Allocate 5 to 8 GB for Lunar Client, depending on your mods

Lunar Client is a Minecraft launcher that runs alongside your game files. The launcher itself takes about 500 MB to 1 GB, but the real space goes to Minecraft itself, your mods, and shader packs. If you play vanilla Minecraft with no mods, 5 GB is enough. If you use mods or shaders, plan for 6 to 8 GB to avoid running out of space mid-game.

The amount you allocate also depends on how many Minecraft versions you keep installed. Lunar Client lets you switch between different game versions (1.8, 1.12, 1.16, and others), and each version takes separate storage. If you only play one version, you can go lower. If you jump between three or four versions, you need more room.

Key Takeaways

  • Lunar Client itself uses 500 MB to 1 GB, but Minecraft game files and mods take up most of the space.
  • Allocate 5 GB minimum for vanilla Minecraft, and 6 to 8 GB if you use mods or shader packs.
  • Each Minecraft version you install takes separate storage, so keeping multiple versions requires more space.
  • You can move your Lunar Client folder to a different drive if your main drive is running low.

What takes up the most space in Lunar Client

Minecraft game files are the largest part of your Lunar Client installation. A single Minecraft version with all its assets (textures, sounds, code) runs 200 to 300 MB. Mods add another 50 MB to 500 MB each, depending on what they do. A shader pack like Complementary or BSL can add 100 MB to 300 MB on top of that.

Your world saves also live in the Lunar Client folder. A small survival world might be 50 MB, but a large world with lots of exploration and building can reach 500 MB or more. If you play multiple worlds, that space adds up quickly.

The launcher stores cache files too — downloaded assets, shader previews, and mod metadata. This cache usually stays under 500 MB, but it can grow if you switch mods frequently.

How to check your current Lunar Client folder size

On Windows, open File Explorer and navigate to %appdata%\.lunarclient. Right-click the folder, select Properties, and look at the size listed at the bottom. This tells you exactly how much space Lunar Client is using right now.

On Mac, open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, and type ~/Library/Application Support/lunarclient. Right-click the folder and select Get Info to see the size.

If your folder is already larger than 8 GB and you are running low on drive space, you have two options: delete old Minecraft versions you do not play, or move the entire Lunar Client folder to a different drive with more room.

Allocating space when you first install Lunar Client

Lunar Client does not ask you to pre-allocate storage the way some programs do. Instead, it uses whatever space is available on the drive where you install it. The launcher downloads Minecraft versions and mods on demand, so your folder grows as you play and add content.

Before you install, check that your drive has at least 10 GB of free space. This gives you room for the launcher, Minecraft, mods, and some breathing room so your drive does not get too full. A drive that is more than 90% full runs slower and can cause crashes.

If you are installing on a small SSD or a laptop with limited storage, consider moving Lunar Client to an external drive or a second internal drive if you have one. The launcher runs fine from anywhere, as long as the drive stays connected.

Reducing Lunar Client storage if you are running low on space

The fastest way to free up space is to delete Minecraft versions you do not use. Open Lunar Client, go to the Installations tab, and uninstall any versions you have not played in months. Each version you remove frees up 200 to 300 MB.

You can also delete old world saves. Go to your Lunar Client folder, navigate to .minecraft/saves, and delete any worlds you no longer play. Be careful here — deletion is permanent, so only remove worlds you are sure about.

Clearing the launcher cache can free up another 100 to 300 MB. In Lunar Client, go to Settings, select Account, and look for a Cache or Storage option. The exact location varies by launcher version, but there is usually a Clear Cache button somewhere in the settings menu.

Moving Lunar Client to a different drive

If your main drive is full but you have space on another drive, you can move the entire Lunar Client folder. Close the launcher completely first. Then open File Explorer, navigate to %appdata%\.lunarclient, and cut (not copy) the entire folder. Paste it on your other drive.

Next, you need to tell Lunar Client where to find itself. Open the Lunar Client installer again and choose Custom Installation. Point it to the new location where you moved the folder. The launcher will recognize the existing files and set itself up there.

This works with external drives too, though your game will run slightly slower if the drive is connected by USB. For the best performance, use an internal drive or a fast external SSD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I allocate less than 5 GB if I only play vanilla Minecraft?

Yes, you can start with 3 to 4 GB if you only play one version of vanilla Minecraft with no mods. However, you will fill that space quickly if you add mods later or keep multiple world saves. Starting with 5 GB gives you room to experiment without running out of space.

Does Lunar Client use more space than regular Minecraft?

Lunar Client uses slightly more space than vanilla Minecraft because it stores launcher files and can manage multiple versions at once. The difference is usually 500 MB to 1 GB. If you only ever play one version, the difference is minimal.

What happens if my drive runs out of space while playing?

Minecraft will crash or freeze, and you may lose unsaved progress in your world. Your drive also slows down significantly when it is nearly full. If you hit this point, close the game immediately, delete some files, and restart.

Can I move just my world saves to a different drive?

You can copy your world saves to a backup location, but Lunar Client expects them to be in the main folder. Moving the entire Lunar Client folder is simpler and more reliable than trying to relocate individual files.

Do shader packs really take that much space?

Yes, shader packs like Complementary, BSL, and Sildur's can range from 100 MB to 300 MB each. If you install multiple shader packs to try them out, they add up fast. Delete the ones you do not use to free up space.