rmcl

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What rmcl is

rmcl is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher written in Rust for terminal use. It provides both a terminal user interface and a command-line interface on Linux, macOS, and Windows. You can maintain separate instances, manage Java runtimes, and select Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt loaders; LiteLoader and Rift are unsupported. Its catalog browses Modrinth and CurseForge modpacks, while imports accept Modrinth, CurseForge, and MultiMC/Prism archives. The launcher supports multiple Microsoft accounts and offline accounts. Microsoft sign-in uses rmcl’s client ID with Microsoft’s official services. Release builds cover Apple Silicon and Intel macOS, x64 Windows, and ARM64 or x64 Linux. Installation options include Homebrew, WinGet, Arch packages, Nix, Cargo, and source builds. It includes 10 built-in themes and custom theme files. Linux and Homebrew installations need libxcb; source builds need Rust and a JDK. Minecraft 1.12 and older currently fail to launch.

Who it suits

It suits Minecraft players who prefer terminal-based controls, separate instances, modpack catalogs, and multiple account types. It is also suitable for users comfortable with platform-specific installation requirements.

What it does well

Free and open source under GNU GPL version 3.0
Runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows
Supports multiple Minecraft loaders
Imports several modpack archive formats
Includes Java runtime management and themes

What to know first

Minecraft 1.12 and older currently fail to launch
CurseForge access requires an API key
Linux and Homebrew installs require libxcb
Source builds require Rust and a JDK

Verdict

rmcl combines terminal controls with broad loader, modpack, account, and platform support. Its legacy-version limitation and setup requirements matter when choosing it.

Facts from rmcl's own pages

Accounts: The launcher supports multiple Microsoft accounts and offline accounts. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Authentication: Account authentication uses rmcl’s Microsoft client ID and Microsoft’s official services. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Built-in modpack catalog: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Compatibility limit: Minecraft 1.12 and older currently fail to launch because rmcl does not pass -Djava.library.path for legacy version profiles. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
CurseForge limit: CurseForge access uses an API key, and setting CURSEFORGE_API_KEY to an empty or whitespace-only value disables it. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Downloads: The latest release page lists builds for Apple Silicon and Intel macOS, x64 Windows, and ARM64 and x64 Linux. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Installation: The project documents installation through Cargo, Homebrew, WinGet, Arch User Repository packages, Nix, and GitHub release archives. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Integrations: Direct modpack imports accept a local archive, Modrinth URL, or Modrinth project slug, while CurseForge access requires an API key at build time. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Java runtime management: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
License: The project is licensed under GNU GPL version 3.0. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Limit: Minecraft 1.12 and older currently fail to launch because rmcl does not pass the legacy profile’s Java library path. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Linux requirement: Linux archives and Homebrew installations require the system libxcb runtime package. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Maker: The maintainer profile identifies Consti Bauer as based in Bavaria, Germany, and says they are actively working on rmcl. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Mod loaders: It supports Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt; LiteLoader and Rift are listed as unsupported. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Mod loader support: multiple · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Modpack import: both · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Modpacks: Users can browse Modrinth and CurseForge modpacks or import Modrinth, CurseForge, and MultiMC/Prism archives. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Platforms: Release downloads are listed for macOS, Windows, and Linux, including Apple Silicon macOS and ARM64 Linux builds. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Purpose: rmcl is a Minecraft launcher that runs in a terminal and is written in Rust. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Separate instances: Yes · github.com, 22 Sept 2026
Support: The repository links users to GitHub Issues to report bugs and request features, and says contributions are welcome. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Support and contributions: The README invites bug reports, feature requests, and contributions through GitHub. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
Supported loaders: It supports Vanilla, Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt; LiteLoader and Rift are marked unsupported. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026
System requirements: Linux builds and Homebrew installations require the libxcb runtime package, and source builds require Rust and a JDK. · github.com, 11 Oct 2026

Where rmcl stands on Freedom251

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