NeoForge for Minecraft: Install Guide & Forge Compatibility

NeoForge is the mod loader taking over from Forge on recent Minecraft versions, such as NeoForge 1.21.1. This guide explains what NeoForge is, how it differs from Forge and Fabric, and whether Forge mods work with NeoForge. It then shows how to install it on your PC or on a server with OuiPanel, the game panel. Last, it covers the NeoForge mods to know and how to migrate a Forge server.

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NeoForge Minecraft: complete guide (installation, mods, migration)

The biggest modpacks of 2026, such as All The Mods 10, Better MC 5 or All the Mons, already run on NeoForge. This guide follows the logical order of a modded project.

• Understand NeoForge and its history.

• Install it on the player side, then on the server.

• Pick your first NeoForge mods.

• Migrate an existing Forge server.

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What is NeoForge?

NeoForge is a mod loader for Minecraft, the software that loads and runs mods. It plays the same role as Forge or Fabric, with a modernized approach.

The history, from Forge to NeoForge

Forge has existed since 2011 and was long the only serious loader for Minecraft. For more than ten years it was the modding standard. Over time, tensions grew within the team about the project's direction and governance.

In 2023, a large part of the Forge team, including its lead maintainer cpw, left to create NeoForge. It is a fork of Forge, with more open governance, faster development and modernized code. NeoForge has since become the default loader for Minecraft 1.20.5 and later, and nearly every major new modpack has adopted it.

Forge still exists and still gets updates, but the ecosystem is moving to NeoForge. For 1.20.1 and earlier, Forge remains relevant. For 1.20.5 and later, NeoForge is the recommended choice.

NeoForge vs Forge, the technical differences

For players, the difference is barely visible. NeoForge installs like Forge, mods go in the same /mods folder, and NeoForge keeps Forge's loading system (FML) and conventions.

The differences mostly affect developers. NeoForge modernized internal APIs, improved loading and removed obsolete code. The result is slightly faster startups, fewer loading bugs on large packs, and quicker updates after each Mojang release.

Do Forge mods work with NeoForge?

It depends on the Minecraft version.

Minecraft version	Forge mods on NeoForge	NeoForge mods on Forge
1.20.1	most work, NeoForge 1.20.1 stays close to Forge	most work
1.20.2 and later	no, the two APIs have split, you need a NeoForge build of the mod	no

In practice, trust each mod's page. A mod marked "Forge 1.20.1" runs on Forge. A mod marked "NeoForge 1.21" runs on NeoForge. Many recent mods publish a build for each.

NeoForge or Fabric?

Fabric and NeoForge follow different philosophies. Fabric is a light loader, popular for optimization mods (Sodium, Lithium, Iris). It starts fast, uses few resources, and suits players who want an improved Minecraft without changing it radically.

NeoForge, like Forge before it, is built for heavy content mods such as Create, Botania, Applied Energistics and Mekanism, and for modpacks of 200+ mods. Its richer API lets modders change the game in depth. In return, it starts more slowly and uses more memory.

• Choose Fabric for performance mods and a few quality-of-life mods, or for solo play on a modest PC.

• Choose NeoForge for full modpacks (ATM10, Better MC 5, RLCraft) or technical and magic content mods. It is also the usual choice for modded community servers.

For an overview of the mods available on each loader, see our Minecraft mods catalog.

Is NeoForge free?

Yes. NeoForge is free and open source, like Forge and Fabric. It is maintained by volunteer developers and funded by donations. You can download, use and redistribute it freely.

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Installing NeoForge (client)

With the official installer

1. On the official site neoforged.net, download the installer for your Minecraft version.

2. Run the downloaded .jar file. Java must be installed on your PC, Java 21 for Minecraft 1.21 and later.

3. Choose Install client, check that the path points to your .minecraft folder, then click OK.

4. The installer creates a profile in the official Minecraft launcher. Launch the game with that profile.

To add mods, put their .jar files in .minecraft/mods/. The folder is created the first time you launch with NeoForge.

With CurseForge or Modrinth

For a modpack, it is even simpler. Open the CurseForge app or the Modrinth launcher, search for the modpack (for example All The Mods 10) and click Install. The launcher downloads NeoForge, the mods and the configurations. All that is left is to click Play.

This is the recommended method for beginners, with nothing to do by hand.

