NeoForge
NeoForge is a free Minecraft Java Edition mod loader and API for developing and running mods.
What NeoForge is
NeoForge is a free Minecraft Java Edition mod loader and API for developing and running mods. Its Mod Generator creates simple starter projects and is described as being in early stages; generated projects can be downloaded and unzipped. Developers can also use an MDK repository as a GitHub template or zip download. Documentation covers mod creation, APIs, installation, release changes, toolchain features, and modpack development. The toolchain includes ModDevGradle for simpler build scripts and NeoGradle for projects supporting multiple NeoForge or Minecraft versions. NeoForge supports Windows, Linux, and macOS, including dedicated servers on Windows and Unix-like systems. Installation uses an installer JAR and requires Java installed separately, with the required version depending on Minecraft. The guide recommends NeoForge for Minecraft 1.20.2 and newer, and Forge for 1.20.1. Specific releases fixed a crafted-packet server-crashing exploit, and guidance covers limiting packet data and collection capacities.
Good
- Free Minecraft mod loader and API
- Starter projects available through Mod Generator
- Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS
- NeoGradle supports multiple versions
- Documentation covers mods and modpacks
Watch out
- Mod Generator is still early-stage
- Java must be installed separately
- Version guidance favors NeoForge 1.20.2 and newer
- Project is not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft
Who it suits
NeoForge suits Java Edition mod developers and server operators working on supported Minecraft versions. Existing projects can use the MDK examples to update build scripts.
Verdict
NeoForge offers a free development toolchain, templates, documentation, and server installation options for Java Edition modding. Verify Minecraft version requirements and install Java before setup.
The facts
Each one read from NeoForge's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Affiliation
- The project states that its website is not an official Minecraft website and is not approved by or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Audience
- The project directs mod developers with existing projects to its MDK list for examples of how to update their build scripts to use NeoForge.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Build options
- The MDK organization says NeoGradle supports multiple NeoForge or Minecraft versions in one project, while ModDevGradle aims for simpler build scripts and Gradle setups.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The MDK organization provides development kits for multiple NeoForge versions, including versions for Minecraft 26.1 and 26.2.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Development tools
- The documentation describes Gradle plugins as providing NeoForged toolchain features.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Distribution integrations
- The user guide recommends CurseForge or Modrinth as sources for downloading mods.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The official documentation covers creating mods, NeoForge APIs, toolchain features, release changes, installation, and modpack development.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Documentation support
- The documentation links to a NeoForged Discord server and GitHub repository.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Getting started
- The project says developers can download a generated mod project, unzip it, and get started.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Users install NeoForge by downloading and running an installer JAR, and the guide requires Java to be installed.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Java requirement
- NeoForge requires users to install Java themselves, and the required Java version depends on the Minecraft version.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Mod development
- The official documentation covers creating mods and using NeoForge’s APIs.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Mod generator
- The project site directs users to a Mod Generator to configure and download a starter mod.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Modpack support
- The user guide covers modpack development, and its server instructions describe installing modpacks using a third-party launcher.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Project templates
- Developers can use an MDK repository as a GitHub template or download it as a zip file.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- NeoForge is a Minecraft modding API for Minecraft: Java Edition, based on Forge.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security
- A project post describes NeoForge’s patch for a network object allocation exploit and mitigation guidance for modders.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Security guidance
- The project advises modders to send only the information needed in serverbound packets and to set maximum capacities for collections or maps they allocate.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Server support
- NeoForge can be installed for a dedicated server on Windows and Unix-like systems, including Linux and macOS.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The FAQ directs users with unresolved problems to the project’s Discord #user-support channel.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Support and feedback
- The Mod Generator page asks users to report issues or provide feedback through its dedicated GitHub repository.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Toolchain
- NeoForge’s toolchain includes the ModDevGradle and NeoGradle userdev plugins.checked 8 Oct 2026
- Version guidance
- The user guide recommends NeoForge for Minecraft 1.20.2 and newer and recommends Forge for 1.20.1.checked 8 Oct 2026
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