Freedom251 › Minecraft Launchers
Cactus MC Launcher
What Cactus MC Launcher is
Cactus MC Launcher is a free desktop launcher for Minecraft instances, modpacks, and dedicated servers. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux, with separate instances, Java runtime management, automatic updates, and a built-in modpack catalog. Users can import modpacks and manage mods, resource packs, and shaders from Modrinth and CurseForge. Supported loaders include Vanilla, Fabric, Quilt, Forge, and NeoForge. Instances can be grouped by game version and loader, with custom icons and cover art. Server tools include a live console, world management, ops and whitelist controls, and one-command sharing. The interface offers themeable backgrounds, gradients, decor, a movable dock, and optional click sounds. The app is built with Tauri and Rust, contains no ads, and does not track users. Made by Ladvace and released under AGPL-3.0, it has a download page listing version 1.5.1. Cactus MC Launcher is not an official Minecraft product and is not associated with Mojang or Microsoft.
Who it suits
It suits Minecraft players who want to organize instances, use modpacks and loaders, or manage dedicated servers on desktop. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What it does well
- Free, open-source, and contains no ads.
- Supports Modrinth and CurseForge content.
- Includes server console and world management.
- Does not track users.
What to know first
- Desktop support is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- It is not an official Minecraft product.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free forever · No ads · Open-source · Windows, macOS, and Linux builds | Free |
As cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com lists them, read 28 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the Cactus MC Launcher website.
- Choose the build for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Install and open the launcher.
- Create or organize an instance, or use the built-in modpack catalog.
- Select a supported loader or configure server management as needed.
Verdict
Cactus MC Launcher combines instance organization, mod management, and server controls in a free desktop app. It is a third-party project, not an official Minecraft product.
Questions
Is Cactus MC Launcher free?
Yes. Its plan is free, free forever, and has no premium tier.
Which platforms does it support?
It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Which mod sources and loaders does it support?
It supports mods, resource packs, shaders, and modpacks from Modrinth and CurseForge. Loaders include Vanilla, Fabric, Quilt, Forge, and NeoForge.
Is Cactus MC Launcher open source?
Yes. It is released under the AGPL-3.0 license.
Who makes it?
The project is made by Ladvace.
Is it an official Minecraft launcher?
No. It is not an official Minecraft product and is not associated with Mojang or Microsoft.
Facts from Cactus MC Launcher's own pages
- Advertising
- Contains no ads · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Application stack
- A native app built with Tauri and Rust · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Automatic updates
- Signed in-app updates can be installed with one click · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Built-in modpack catalog
- Yes · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Company and license
- Made by Ladvace and released under AGPL-3.0 · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Customization options
- Offers themeable backgrounds, gradients, decor, movable dock, and toggleable click sounds · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Current build
- The download page lists version 1.5.1 · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Instance organization
- Instances can be organized by version and loader into groups with custom icons and cover art · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Java runtime management
- Yes · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Loader support
- Supports Vanilla, Fabric, Quilt, Forge, and NeoForge · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Mod loader support
- multiple · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Modpack import
- both · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Mod sources
- Supports mods, resource packs, shaders, and modpacks from Modrinth and CurseForge · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Official status
- Not an official Minecraft product and not associated with Mojang or Microsoft · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Pricing model
- Free and open-source with no premium tier · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Separate instances
- Yes · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 22 Sept 2026
- Server administration
- Includes ops and whitelist controls · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Server management
- Can run dedicated servers with live console and world management · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Server sharing
- Supports one-command server sharing · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Source repository
- The project provides a GitHub link · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Support channel
- Provides a Discord community link · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, and Linux · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
- User tracking
- Does not track users · cactus.gianmarcocavallo.com, 28 Sept 2026
Where Cactus MC Launcher stands on Freedom251
- Minecraft Launchers#11 of 76