Free and open first

Best Mod managers in 2026

This list covers mod managers for people who need software to handle game mods on a budget. Compare what a manager supports and how it fits your setup before downloading.

78 apps
How the order is worked out

1

Modrinth
by Modrinth
Free plan Open source APILinuxMac+2

Modrinth combines project discovery, a desktop launcher, creator tools and hosting for Minecraft: Java Edition. Keep the app's public beta status and possible Linux issues in mind.

9.3 Free plan · paid from $4.99/mo Visit site
2

Mod Organizer 2

Free plan Open source Windows

Mod Organizer 2 brings virtualized mod management, profile tools, and game-launcher detection to supported Windows games. Check the Windows requirement and game-store limitation before choosing it.

8.7 Free plan Visit site
3

Limo

Free plan Open source Linux

Limo brings mod, plugin, and load-order management together for Linux, with NexusMods and LOOT support.

8.6 Free plan Visit site
4

Modrix

Free plan ExtensionLinuxMac+1

Modrix offers several ways to manage mods, with deployment safeguards and conflict tools. Its pre-release status and macOS installation requirement are worth weighing before use.

7.7 Free plan Visit site
5

G3M

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

G3M brings mod discovery, profile management, editing, and launching into one desktop application. Users should note the supported-game scope and the limited security-fix coverage for older releases.

7.5 Open source Visit site
6

Irony Mod Manager

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Irony Mod Manager offers profiles, load ordering, and merging tools across a defined set of Paradox games.

7.5 Open source Visit site
7

RimModManager

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

RimModManager provides mod organization, profiles, conflict detection, and Workshop tools across a range of RimWorld installation types.

7.5 Free plan Visit site
8

CKAN

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

CKAN combines mod discovery with installation checks for dependencies, conflicts, and game versions. Its macOS interface limitation is worth noting if you prefer a graphical client.

7.5 Open source Visit site
9

Vortex

Free plan ExtensionWindows

Vortex combines Nexus Mods access with tools for profiles, load orders, collections, and updates. Check the Windows requirement before downloading, especially on older systems.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
10

RimSort

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose RimSort if you want a free, cross-platform RimWorld mod manager with automatic sorting, list warnings, and Workshop downloads.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
11

Prismo

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose Zephyr if you want a free, open-source mod manager with broad game support, profiles, and mod source browsing in one app.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
12

Zephyr

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose Zephyr if you want a free, open-source desktop manager with profile switching, combined mod browsing, and sharing.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
13

Stardrop

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Stardrop provides cross-platform mod organization and Nexus Mods integration at no listed cost. Its main caveat is that downloading updates through the app requires a premium Nexus Mods account.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
14

Circinus Mod Manager

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Circinus Mod Manager combines mod ordering, pre-launch checks, list imports, and queued Workshop downloads in a free desktop app.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
15

Candor Mod Manager

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Candor offers per-game mod setup and file-copy installation across three desktop platforms. Note its in-development status and the maker’s testing caveats for macOS and Linux.

7.4 Free plan Visit site
16

CurseForge
by CurseForge
Free plan Web

CurseForge provides a free Minecraft mod catalog with filters and dependency details, plus optional Premium access.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
17

HFW Mod Manager

Free plan LinuxWindows

HFW Mod Manager provides mod packing, ordering, and extra utilities for its listed games.

7.3 Open source Visit site
18

Gale Mod Manager

Free plan LinuxWindows

Choose Gale if you want a free manager for profiles, mod updates, and profile sharing across supported games.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
19

The Sims Mod Manager

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

The Sims Mod Manager offers broad game support and practical library controls without a paid plan.

7.3 Free plan Visit site
20

FlairX Mod Manager

Free plan Windows

FlairX combines mod organization, presets, conflict detection, and XXMI integration for five listed games.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
21

Corkscrew

Free plan LinuxMac

Corkscrew offers mod installation, profiles, and plugin-management tools without account requirements. Its listed platform support is limited to Linux and macOS.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
22

Wrye Bash

Free plan LinuxWindows

Wrye Bash combines mod installation, load-order management, and related game-file utilities for a broad list of Bethesda titles.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
23

HumanitZ Mod Manager

Free plan LinuxWindows

HZMM covers mod installation, configuration and profiles, with different setup requirements for Windows and Linux.

7.2 Free plan Visit site
24

Modrex

Free plan LinuxWindows

Modrex focuses on organizing and updating mods while keeping modded and vanilla launches separate. Its privacy defaults are clear, but Linux credential storage has an important limitation.

7.1 Free plan Visit site
25

Warhammer 3 Mod Manager

Free plan LinuxWindows

Warhammer 3 Mod Manager combines organization, compatibility checks, updates, and per-mod controls for supported Total War games.

7.1 Free plan Visit site

#1Places #1, #2, #3, #4, #5 on this list can be bought by the makers of the software on it. See the price

Check whether a free plan or free trial meets your needs, and read an open-source licence if you need to inspect or change code. Confirm support for your platform and any extension, web, or API workflow you use.

Questions

Are mod managers free to use?

Tools on this list offer free plans, and a free trial is available from a tool in the category. Check the pricing details for the manager you choose.

Can I use a mod manager on Linux or macOS?

Platform support varies. The category includes tools that run on Windows, Linux, and macOS; confirm support for your system before installing.

Are any mod managers open source?

Yes. Open-source code is offered by tools in this category. Read the project licence to understand your rights to inspect or modify it.

Can I use a mod manager in a browser?

The category includes extension and web options, along with desktop software. Check the tool's listed platform and access method.

Do mod managers provide APIs?

API-based options are included in this category. Check the individual tool's documentation and platform details to see whether its API fits your workflow.

Questions

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