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Hello Minecraft! Launcher vs Shard Launcher

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.

Hello Minecraft! Launcher

Free plan LinuxMacWindows

Choose HMCL if you want a free, open-source Minecraft launcher with broad loader support, modpack tools and Java management. Check the stable download requirements for your operating system, and make sure you have an accepted account type for Minecraft play.

Visit Hello Minecraft! Launcher

Shard Launcher

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+1

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.

Visit Shard Launcher

The facts

Hello Minecraft! LauncherShard Launcher
Free planYesYes
Open sourceNot publishedNot published
Runs onLinux, Mac, WindowsLinux, Mac, Self-hosted, Windows
Lowest paid planFree or on requestFree or on request
Plans published11
MakerHello Minecraft! LauncherNot published
Websitehmcl.huangyuhui.netshard.thomas.md
On minecraft launchers#21 of 76#17 of 76

Hello Minecraft! Launcher: what it does well

  • Free and open source under GPLv3.
  • Supports eight listed mod loaders.
  • Finds and downloads mods from CurseForge and Modrinth.
  • Imports and exports several modpack formats.
  • Manages Java versions for different Minecraft releases.

What to know first

  • Stable macOS downloads require macOS 13 or later.
  • Universal Linux and FreeBSD stable builds require Java 17 or later.
  • Minecraft play requires a purchased Microsoft, offline or external account.

Shard Launcher: 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/.

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