Vermeil is a free Minecraft launcher for Windows and Linux that manages instances, mods, loaders, character skins, and Java. Separate instances can be organized with pinned access and category filters, and Quick Play resumes a world. The launcher searches Modrinth and CurseForge for mods, resource packs, shaders, and datapacks, with one-click dependency resolution. It installs Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge, and Forge, and can download missing Java runtimes from Adoptium. A built-in modpack catalog and import support help users find or bring in modpacks. Its 3D character studio has an interactive 360-degree stage, and a custom cape designer is available through Vermeil Companion. Server tools support direct multiplayer launch, background latency pings, version range negotiation, and live player counts. Cached version manifests let installed instances launch offline or when upstream services are unavailable. The site says Vermeil has no analytics, usage tracking, crash reporting, or phoning home, and encrypts sign-in tokens on-device. The listed release is v0.1.0-alpha.1, and the project is maintained solely by its author.
Who it is for
Vermeil suits Minecraft players on Windows or Linux who want to manage separate modded instances, modpacks, loaders, and Java from a launcher. Its server features may also suit players who launch multiplayer servers directly.
What is good
- Free and open source under GNU GPLv3
- Supports Windows and Linux
- Searches Modrinth and CurseForge
- Can download missing Java runtimes
- Installed instances can launch offline
What to know first
- Listed release is v0.1.0-alpha.1
- Windows installer is not code-signed
- Project is maintained solely by its author
Verdict
Vermeil brings instance management, mod discovery, loader installation, and server tools into one launcher. The listed release is an alpha, and Windows users may see a SmartScreen advisory because the installer is unsigned.
Vermeil plans and pricing
All plansCompared on Minecraft launchers
- Free plan
- Yes
- Separate instances
- Yes
- Modpack import
- both
- Mod loader support
- multiple
- Java runtime management
- Yes
- Built-in modpack catalog
- Yes
- Automatic updates
- Yes
