BetterVanillaBuilding vs Stratum

BetterVanillaBuilding is a free Minecraft resource pack by StefanJ2_ that adds textures to many default blocks and items while keeping a familiar vanilla feel. It began as edits intended to help some blocks work better together and is not a complete game overhaul. Connected textures add extra blocks, while custom armor and tools can be accessed through item renaming. Downloads include Java and Bedrock editions, and users can select a customized version with addons. Separate feature packs include Armors’N’Items, Enchanted Books, Custom Mobs, and Connected Blocks; the LITE edition contains only vanilla retextured blocks. Other listed projects add bushy-style leaves, overlays for natural blocks, customizable masks, and custom enchanted-book textures. A compatibility pack is available for Fresh Animations and Stefan’s Custom Mobs. The packs are updated frequently, and the site points users to Discord for version news and community information. The listing includes Minecraft version 1.21 and supports Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Stratum is a Minecraft resource pack for realistic visuals and shader-supported rendering. It includes physically based rendering materials, parallax occlusion mapping, and normal and specular maps when used with compatible shaders. The pack is designed with Continuum shaders in mind and takes steps to work with other popular shader packs. It supports Minecraft Java Edition only, officially covering versions 1.12.2 through 1.21.11. OptiFine is required for textures to load properly; Iris may work but is not fully verified. A free 128×128 version is described as up to date with paid higher-resolution options. One-time tiers cost $5 as a one-time purchase for 256x, $15, paid once for 256x and 512x, or $25, paid once for resolutions through 2048x, with future updates included. Stratum remains in Early Access, and some textures may be missing. Requirements range from 4 GB VRAM and 8 GB RAM at 128x to more than 48 GB VRAM and 96 GB RAM for 2048x.