Overview

Refract supports packs from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB, with separate instances for each setup. Mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options stay with their instance, so one pack’s changes need not spill into another. Existing libraries can be imported without mixing files or breaking saves, and worlds are preserved during updates.

The launcher also handles mod dependencies and lets users update individual mods in place. That makes it useful for ongoing pack maintenance, not just initial installation. Customization covers themes, accent colors, sidebar layouts, Java versions, memory limits, and launch behavior; players who want a narrowly focused launcher may find that breadth unnecessary.

Refract is free software under GNU GPL v3.0, and its application and website are developed in public. It uses Tauri and Rust for a small native shell. Discord supports player help and project discussion, while GitHub is used for bug reports, proposed changes, and code contributions; a separate discussion space accommodates ideas and questions needing more room.

Key features

Instance isolation: Each pack keeps its mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options apart, which is valuable for players switching between distinct setups.
Pack import and catalog: Import modpacks and browse compatible content in the launcher, with sources including Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB.
Update tools: Automatic updates and in-place updates for individual mods reduce routine maintenance, while world preservation protects existing saves during updates.
Runtime and loader support: Refract manages Java runtimes and supports multiple mod loaders, covering varied pack requirements.

Pricing

Refract is free software, and the Free software plan has no published price. There is no paid tier described, so the main trade-off is that the available plan information does not establish any separate premium offering or limits. Players seeking an open-source launcher at no cost should find the free model appealing; those comparing paid support or premium features will need to consider another option.

Platforms

Refract runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux. That cross-platform reach suits players managing packs on different desktop systems, though no mobile platform is supported.

Who it's for

Refract is best for Minecraft players who maintain multiple modpacks, want their saves and settings kept distinct, or need to import an existing library without disrupting it. Its integrated catalog, dependency installation, runtime management, and update controls also suit players who prefer pack upkeep inside the launcher. Players who do not use modpacks or want a different launcher’s particular workflow may be better served elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Pro: Per-instance separation includes worlds and launch options, not just mods, helping keep multiple setups cleanly distinct.
Pro: Imports are designed to avoid file mixing and broken saves, making migration of an existing library less disruptive.
Pro: Catalog browsing, dependency installation, and individual mod updates bring several pack-management tasks into one launcher.
Con: The feature set centers on modpack management, so players who do not use packs have less reason to choose it.
Con: Its free-software plan is the only plan described, so users seeking a paid tier or differentiated service options should look elsewhere.

Alternatives

Minecraft Launchers is the category overview for comparing launchers. Among specific options, choose Prism Launcher if you want another free, open-source launcher with builds for the same three desktop platforms. ATLauncher is another free, open-source option across those platforms, but requires a paid Minecraft account to use and play modpacks.

GDLauncher suits readers looking for a free launcher with no premium tier and no overlay. Thendrask Launcher offers a free MIT-licensed option with no paid tier or required subscription, plus a $3.00 USD per month End Crystal plan for project support. Cactus MC Launcher is a free, open-source, ad-free option with no premium tier across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

FTB App may suit players who prefer the free FTB option and do not mind ads; its source code is available through the project’s GitHub repository. Spectra Launcher and X Minecraft Launcher are also free options for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Verdict

Choose Refract if you manage multiple modpacks and want isolation, importing, discovery, and updates in one free-software launcher. Its strongest reason to choose is that separation extends to worlds, settings, and launch behavior as well as mod files. Look elsewhere if you want a different launcher workflow or a paid service tier.

	McSH	Refract
Free plan	No	Yes
Free trial	No	No
Paid from	—	Free
Open source	No	No
Platforms	—	Windows, macOS, Linux
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Separate instances	Yes	Yes
Modpack import	both	both
Mod loader support	multiple	multiple
Java runtime management	Yes	Yes
Built-in modpack catalog	Yes	Yes
Automatic updates	—	Yes

McSH vs Refract

McSH

Refract