Side by side
Basalt Launcher vs Plain Craft Launcher 2
Both stand on minecraft launchers. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose Basalt if you want an open-source launcher that combines separate Minecraft instances, mod-loader switching, content browsing, and Java controls. Look elsewhere if you need consistent beta testing coverage across platforms or cannot provide a key for CurseForge access when building from source.
Visit Basalt LauncherChoose Plain Craft Launcher 2 if you want a free Minecraft: Java Edition launcher with mod search, modpack handling, and separate instances. Its main constraint is platform setup: native support is listed for Windows, while Linux and macOS use Wine.
Visit Plain Craft Launcher 2The facts
| Basalt Launcher | Plain Craft Launcher 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Mac, Windows | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Maker | Not published | Plain Craft Launcher 2 |
| Website | github.com | pcl2.cc |
| On minecraft launchers | #19 of 76 | #23 of 76 |
Basalt Launcher: what it does well
- Keeps game files and settings separated by instance.
- Supports Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge, and Forge.
- Browses Modrinth and CurseForge with compatibility filtering.
- Can locate and override Java runtimes.
- Offers installers for Linux, Windows, and macOS.
What to know first
- Testing coverage varies between platforms during the beta.
- Source builds require users to provide a CurseForge key.
- CurseForge API key applications require manual approval.
Plain Craft Launcher 2: what it does well
- Supports Minecraft 1.0 through the latest release.
- Installs Forge, Fabric, and OptiFine.
- Searches CurseForge and Modrinth with drag-and-drop mod installation.
- Imports and exports modpacks and handles dependencies.
- MIT licensed, with no ads, in-app purchases, or bundled software.
What to know first
- Native support is listed for Windows; Linux and macOS use Wine.
- Windows requires .NET Framework 4.5 or later.
- The listed portable download is a Windows 64-bit build.
Alternatives to Basalt Launcher Alternatives to Plain Craft Launcher 2 The whole list