Refract

Refract is a Minecraft launcher for players who want to discover modpacks and keep each setup’s files and settings separate. Its appeal is the combination of pack imports, in-launcher mod maintenance and open-source licensing; players who want a different launcher should compare the alternatives below.

Overview

Refract supports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge and FTB, and keeps each pack in its own instance. Each instance has separate mods, resource packs, worlds, settings and launch options, which helps players maintain distinct setups without one pack’s contents spilling into another. Existing libraries can be imported without mixing files or breaking saves.

Worlds are preserved during updates, and individual mods can be updated in place. Refract can install mod dependencies and lets users browse compatible content inside the launcher. That makes it a practical fit for players who manage packs regularly; the main benefit is keeping discovery and upkeep alongside isolated installations.

Key features

• Pack sources and imports: Refract supports Modrinth, CurseForge and FTB modpacks, with both importing and separate instances. This suits players bringing existing libraries into a launcher, as well as those starting new setups.
• Mod maintenance: Dependency installation and in-place updates reduce the need to handle every mod change separately. Automatic updates are also supported.
• Runtime and launch controls: Users can choose Java versions, memory limits and launch behavior. Multiple mod loaders are supported, giving players options across different pack setups.
• Customization: Themes, accent colors and sidebar layouts let users adjust the launcher’s appearance and layout.
• Public project: Refract is licensed under GNU GPL v3.0 and developed in public. It uses Tauri and Rust for its native shell; Discord supports player help and project discussion, while GitHub is used for bug reports, proposed changes and code contributions.

Pricing

Refract is free software, and its pricing model is free. The Free software plan has custom pricing. No paid plan is described, so Refract is best suited to players seeking a free launcher rather than a tiered service with a stated price.

Platforms

Refract runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. That broad desktop support makes it an option for players who manage their Minecraft setup across any of those systems.

Who it's for

Refract is best for modded Minecraft players who want separate instances, need to import existing libraries, or prefer to browse and maintain compatible content from within their launcher. Its open-source license and public development may also appeal to users who value those project practices. Players who do not need pack organization or mod management may have little reason to choose it over a simpler launcher.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Isolated instances keep mods, worlds and settings apart, while library imports avoid mixing files or breaking saves.
• Pros: In-launcher discovery, dependency installation and individual mod updates bring several pack-maintenance tasks together.
• Pros: Free software under GPL v3.0, with builds for Windows, macOS and Linux.
• Cons: Its strongest advantages concern modpack management, so players who do not use mods may find the feature set less relevant.
• Cons: The Free software plan has custom pricing, leaving its price terms less clear than alternatives with a stated free price.

Alternatives

Prism Launcher is another free, open-source option for Linux, macOS and Windows, and may suit players who want an alternative with a stated price of $0.

GDLauncher is free on Linux, macOS and Windows, with no premium tier or overlay; consider it if those terms matter more than Refract’s described instance and maintenance features.

ATLauncher is free and open source for the same desktop platforms, but requires a paid Minecraft account to use the launcher and play modpacks.

Thendrask Launcher offers a free download and use under an MIT license with no required subscription, alongside an optional End Crystal plan at $3 a month. Choose it if that licensing and support option better fits your preferences.

Cactus MC Launcher is free forever, open source and ad-free on Windows, macOS and Linux, with no premium tier.

FTB App is a free option for the same desktop platforms, but its free plan contains ads; its source code is available through the project’s GitHub repository.

Plain Craft Launcher 2 is permanently free, MIT-licensed, and has no advertising or in-app purchases across Windows, macOS and Linux.

Dawn offers free desktop launcher downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux, with a Minecraft account required to play.

See Minecraft Launchers for more options.

Verdict

Choose Refract if you want a free, open-source launcher that keeps modpacks isolated while bringing imports, discovery and mod maintenance into one place. Its strongest reason to look elsewhere is that players who do not need those management tools may prefer a different launcher; Prism Launcher is one alternative with a stated price of $0.