Shard Launcher

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What Shard Launcher is

Shard Launcher is a Minecraft launcher for organizing versions, mod loaders, and content through profiles. Each profile is a JSON manifest that can be versioned and shared. Shard supports Fabric, Forge, Quilt, and NeoForge, and can import modpacks from a file. It lets users browse and install mods from Modrinth and CurseForge, handling version compatibility and dependencies automatically. Mods, resource packs, and shader packs are stored by SHA-256 hash, so shared items occupy one stored copy. The desktop app and command-line tool share a data directory, with the CLI available for scripting and automation. Shard stores profiles, game data, content, and account tokens locally in ~/.shard/. Minecraft authentication uses Microsoft OAuth, with multiple accounts supported. The maker says the launcher has no telemetry and requires no separate launcher account. Minecraft play requires Java 17 or later, which Shard can help install, and a Microsoft account. It is open source and free.

Who it suits

Shard suits Minecraft players who manage multiple versions, loaders, or modded profiles, including those who want a command-line tool for automation. It is available for desktop use on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

What it does well

Profiles can be versioned and shared.
Shared mod content is stored once.
Supports four Minecraft loaders.
CLI and desktop app share a data directory.
No telemetry, according to the maker.

What to know first

Minecraft play requires Java 17 or later.
Minecraft authentication requires a Microsoft account.
Account tokens are stored locally in ~/.shard/.

Limits

Playing requires Java 17 or later and a Microsoft account for Minecraft authentication. The listed plan is free, and no free-plan quota or trial limit is given.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
Free	Open source Minecraft launcher · no price stated	Free

As shard.thomas.md lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

Visit https://shard.thomas.md/ to find desktop app or CLI downloads.
Choose the download for macOS, Windows, or Linux.
Install the desktop app or CLI using the relevant download.
Install or let Shard help install Java 17 or later.
Authenticate Minecraft with a Microsoft account.
Create or import a profile, including a modpack from a file if needed.

Verdict

Shard brings profile management, mod installs, and deduplicated content storage together in a free, open-source launcher. Check the Java and Microsoft account requirements before setting it up.

Questions

Is Shard Launcher free?

Yes. Its listed Free plan costs nothing, and the maker describes it as open source.

Which operating systems have downloads?

Desktop and CLI downloads are listed for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Which mod loaders does it support?

Shard supports Fabric, Forge, Quilt, and NeoForge.

Can I import modpacks?

Yes. Modpack import is supported from a file.

Does Shard require an account?

It does not require a separate launcher account. Minecraft authentication uses Microsoft OAuth and requires a Microsoft account.

Where is data stored?

Shard stores profiles, Minecraft data, content, and account tokens locally in ~/.shard/. Access and refresh tokens are kept in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed.

Facts from Shard Launcher's own pages

Accounts: Shard uses Microsoft OAuth and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Account support: Shard uses Microsoft OAuth for Minecraft authentication and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts. · shard.thomas.md, 11 Oct 2026
CLI: Shard provides a command-line tool designed for scripting and automation, sharing its data directory with the desktop app. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Deduplicated storage: Mods, resource packs, and shader packs are stored by SHA-256 hash and shared across profiles. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Downloads: The download guide lists desktop app installers for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux. · shard.thomas.md, 11 Oct 2026
Download verification: Each release includes a SHA-256 checksums file for verifying downloads. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Game requirements: Playing requires Java 17 or later and a Microsoft account for Minecraft authentication. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Java requirement: Minecraft requires Java 17 or later, and Shard can help install it. · shard.thomas.md, 11 Oct 2026
Loaders: Shard supports Fabric, Forge, Quilt, and NeoForge loaders. · shard.thomas.md, 11 Oct 2026
Local data: Profiles, game data, content, and account tokens are stored locally in ~/.shard/. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Maker: The homepage credits Thomas Marchand. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Mod integrations: Shard lets users browse and install mods from Modrinth and CurseForge and handles compatibility and dependencies. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Mod loader support: multiple · shard.thomas.md, 22 Sept 2026
Modpack import: file · shard.thomas.md, 22 Sept 2026
Open source and telemetry: The maker’s homepage describes Shard as open source, says it has no telemetry, and says no launcher account is required. · shard.thomas.md, 11 Oct 2026
Privacy: The maker says Shard has no telemetry and does not require a launcher account. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Profiles: Users can create multiple Minecraft profiles as JSON manifests that can be versioned and shared. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Purpose: Shard is a content-addressed Minecraft launcher focused on reproducibility and reducing duplicate files. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Security: The account guide says access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Separate instances: Yes · shard.thomas.md, 22 Sept 2026
Support: The FAQ directs users with unanswered questions to open an issue on GitHub. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Supported operating systems: The FAQ says Shard is currently available for macOS and that Windows and Linux support is planned for future releases. · shard.thomas.md, 11 Oct 2026
Supported systems: The installation guide provides desktop and CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux. · shard.thomas.md, 12 Oct 2026
Token storage: Account access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed. · shard.thomas.md, 11 Oct 2026

Where Shard Launcher stands on Freedom251

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