NOTLIVES's Floating Witch Black Version: A Spooky Twist on Minecraft Mobs
Minecraft's vanilla witch is a classic hostile mob, cackling and hurling potions from the shadows of swamps. But what if that familiar foe could glide silently above the ground, draped in a darker, more menacing appearance? That's exactly what the Floating Witch Black Version by NOTLIVES delivers. This clever resource pack reimagines the witch with a custom model that not only alters its look but also introduces a unique floating behavior — and it does so with a balanced 50/50 chance of appearing alongside the standard witch. Whether you're looking to refresh your single-player world or add a subtle horror element to your server, this pack offers a lightweight yet impactful visual overhaul.
What Exactly Is the Floating Witch Black Version?
At its core, this is a resource pack that leverages OptiFine's Custom Entity Models (CEM) to replace the default witch model. The original concept wasn't created from scratch — NOTLIVES built upon the witchrework-optifine model by talented creator andrunya. That base model already gave the witch a refined, darker aesthetic with detailed robes and a more intimidating silhouette. NOTLIVES took it a step further by adding a flying variant: the witch now hovers over the floor on a broom, floating eerily as it pursues players. The "Black Version" name hints at the deeper, shadowy color palette that sets it apart from other witch retextures.
What makes this pack particularly clever is the random spawning mechanic. Every time a witch generates in your world, there's a 50% chance it will use the new floating black model, and a 50% chance it will remain the vanilla witch. This preserves the surprise factor and prevents the world from feeling overrun by the same mob variant. You might be exploring a swamp at night and suddenly spot a witch levitating above the murky water — a genuinely unsettling moment that adds tension without breaking immersion.
How the Floating Mechanic and Model Work Together
The floating effect isn't just a visual trick; it's baked into the model itself. The witch is positioned slightly above the ground, with the broom acting as a natural support. This isn't a complex mod that rewrites entity AI — the witch still follows its normal behavior patterns, throwing potions and drinking healing elixirs. The floating is purely cosmetic, meaning you get all the vanilla gameplay interactions with a fresh coat of paint. The model includes subtle animations, like the broom bobbing gently as the witch moves, which brings a surprising amount of life to the character.
Because the pack relies on OptiFine's CEM features, it's remarkably performance-friendly. There are no additional scripts or heavy shaders to bog down your framerate. If your Minecraft setup already runs OptiFine smoothly, adding this pack will have virtually no impact on performance. The 50/50 split between vanilla and floating witches is handled by OptiFine's random entity textures and models, meaning the game simply picks from two model files at spawn time. It's an elegant solution that keeps file size tiny and compatibility broad.
Installation and Compatibility: Getting the Witch to Fly
Installing the Floating Witch Black Version is straightforward if you're familiar with OptiFine resource packs. First, ensure you have OptiFine installed for your Minecraft version (the pack works with Java Edition, typically 1.16 and above, though you should check the exact version compatibility). Then, download the resource pack file — it usually comes as a ZIP archive. Place that ZIP into your resourcepacks folder, enable it in the game's resource pack menu, and make sure OptiFine's "Custom Entity Models" option is turned on in Video Settings > Quality. That's it. The next witch you encounter might just be the floating variant.
If you prefer a more streamlined modding experience, you can easily install this pack via the foxygame.net launcher. This modern Minecraft launcher lets you browse and download mods and resource packs directly from its built-in menu, removing the hassle of manual file management. It automatically handles OptiFine integration and pack activation, so you can jump into a world with the floating witch in just a few clicks. Whether you're a seasoned modder or a newcomer, that kind of convenience makes experimenting with visual packs far less intimidating.
Why This Pack Deserves a Spot in Your Resource Pack Folder
The Floating Witch Black Version excels at doing one thing and doing it well: it revitalizes a classic mob without overwhelming the player. Many mob overhauls go overboard with complex mechanics or clash with Minecraft's blocky aesthetic. This pack stays true to the vanilla spirit while injecting a dose of dark fantasy. The 50/50 spawn chance is a stroke of genius, because it means you'll never grow tired of the new model — it remains a rare treat that keeps swamps and witch huts feeling unpredictable.
Server owners will also appreciate how easy it is to deploy. Since it's purely client-side (no server-side plugin required), players can choose to use it without affecting others. Those who enjoy the floating witch can install it, while friends who prefer the original won't notice a difference. This makes it a perfect addition for small SMP servers where visual customization is encouraged but not forced.
Additionally, the pack's origins add a layer of respect for the modding community. NOTLIVES openly credits andrunya for the original model, demonstrating a healthy collaborative spirit. The black version is not a simple recolor; it refines the textures and integrates the broom element seamlessly. The floating pose looks natural, as if the witch always belonged in the air.
Final Thoughts: A Small Change with Big Atmosphere
Minecraft thrives on the little details that make each world feel personal. The Floating Witch Black Version is a prime example of how a single model swap can shift the entire tone of nighttime exploration. It's free, lightweight, and compatible with a wide range of other resource packs and mods. Whether you're building a haunted swamp base, recording a horror-themed Let's Play, or simply want to see something new in your decade-old world, this pack delivers a memorable twist.
If you're still on the fence, consider this: the next time you hear that distinctive witch cackle, you might turn around to find a dark figure levitating toward you on a broom. That image alone is worth the two-minute installation. Give it a try, and let the floating witch breathe new life — and a little extra dread — into your Minecraft adventures.