ForgeGradle

Overview

ForgeGradle brings mod development tasks into a Gradle build, including IDE run configurations, mapping conversion, and dependency handling. It supports Forge and FML across Minecraft versions 1.12 through 1.19.4. The workflow offers useful control over how a mod is built and run, but expects users to arrive with the underlying development skills already in place.

The setup guide requires a Java Development Kit and familiarity with an integrated development environment. It covers ForgeGradle itself, not Java, Groovy, or Gradle fundamentals, so newcomers will need to learn those elsewhere before this framework becomes useful.

Key features

IDE runs and Forge run types

Commands generate run configurations for Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and Visual Studio Code. Configurations can specify arguments, working directories, task names, environment properties, and system properties. Forge supplies client, server, data, and gameTestServer run types, giving developers distinct launch setups for common mod-development tasks rather than a single generic run target.

Mappings and production builds

Developers can select a human-readable mapping set while working, then use the reobf task to convert a mod JAR to SRG mappings for production. That separates readable development names from the production artifact’s mapping format. The documented default stable and snapshot mapping sets are typically incomplete and are no longer available as of Minecraft 1.17, a meaningful constraint for projects relying on those defaults or later versions.

Dependencies and packaging

Mod dependencies can come from repositories or a local flat directory, and must be wrapped with fg.deobf before use. That handling is tailored to mod development, though it adds a ForgeGradle-specific step to dependency setup. The optional Jar-in-Jar system bundles selected dependencies inside a mod JAR and writes metadata during the build, useful when the mod needs to package dependencies alongside its artifact.

Distribution involves adding the MinecraftForge Maven repository and the net.minecraftforge.gradle plugin to a Gradle build. The project identifies its license as LGPL-2.1.

Pricing

ForgeGradle is free: the ForgeGradle plan is 0.00 USD per free. No seat or usage caps are stated, and there is no paid tier to trade off against. Its cost advantage does not remove the practical prerequisites: users still need a JDK, IDE familiarity, and enough Java and Gradle knowledge to work beyond the setup guide.

Platforms

ForgeGradle supports Linux, macOS, and Windows. Its run-configuration commands cover Eclipse, IntelliJ IDEA, and Visual Studio Code, so developers can work in those IDEs across the supported operating systems.

Who it's for

ForgeGradle is best for Java developers building Forge or FML mods who want Gradle-managed runs, mapping conversion, and mod dependency packaging in one workflow. It is less suitable for first-time programmers or users seeking a visual, no-code mod creator: the documentation assumes IDE familiarity and explicitly does not teach Java, Groovy, or Gradle.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Dedicated client, server, data, and gameTestServer run types provide useful separation for different development tasks.
• Pro: Mapping selection plus reobf conversion supports readable development names and SRG production JARs.
• Pro: Repository and local-directory dependencies, along with optional Jar-in-Jar packaging, cover key mod dependency workflows.
• Con: The setup documentation assumes Java and IDE foundations and does not teach the languages or build system involved.
• Con: Default stable and snapshot mappings are typically incomplete and unavailable from Minecraft 1.17 onward, limiting reliance on those sets.

Alternatives

For another free Gradle-based mod development option with a different loader focus, consider ModDevGradle, a plugin for developing Minecraft mods using NeoForge, maintained under the NeoForged GitHub organization. If an experimental project and a Gradle 8.1-or-newer requirement fit, Architectury Loom is free and supports IntelliJ IDEA and Visual Studio Code on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Readers who want a free mod-creation app rather than a Gradle plugin can consider MCreator. For a free loader choice, Fabric is free to use, though the Fabric Loader download is only the bare minimum and most mods also require Fabric API. Minecraft Forge is another free option to use and modify.

IntelliJ IDEA is an IDE rather than a mod framework; its free Core functionality covers Java and Kotlin, while Ultimate is a paid subscription. For a general open-source build system rather than a Minecraft-specific framework, Gradle is free. Blockbench is also free for any type of project.

Browse the Minecraft Mod Development Tools category for more options.

Verdict

Choose ForgeGradle if you already know Java and Gradle and need a free, Forge- or FML-focused workflow for IDE runs, mappings, dependencies, and mod packaging. Its strongest case is that it brings these mod-specific build tasks together; look elsewhere if you need introductory guidance or depend on the documented default mapping sets for Minecraft 1.17 and later.