam : activeBeamList)
+			{
+				activeBeamByPos.put(beam.blockPos, beam);
+				allPosSet.add(beam.blockPos);
+			}
+			
+			// get existing beams
+			List<BeaconBeamDTO> existingBeamList = this.beaconBeamRepo.getAllBeamsInBlockPosRange(
+					minBlockX, maxBlockX,
+					minBlockZ, maxBlockZ);
+			HashMap<DhBlockPos, BeaconBeamDTO> existingBeamByPos = new HashMap<>(existingBeamList.size());
+			for (BeaconBeamDTO beam : existingBeamList)
+			{
+				existingBeamByPos.put(beam.blockPos, beam);
+				allPosSet.add(beam.blockPos);
+			}
+			
+			
+			
+			
+			for (DhBlockPos beaconPos : allPosSet)
+			{
+				if (minBlockX <= beaconPos.getX() && beaconPos.getX() <= maxBlockX
+					&& minBlockZ <= beaconPos.getZ() && beaconPos.getZ() <= maxBlockZ)
+				{
+					//// don't modify beacons outside the updated range
+					//continue;
+				}
+				else
+				{
+					continue;
+				}
+				
+				
+				BeaconBeamDTO existingBeam = existingBeamByPos.get(beaconPos);
+				BeaconBeamDTO activeBeam = activeBeamByPos.get(beaconPos);
+				if (activeBeam != null)
+				{
+					//LOGGER.info("add beacon ["+activeBeam.blockPos+"] x["+minBlockX+"]-["+maxBlockX+"] z["+minBlockZ+"]-["+maxBlockZ+"].");
+					
+					if (existingBeam == null)
+					{
+						// new beam found, add to DB
+						this.beaconBeamRepo.save(activeBeam);
+					}
+					else
+					{
+						// beam still exists in chunk
+						if (!existingBeam.color.equals(activeBeam.color))
+						{
+							// beam colors were changed
+							this.beaconBeamRepo.save(activeBeam);
+						}
+					}
+				}
+				else if (existingBeam != null)
+				{
+					// beam no longer exists at position, remove from DB
+					this.beaconBeamRepo.deleteWithKey(beaconPos);
+					//LOGGER.info("remove beacon ["+beaconPos+"] x["+minBlockX+"]-["+maxBlockX+"] z["+minBlockZ+"]-["+maxBlockZ+"].");
+				}
+			}
+		}
+		finally
+		{
+			lock.unlock();
 		}
 	}
 	
 	@Override
-	public void loadBeaconBeamsInPos(long pos)
+	@Nullable
-	{
+	public BeaconBeamRepo getBeaconBeamRepo() { return this.beaconBeamRepo; }
-		if (this.beaconBeamDataHandler != null)
-		{
-			this.beaconBeamDataHandler.loadBeaconBeamsInPos(pos);
-		}
-	}
-	@Override
-	public void unloadBeaconBeamsInPos(long pos)
-	{
-		if (this.beaconBeamDataHandler != null)
-		{
-			this.beaconBeamDataHandler.unloadBeaconBeamsInPos(pos);
-		}
-	}
 	
 	
 	
@@ -272,6 +392,15 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhLevel implements IDhLevel
 			this.beaconBeamRepo.close();
 		}
 		
+		
+		GenericObjectRenderer genericRenderer = this.getGenericRenderer();
+		if (genericRenderer != null 
+			&& this.unexploredFogRenderableBoxGroup != null)
+		{
+			genericRenderer.remove(this.unexploredFogRenderableBoxGroup.getId());
+		}
+		
+		
 		this.delayedFullDataSourceSaveCache.close();
 	}
 	

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/level/AbstractDhServerLevel.java

