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NeoForge

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What NeoForge is

NeoForge is a free Minecraft Java Edition modding API and mod loader for developing and running mods. It supports Linux, macOS, Windows, APIs, and self-hosted setups. The Mod Generator creates starter projects, although the project describes it as being in early stages; generated files can be downloaded and unzipped. Developers can also use MDK repositories as GitHub templates or zip downloads. Documentation covers mod creation, NeoForge APIs, installation, release changes, toolchain features, and modpack development. Its toolchain includes ModDevGradle, intended to simplify build scripts and Gradle setups, and NeoGradle, which supports multiple NeoForge or Minecraft versions in one project. Installation uses an installer JAR, with Java installed separately; the required Java version depends on Minecraft. Dedicated servers work on Windows and Unix-like systems, including Linux and macOS. The guide recommends NeoForge for Minecraft 1.20.2 and newer, and Forge for 1.20.1. Security fixes addressed a crafted-packet server-crashing exploit in releases 26.1.2.44-beta and 21.1.229.

Who it suits

NeoForge suits Java Edition mod developers and server operators building mods or modpacks across supported Windows, Linux, and macOS environments. Existing projects can consult the MDK list when updating build scripts.

What it does well

  • Free Minecraft Java mod loader and API
  • Starter projects available through the Mod Generator
  • Documentation covers APIs, installation, and modpacks
  • Gradle tools support flexible project versions
  • Dedicated server support spans Windows and Unix-like systems

What to know first

  • Mod Generator is described as early-stage
  • Java must be installed separately
  • Required Java version depends on Minecraft
  • Guide recommends Forge for Minecraft 1.20.1

Limits

The Mod Generator currently creates simple projects and is described as being in an early stage. Java installation is a prerequisite, and its required version changes with the Minecraft version.

Getting started

  1. Open the NeoForge website and choose the Mod Generator or an MDK repository
  2. Configure and download a starter project, or use the MDK as a GitHub template
  3. Install the Java version required by your Minecraft version
  4. Download and run the NeoForge installer JAR
  5. Unzip the generated project and begin development with the documented Gradle tooling

Verdict

NeoForge provides a free Java modding stack with generators, templates, documentation, and server support. Check Minecraft version guidance and Java requirements before installing.

Questions

What does NeoForge cost?

NeoForge is free and has a free plan.

Which platforms does NeoForge support?

It supports Windows, Linux, macOS, self-hosted environments, and API workflows. Dedicated servers are supported on Windows and Unix-like systems.

Does NeoForge require Java?

Yes. Users install Java themselves, and the required version depends on the Minecraft version.

What Minecraft versions does NeoForge target?

The guide recommends NeoForge for Minecraft 1.20.2 and newer, while recommending Forge for 1.20.1.

Where can developers get help?

The project links to a NeoForged Discord server and GitHub repository. The FAQ directs unresolved problems to the Discord #user-support channel.

Facts from NeoForge's own pages

Affiliation
The project states that its website is not an official Minecraft website and is not approved by or associated with Mojang or Microsoft. · neoforged.net, 7 Oct 2026
Audience
The project directs mod developers with existing projects to its MDK list for examples of how to update their build scripts to use NeoForge. · neoforged.net, 7 Oct 2026
Build options
The MDK organization says NeoGradle supports multiple NeoForge or Minecraft versions in one project, while ModDevGradle aims for simpler build scripts and Gradle setups. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Compatibility
The MDK organization provides development kits for multiple NeoForge versions, including versions for Minecraft 26.1 and 26.2. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Development tools
The documentation describes Gradle plugins as providing NeoForged toolchain features. · docs.neoforged.net, 7 Oct 2026
Distribution integrations
The user guide recommends CurseForge or Modrinth as sources for downloading mods. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Documentation
The official documentation covers creating mods, NeoForge APIs, toolchain features, release changes, installation, and modpack development. · docs.neoforged.net, 7 Oct 2026
Documentation support
The documentation links to a NeoForged Discord server and GitHub repository. · docs.neoforged.net, 7 Oct 2026
Getting started
The project says developers can download a generated mod project, unzip it, and get started. · neoforged.net, 7 Oct 2026
Installation
Users install NeoForge by downloading and running an installer JAR, and the guide requires Java to be installed. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Java requirement
NeoForge requires users to install Java themselves, and the required Java version depends on the Minecraft version. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Mod development
The official documentation covers creating mods and using NeoForge’s APIs. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Mod generator
The project site directs users to a Mod Generator to configure and download a starter mod. · neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Modpack support
The user guide covers modpack development, and its server instructions describe installing modpacks using a third-party launcher. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Project templates
Developers can use an MDK repository as a GitHub template or download it as a zip file. · github.com, 7 Oct 2026
Purpose
NeoForge is a Minecraft modding API for Minecraft: Java Edition, based on Forge. · projects.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Security
A project post describes NeoForge’s patch for a network object allocation exploit and mitigation guidance for modders. · neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Security guidance
The project advises modders to send only the information needed in serverbound packets and to set maximum capacities for collections or maps they allocate. · neoforged.net, 7 Oct 2026
Server support
NeoForge can be installed for a dedicated server on Windows and Unix-like systems, including Linux and macOS. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Support
The FAQ directs users with unresolved problems to the project’s Discord #user-support channel. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Support and feedback
The Mod Generator page asks users to report issues or provide feedback through its dedicated GitHub repository. · neoforged.net, 7 Oct 2026
Toolchain
NeoForge’s toolchain includes the ModDevGradle and NeoGradle userdev plugins. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026
Version guidance
The user guide recommends NeoForge for Minecraft 1.20.2 and newer and recommends Forge for 1.20.1. · docs.neoforged.net, 8 Oct 2026

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