Shard Launcher
Shard Launcher is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher designed around stable, repeatable setups and reduced duplicate storage.
What Shard Launcher is
Shard Launcher is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher designed around stable, repeatable setups and reduced duplicate storage. JSON profile manifests can be versioned and shared to manage Minecraft versions, loaders and content. Mods, resource packs and shader packs are stored by SHA-256 hash, so shared files occupy one stored copy. Users can browse and install mods from Modrinth and CurseForge, with compatibility and dependencies handled automatically. Shard supports Fabric, Forge, Quilt and NeoForge, and can import modpacks from a file. A desktop app and command-line tool share the same data directory for scripting and automation. Microsoft OAuth handles Minecraft authentication, with multiple-account switching. Profiles, game data, stored content and tokens remain in ~/.shard/. The maker says there is no telemetry and no launcher account requirement. Downloads and CLI builds are listed for macOS, Windows and Linux, while the FAQ says macOS is currently available and other desktop support is planned. Minecraft requires Java 17 or later and a Microsoft account.
Good
- Open-source launcher with no telemetry
- Deduplicates shared mod and resource files
- Supports four major mod loaders
- Imports modpacks from files
- Provides desktop and command-line tools
Watch out
- Minecraft requires Java 17 or later
- A Microsoft account is required for play
- FAQ describes macOS as currently available
- No free trial applies to this free software
Who it suits
It suits Minecraft players who want versioned profiles, mod-loader flexibility and deduplicated local storage. Scripting users can use the included command-line tool.
Verdict
Shard focuses on reproducible Minecraft profiles, automatic mod handling and efficient storage. Check the current operating-system availability and Java requirement before installation.
Plans and prices
From Shard Launcher's own pricing page, checked 12 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | Open source Minecraft launcher · no price stated |
The facts
Each one read from Shard Launcher's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Accounts
- Shard uses Microsoft OAuth and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Account support
- Shard uses Microsoft OAuth for Minecraft authentication and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts.checked 11 Oct 2026
- CLI
- Shard provides a command-line tool designed for scripting and automation, sharing its data directory with the desktop app.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Deduplicated storage
- Mods, resource packs, and shader packs are stored by SHA-256 hash and shared across profiles.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The download guide lists desktop app installers for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Download verification
- Each release includes a SHA-256 checksums file for verifying downloads.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Game requirements
- Playing requires Java 17 or later and a Microsoft account for Minecraft authentication.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Java requirement
- Minecraft requires Java 17 or later, and Shard can help install it.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Loaders
- Shard supports Fabric, Forge, Quilt, and NeoForge loaders.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Local data
- Profiles, game data, content, and account tokens are stored locally in ~/.shard/.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Mod integrations
- Shard lets users browse and install mods from Modrinth and CurseForge and handles compatibility and dependencies.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Mod loader support
- multiplechecked 22 Sep 2026
- Modpack import
- filechecked 22 Sep 2026
- Open source and telemetry
- The maker’s homepage describes Shard as open source, says it has no telemetry, and says no launcher account is required.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- The maker says Shard has no telemetry and does not require a launcher account.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Profiles
- Users can create multiple Minecraft profiles as JSON manifests that can be versioned and shared.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Shard is a content-addressed Minecraft launcher focused on reproducibility and reducing duplicate files.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Security
- The account guide says access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Separate instances
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Support
- The FAQ directs users with unanswered questions to open an issue on GitHub.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Supported operating systems
- The FAQ says Shard is currently available for macOS and that Windows and Linux support is planned for future releases.checked 11 Oct 2026
- Supported systems
- The installation guide provides desktop and CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux.checked 12 Oct 2026
- Token storage
- Account access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed.checked 11 Oct 2026
The company
- Maker
- The homepage credits Thomas Marchand.checked 12 Oct 2026
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