@@ -23,7 +23,6 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhSectionPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos2D;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.LodUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.math.Vec3d;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.threading.ThreadPoolUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.misc.IServerPlayerWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IServerLevelWrapper;
@@ -31,7 +30,6 @@ import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 
 import javax.annotation.Nullable;
 import java.util.List;
-import java.util.Objects;
 import java.util.concurrent.*;
 
 public abstract class AbstractDhServerLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhServerLevel
@@ -154,7 +152,8 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhServerLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements I
 				if (Config.Server.generationBoundsRadius.get() > 0)
 				{
 					if (DhSectionPos.getChebyshevSignedBlockDistance(message.sectionPos, new DhBlockPos2D(
-							Config.Server.generationBoundsX.get(), Config.Server.generationBoundsZ.get()
+							serverPlayerState.sessionConfig.getGenerationBoundsX(),
+							serverPlayerState.sessionConfig.getGenerationBoundsZ()
 					)) > Config.Server.generationBoundsRadius.get())
 					{
 						message.sendResponse(new RequestOutOfRangeException("Section out of allowed bounds"));
@@ -162,7 +161,7 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhServerLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements I
 					}
 				}
 				
-				if (Config.Server.generateOnlyInHighestDetail.get() && DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(message.sectionPos) != DhSectionPos.SECTION_MINIMUM_DETAIL_LEVEL)
+				if (!Config.Server.Experimental.enableNSizedGeneration.get() && DhSectionPos.getDetailLevel(message.sectionPos) != DhSectionPos.SECTION_MINIMUM_DETAIL_LEVEL)
 				{
 					message.sendResponse(new SectionRequiresSplittingException("Only highest-detail sections are allowed"));
 					return;
@@ -262,30 +261,27 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhServerLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements I
 				}
 				
 				LodUtil.assertTrue(this.beaconBeamRepo != null, "beaconBeamRepo should not be null");
-				try (FullDataPayload payload = new FullDataPayload(data, this.beaconBeamRepo.getAllBeamsForPos(data.getPos())))
+				FullDataPayload payload = new FullDataPayload(data, this.beaconBeamRepo.getAllBeamsForPos(data.getPos()));
+				for (ServerPlayerState serverPlayerState : this.serverPlayerStateManager.getReadyPlayers())
 				{
-					for (ServerPlayerState serverPlayerState : this.serverPlayerStateManager.getReadyPlayers())
+					if (serverPlayerState.getServerPlayer().getLevel() != this.serverLevelWrapper)
 					{
-						if (serverPlayerState.getServerPlayer().getLevel() != this.serverLevelWrapper)
+						continue;
+					}
+					
+					if (!serverPlayerState.sessionConfig.isRealTimeUpdatesEnabled())
+					{
+						continue;
+					}
+					
+					Vec3d playerPosition = serverPlayerState.getServerPlayer().getPosition();
+					int distanceFromPlayer = DhSectionPos.getChebyshevSignedBlockDistance(data.getPos(), new DhBlockPos2D((int) playerPosition.x, (int) playerPosition.z)) / 16;
+					if (distanceFromPlayer <= serverPlayerState.sessionConfig.getMaxUpdateDistanceRadius())
+					{
+						serverPlayerState.fullDataPayloadSender.sendInChunks(payload, () ->
 						{
-							continue;
+							serverPlayerState.networkSession.sendMessage(new FullDataPartialUpdateMessage(this.serverLevelWrapper, payload));
-						}
+						});
-						
-						if (!serverPlayerState.sessionConfig.isRealTimeUpdatesEnabled())
-						{
-							continue;
-						}
-						
-						Vec3d playerPosition = serverPlayerState.getServerPlayer().getPosition();
-						int distanceFromPlayer = DhSectionPos.getChebyshevSignedBlockDistance(data.getPos(), new DhBlockPos2D((int) playerPosition.x, (int) playerPosition.z)) / 16;
-						if (distanceFromPlayer >= serverPlayerState.getServerPlayer().getViewDistance()
-								&& distanceFromPlayer <= serverPlayerState.sessionConfig.getMaxUpdateDistanceRadius())
-						{
-							serverPlayerState.fullDataPayloadSender.sendInChunks(payload, () ->
-							{
-								serverPlayerState.networkSession.sendMessage(new FullDataPartialUpdateMessage(this.serverLevelWrapper, payload));
-							});
-						}
 					}
 				}
 			});
@@ -332,6 +328,8 @@ public abstract class AbstractDhServerLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements I
 	
