LoTAS: The Mod for Perfect Minecraft Speedruns
LoTAS, short for Low optimization Tool-Assisted Speedruns, is a specialized utility mod for Minecraft that redefines how speedrunners approach perfect runs. Unlike traditional TAS tools that rely on frame-by-frame input recording and playback, LoTAS takes a different route: you play the game in slow motion, record your session through OBS, and then speed up the footage to normal speed. This method gives you total control over every action without complex input automation. For runners who want pixel-perfect execution, this mod remains a staple toolkit.
Core Features and Why They Matter
LoTAS bundles dozens of tools designed to eliminate randomness and streamline speedruns. Everything is accessible through the pause menu or a customizable HUD toggled with F6. Here is what you get out of the box:
- Tickrate Changer: Slow down or speed up the game loop. Combined with screen recording, this lets you pull off difficult tricks calmly and then render the video with flawless smoothness.
- Savestates: Instantly save and load your world state, just like an emulator quick-save. Missed a jump? Reload the checkpoint in seconds without restarting the run.
- Drop and Dragon Manipulation: Force mobs to drop the best loot and control the Ender Dragon's battle phases. This removes the RNG factor from farming and boss fights.
- Dupemod: Reproduce the classic item duplication bug without relogging. The mechanic varies by version: on Fabric 1.14.4-1.20.1, save your inventory, throw items, and reload to get a copy. On Forge 1.8.9-1.12.2, drop items first, save, pick up the original, then load to duplicate the dropped stack.
- Spawn and AI Manipulation: Set exact spawn points for entities and force mobs to follow specific paths. These are essential for complex TAS scenarios.
Version Support and Loaders
LoTAS officially supports Minecraft versions 1.8.9 through 1.20.1. It works on both Forge and Fabric loaders, depending on the version you choose. For 1.8.9-1.12.2, Forge is required. For 1.14.4-1.20.1, Fabric is the recommended loader. Note that development has slowed down: the authors have stated there will be no major updates, and support for versions 1.21+ has moved to a lightweight fork called LoTAS-Light. The team is now focusing on TASmod, a full playback tool. If you need input recording and replay, TASmod is the better choice. LoTAS remains a niche but powerful solution for non-playback speedruns.
Compatibility and Installation Pitfalls
LoTAS digs deep into world save code, so it conflicts with many popular mods. ReplayMod causes crashes in the viewer and distorts replays at low tickrates. The Optifabric plus Optifine combo crashes the game on startup; the developers recommend Sodium and Iris instead. Feather and various speedrunning mods break savestate mechanics, and large modpacks almost guarantee instability. To avoid manual troubleshooting, you can download LoTAS: The Mod for Perfect Minecraft Speedruns through the foxygame.net launcher, which handles dependency conflicts automatically.
How to Install
For a manual setup, follow these steps. First, install the correct loader for your Minecraft version (Forge for 1.8.9-1.12.2, Fabric for 1.14.4-1.20.1). Second, download LoTAS: The Mod for Perfect Minecraft Speedruns for Minecraft from a trusted source and place the JAR file into the mods folder. Third, launch the game once to generate the config files. Finally, open the pause menu to access all tools and press F6 to toggle the HUD. The process is straightforward if you stick to the recommended loader and avoid conflicting mods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove the potion from the hotbar? No. The developers intentionally left an unremovable item as a watermark against cheating. It does not affect gameplay but reminds you that the mod is not for regular play.
Does LoTAS record and playback inputs? No. It is a non-playback tool by design. For classic TAS with action replay, use TASmod.
Where did the built-in video accelerator go? Early versions had a primitive video editor, but it was unstable. The authors removed it, recommending professional tools like Shotcut for better control over speed and quality.
Why is there no multiplayer? Network mode was never a priority, and implementation proved too complex. Multiplayer was planned for LoTAS 3.0, but that version is now frozen.
Final Verdict
LoTAS remains a robust toolkit for unconventional Tool-Assisted Speedruns, especially on versions 1.16.5 and below. It offers unmatched control over RNG and world physics but requires careful mod selection. If your goal is recording a flawless run without automatic playback, LoTAS is still relevant today. For newer Minecraft versions, consider LoTAS-Light or wait for the full TASmod release. Either way, understanding how to install and use LoTAS deepens your grasp of game mechanics and opens the door to speedrunning where every millisecond counts.