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Installing NeoForge on a server

With OuiPanel

1. In Console, stop your server.

2. In the side menu, open Versions/Modpacks › Version Manager.

3. In the Software column, choose NeoForge.

4. Choose the Minecraft version, for example 1.21.1, then the Build if you want a specific NeoForge version.

5. Click Install. The panel then offers a backup, with Backup and continue or Continue without a backup.

6. In the "How should this version be installed?" window, choose Update, without erasing anything to keep your files, or Full reinstall to start from scratch.

7. Once the install is done, start the server.

If your server was running Paper or Spigot, the panel warns that the type of server software changes. Plugins will no longer load, NeoForge loads mods.

Install a NeoForge modpack

For a modpack, it is even more direct. Open Versions/Modpacks › Modpack Manager, find the pack in the Checked by OuiHeberg or Public catalogues tab, then click Install. The panel installs NeoForge, the mods and the configuration. How to install a modpack on your Minecraft server covers each step.

By hand, on a VPS or dedicated server

On a VPS or dedicated server, download the installer from neoforged.net and run it with the --installServer option.

java -jar neoforge-<version>-installer.jar --installServer

The files are created in the current folder. Start the server with the run.sh (Linux) or run.bat (Windows) script created by the installer. Accept the EULA in eula.txt, then restart. The /mods folder is created at startup, put your mods in it.

Use Java 21 for Minecraft 1.21 and later, and plan enough RAM, at least 6 to 8 GB for a modded pack.

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The best NeoForge mods in 2026

The NeoForge ecosystem is growing fast. Here is a selection of must-have mods.

Mod	Role	Link
Embeddium	Sodium port for NeoForge, multiplies FPS by 2 to 5 on the player side	CurseForge
ModernFix	lowers RAM usage and clearly speeds up startup on large packs	CurseForge
FerriteCore	optimizes how blockstates are stored in memory, 30 to 40% less RAM on heavy packs	Modrinth
Canary	Lithium port, speeds up physics, mob AI and block ticks, often 20 to 40% lower MSPT	CurseForge
Create	mechanical machines, gears, trains and automation	CurseForge
Mekanism	full tech suite, energy, ore processing, MekaSuit, fusion reactor	CurseForge
Applied Energistics 2 (AE2)	digital storage and networked automation	CurseForge
JEI (Just Enough Items)	shows every recipe and use of each item	CurseForge
Oculus	Iris Shaders port, loads shaders on top of Embeddium	CurseForge
Sophisticated Backpacks	modular backpacks with sorting, feeding and filters	CurseForge

Does NeoForge support shaders?

Yes, with the Oculus mod (Iris port) combined with Embeddium (Sodium port). Install both mods, then add a shader pack (BSL, Complementary Shaders, Sildur's). The result looks the same as Iris and Sodium on Fabric.

For a list of optimization mods made for NeoForge, see Mods NeoForge Minecraft: optimizing TPS, FPS and RAM. For a wider selection across all loaders, read our article on the best Minecraft mods.

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Migrating from Forge to NeoForge

Moving a Forge server to NeoForge is fairly simple, as long as you check a few points.

Check mod compatibility

Before migrating, list your mods and check on CurseForge or Modrinth that a NeoForge build exists for each. Most recent Forge mods already have a NeoForge port, but some older or niche mods do not.

Start with the core mods of the pack, such as the big content mods (Create, Mekanism and so on) and the compatibility mods (JEI, FTB Library). Cosmetic or secondary mods can be replaced with alternatives.

Migration steps

1. Back everything up. In Backups, click Create backup to keep the world, configurations and mods.

2. Install NeoForge. In the Version Manager, switch the software from Forge to NeoForge, for the same Minecraft version. On a dedicated server, reinstall with the NeoForge installer.

3. Replace the mods. Download the NeoForge build of each mod and replace the .jar files in /mods. Do not mix Forge and NeoForge mods, keep NeoForge builds only.

4. Test. Start the server and watch for errors in Console.

Forge worlds work on NeoForge. Your builds, inventories and progress are kept.

If a mod is not compatible

If an important mod has no NeoForge build, you have three options.

• Look for an equivalent. Most well-known mods have one on NeoForge.

• Wait. Authors are actively porting their mods, and a build may arrive within weeks.

• Stay on Forge. If your pack relies on Forge-only mods, there is no rush. Forge still works very well on 1.20.1 and earlier.

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Need help?

Open a ticket from Tickets › Open a Ticket, or from the Contact support tile at the bottom of your server's page in the client area. You can also ask your question on the OuiHeberg Discord.

Open a ticketDiscord