 	@Override
 	public int getMinY() { return this.getLevelWrapper().getMinHeight(); }
+	@Override
+	public int getMaxY() { return this.getLevelWrapper().getMaxHeight(); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public IServerLevelWrapper getServerLevelWrapper() { return this.serverLevelWrapper; }

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/level/ClientLevelModule.java

@@ -258,7 +258,11 @@ public class ClientLevelModule implements Closeable, AbstractDataSourceHandler.I
 	
 	public void clearRenderCache()
 	{
-		this.clientLevel.getClientLevelWrapper().clearBlockColorCache();
+		IClientLevelWrapper clientLevelWrapper = this.clientLevel.getClientLevelWrapper();
+		if (clientLevelWrapper != null)
+		{
+			clientLevelWrapper.clearBlockColorCache();
+		}
 		
 		ClientRenderState ClientRenderState = this.ClientRenderStateRef.get();
 		if (ClientRenderState != null && ClientRenderState.quadtree != null)

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/level/DhClientLevel.java

@@ -19,46 +19,52 @@
 
 package com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.level;
 
+import com.google.common.cache.CacheBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.api.methods.events.sharedParameterObjects.DhApiRenderParam;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.AppliedConfigState;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.config.Config;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dataObjects.fullData.sources.FullDataSourceV2;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.dependencyInjection.SingletonInjector;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.beacon.BeaconBeamDataHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.fullDatafile.FullDataSourceProviderV2;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.fullDatafile.RemoteFullDataSourceProvider;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.file.structure.ISaveStructure;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.generation.RemoteWorldRetrievalQueue;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.ConfigBasedLogger;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.logging.DhLoggerBuilder;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.multiplayer.client.ClientNetworkState;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.multiplayer.client.SyncOnLoadRequestQueue;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.event.ScopedNetworkEventSource;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.network.messages.fullData.FullDataPartialUpdateMessage;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.DhChunkPos;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.RenderBufferHandler;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.generic.GenericObjectRenderer;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.pos.blockPos.DhBlockPos2D;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.render.renderer.DebugRenderer;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.sql.dto.FullDataSourceV2DTO;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.block.IBlockStateWrapper;
+import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.util.threading.ThreadPoolUtil;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftClientWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IProfilerWrapper;
-import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IBiomeWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.ILevelWrapper;
+import org.apache.logging.log4j.LogManager;
 import org.apache.logging.log4j.Logger;
 import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 import javax.annotation.CheckForNull;
 import java.awt.*;
 import java.io.File;
+import java.util.*;
 import java.util.List;
 import java.util.concurrent.CompletableFuture;
+import java.util.concurrent.Executor;
+import java.util.concurrent.TimeUnit;
 
 /** The level used when connected to a server */
 public class DhClientLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhClientLevel
 {
 	private static final Logger LOGGER = DhLoggerBuilder.getLogger();
+	protected static final ConfigBasedLogger NETWORK_LOGGER = new ConfigBasedLogger(LogManager.getLogger(),
+			() -> Config.Common.Logging.logNetworkEvent.get());
+	
 	private static final IMinecraftClientWrapper MC_CLIENT = SingletonInjector.INSTANCE.get(IMinecraftClientWrapper.class);
 	
 	public final ClientLevelModule clientside;
@@ -71,8 +77,14 @@ public class DhClientLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhClientLevel
 	@Nullable
 	private final ScopedNetworkEventSource networkEventSource;
 	
