Basalt Launcher is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It organizes each game setup as a separate instance, keeping saves, mods, resource packs, shaders, settings, and launch options apart. Players can install and switch among Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge, and Forge, browse Modrinth and CurseForge with compatibility filters, dependency resolution, changelogs, and update checks, or start an instance from a Modrinth modpack. The launcher manages multiple Microsoft accounts with device-code sign-in and silent token refresh. It can import, preview, save, and apply skins, manage capes, and find compatible Java runtimes from the system and common version managers, with global or per-instance overrides. Download and install tasks can be monitored, cancelled, or recovered after interruption. Separate launcher and game logs, adjustable log levels, and a preview of final launch arguments help users inspect launch activity. Installers are provided for Windows, macOS, and Linux, with Arch and Nix options also documented. Basalt is in beta, and its project says platform testing coverage varies.
Who it is for
Basalt suits Minecraft players who want distinct setups for different mods or content, and who use one of its supported desktop systems. It is also a fit for players who want modpack browsing, Java runtime controls, and management for multiple Microsoft accounts in one launcher.
What is good
- Keeps game files and settings separated by instance.
- Supports Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge, and Forge.
- Browses Modrinth and CurseForge with compatibility filtering.
- Can locate and override Java runtimes.
- Offers installers for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
What to know first
- Testing coverage varies between platforms during the beta.
- Source builds require users to provide a CurseForge key.
- CurseForge API key applications require manual approval.
Verdict
Choose Basalt if you want an open-source launcher that combines separate Minecraft instances, mod-loader switching, content browsing, and Java controls. Look elsewhere if you need consistent beta testing coverage across platforms or cannot provide a key for CurseForge access when building from source.
Get started with Basalt Launcher
- Open the Basalt Launcher GitHub project.
- Choose the installer for Linux, Windows, or macOS, or use the documented Arch or Nix option.
- Install and launch Basalt.
- Create or select an instance, then choose a loader or create one from a Modrinth modpack.
- Connect a Microsoft account using device-code sign-in if needed.
- For a source build, provide a CurseForge key in the build configuration or under Settings → Integrations.
Questions about Basalt Launcher
How much does Basalt Launcher cost?
The Basalt Launcher plan is free. It is open source.
Which operating systems does it support?
Basalt supports Linux, Windows, and macOS. The project says testing coverage varies between platforms during the beta.
Which mod loaders can I use?
It supports installing and switching between Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge, and Forge.
Can I use a Modrinth or CurseForge modpack?
Basalt supports browsing both services with compatibility filtering, dependency resolution, changelogs, and update checks. You can create an instance directly from a Modrinth modpack.
Do source builds include CurseForge access?
Release builds include a CurseForge key. Source builds require a key set at build time or entered in Settings → Integrations; API key applications require manual approval.
Is Basalt affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft?
No. Basalt says it is not an official Minecraft product and is not approved by or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.
Basalt Launcher plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Minecraft launchers
- Separate instances
- Yes
- Modpack import
- catalog
- Mod loader support
- multiple
- Java runtime management
- Yes
- Built-in modpack catalog
- Yes