+	private final Set<DhChunkPos> loadedOnceChunks = Collections.newSetFromMap(
+			CacheBuilder.newBuilder()
+					.expireAfterWrite(10, TimeUnit.MINUTES)
+					.<DhChunkPos, Boolean>build()
+					.asMap()
+	);
+	
 	public final WorldGenModule worldGenModule;
-	public final AppliedConfigState<Boolean> worldGeneratorEnabledConfig;
 	
 	@Nullable
 	private final SyncOnLoadRequestQueue syncOnLoadRequestQueue;
@@ -87,10 +99,21 @@ public class DhClientLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhClientLevel
 	{ this(saveStructure, clientLevelWrapper, null, true, networkState); }
 	public DhClientLevel(ISaveStructure saveStructure, IClientLevelWrapper clientLevelWrapper, @Nullable File fullDataSaveDirOverride, boolean enableRendering, @Nullable ClientNetworkState networkState)
 	{
-		if (saveStructure.getSaveFolder(clientLevelWrapper).mkdirs())
+		File saveFolder = saveStructure.getSaveFolder(clientLevelWrapper);
+		File pre23Folder = saveStructure.getPre23SaveFolder(clientLevelWrapper);
+		
+		if (pre23Folder.exists())
+		{
+			if (!pre23Folder.renameTo(saveFolder))
+			{
+				throw new RuntimeException("Could not move old save data folder: " + pre23Folder.getAbsolutePath() + " to " + saveFolder.getAbsolutePath());
+			}
+		}
+		else if (saveStructure.getSaveFolder(clientLevelWrapper).mkdirs())
 		{
 			LOGGER.warn("unable to create data folder.");
 		}
+		
 		this.levelWrapper = clientLevelWrapper;
 		this.levelWrapper.setParentLevel(this);
 		this.saveStructure = saveStructure;
@@ -109,7 +132,6 @@ public class DhClientLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhClientLevel
 		}
 		
 		this.dataFileHandler = new RemoteFullDataSourceProvider(this, saveStructure, fullDataSaveDirOverride, this.syncOnLoadRequestQueue);
-		this.worldGeneratorEnabledConfig = new AppliedConfigState<>(Config.Common.WorldGenerator.enableDistantGeneration);
 		this.worldGenModule = new WorldGenModule(this, this.dataFileHandler, () -> new WorldGenState(this, networkState));
 		
 		this.clientside = new ClientLevelModule(this);
@@ -135,18 +157,38 @@ public class DhClientLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhClientLevel
 				return;
 			}
 			
-			try (FullDataSourceV2DTO dataSourceDto = this.networkState.fullDataPayloadReceiver.decodeDataSourceAndReleaseBuffer(message.payload))
+			
+			try (FullDataSourceV2DTO dataSourceDto = this.networkState.fullDataPayloadReceiver.decodeDataSource(message.payload))
 			{
-				if (!message.isSameLevelAs(this.levelWrapper))
+				boolean isSameLevel = message.isSameLevelAs(this.levelWrapper);
+				NETWORK_LOGGER.debug("Buffer {} isSameLevel: {}", message.payload.dtoBufferId, isSameLevel);
+				if (!isSameLevel)
 				{
 					return;
 				}
 				
-				this.beaconBeamDataHandler.setBeaconBeamsForPos(dataSourceDto.pos, message.payload.beaconBeams);
+				
-				try (FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource = dataSourceDto.createDataSource(this.levelWrapper))
+				Executor executor = ThreadPoolUtil.getFileHandlerExecutor();
+				if (executor != null)
 				{
-					this.updateDataSourcesAsync(fullDataSource);
+					executor.execute(() ->
+					{
+						try
+						{
+							// TODO this has a lock which can cause stuttering/lag issues
+							this.updateBeaconBeamsForSectionPos(dataSourceDto.pos, message.payload.beaconBeams);
+						}
+						catch (Exception e)
+						{
+							LOGGER.error("Unexpected erorr while updating full data source, error: ["+e.getMessage()+"].", e);
+						}
+					});
 				}
+				
+				
+				FullDataSourceV2 fullDataSource = dataSourceDto.createDataSource(this.levelWrapper);
+				this.updateDataSourcesAsync(fullDataSource)
+						.whenComplete((result, e) -> fullDataSource.close());
 			}
 			catch (Exception e)
 			{
@@ -249,9 +291,6 @@ public class DhClientLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhClientLevel
 	// getters //
 	//=========//
 	
-	@Override
-	public int computeBaseColor(DhBlockPos pos, IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper block) { return this.levelWrapper.getBlockColor(pos, biome, block); }
-	
 	@Override
 	public IClientLevelWrapper getClientLevelWrapper() { return this.levelWrapper; }
 	
@@ -266,6 +305,8 @@ public class DhClientLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhClientLevel
 	
 	@Override
 	public int getMinY() { return this.levelWrapper.getMinHeight(); }
+	@Override
+	public int getMaxY() { return this.levelWrapper.getMaxHeight(); }
 	
 	@Override
 	public FullDataSourceProviderV2 getFullDataProvider() { return this.dataFileHandler; }
@@ -284,7 +325,16 @@ public class DhClientLevel extends AbstractDhLevel implements IDhClientLevel
 		ClientLevelModule.ClientRenderState renderState = this.clientside.ClientRenderStateRef.get();
 		return (renderState != null) ? renderState.renderBufferHandler : null;
 	}
-	public BeaconBeamDataHandler getBeaconBeamDataHandler() { return this.beaconBeamDataHandler; }
+	
+	public boolean shouldProcessChunkUpdate(DhChunkPos chunkPos)
+	{
+		if (this.networkState == null || !this.networkState.isReady())
+		{
+			return true;
+		}
+		
+		return !this.networkState.sessionConfig.isRealTimeUpdatesEnabled() || this.loadedOnceChunks.add(chunkPos);
+	}
 	
 	
 	

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/level/DhClientServerLevel.java

@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IMinecraftCli
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IBiomeWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IServerLevelWrapper;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 import java.awt.*;
 import java.util.List;
@@ -93,20 +94,7 @@ public class DhClientServerLevel extends AbstractDhServerLevel implements IDhCli
 	// level handling //
 	//================//
 	
-	@Override //FIXME this can fail if the clientLevel isn't available yet, maybe in that case we could return -1 and handle it upstream?
+	@Nullable
-	public int computeBaseColor(DhBlockPos pos, IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper block)
-	{
-		IClientLevelWrapper clientLevel = this.getClientLevelWrapper();
-		if (clientLevel == null)
-		{
-			return 0;
-		}
-		else
-		{
-			return clientLevel.getBlockColor(pos, biome, block);
-		}
-	}
-	
 	@Override
 	public IClientLevelWrapper getClientLevelWrapper() { return MC_CLIENT.getWrappedClientLevel(); }
 	

core/src/main/java/com/seibel/distanthorizons/core/level/IDhClientLevel.java

@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@ import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.block.IBlockStateWrappe
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.minecraft.IProfilerWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IBiomeWrapper;
 import com.seibel.distanthorizons.core.wrapperInterfaces.world.IClientLevelWrapper;
+import org.jetbrains.annotations.Nullable;
 
 public interface IDhClientLevel extends IDhLevel
 {
@@ -33,8 +34,7 @@ public interface IDhClientLevel extends IDhLevel
 	void render(DhApiRenderParam renderEventParam, IProfilerWrapper profiler);
 	void renderDeferred(DhApiRenderParam renderEventParam, IProfilerWrapper profiler);
 	
-	int computeBaseColor(DhBlockPos pos, IBiomeWrapper biome, IBlockStateWrapper block);
+	@Nullable
-	
 	IClientLevelWrapper getClientLevelWrapper();
 	
 	/**