Minecraft Java mods are built for one mod loader (Fabric, Forge or NeoForge) and one exact game version. The easiest way to manage them is a launcher with profiles, like the Modrinth App or Prism Launcher, which download mods and their requirements for you. Our Essential list uses Fabric.
Steps
- Check the version. Look at ModSafe's Minecraft page: if the newest release just came out, your favourite mods may not have ported yet. You can pick an older game version in the launcher.
- Install a launcher. Download the Modrinth App or Prism Launcher from the official sites and sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Create a profile. Choose Fabric as the loader and the Minecraft version you want. The launcher installs Fabric Loader for you.
- Add Fabric API first. Almost every Fabric mod requires it.
- Add performance mods. Sodium, Lithium, FerriteCore and Entity Culling, then Iris if you want shaders.
- Add the rest. Mod Menu, the maps and interface mods. Use the launcher's search so you get the build for your version.
- Launch and test. Make a new test world before loading your main save.
Common pitfalls
- Mixing loaders. A Forge mod won't load on Fabric and vice versa. Check the loader tag on Modrinth.
- Wrong game version. Each mod file targets specific versions. The launcher filters for you; manual downloads don't.
- Missing dependencies. The game's crash screen lists what's missing. Install it and try again.
- Download sites. Only use Modrinth, CurseForge or the author's own site. Reupload sites often bundle malware.
- Shaders without Iris. Shader packs need Iris (Fabric) or another shader loader.
Rolling back
- Disable a mod in the launcher (or remove its .jar from the profile's mods folder).
- To go back to an older game version, create a profile with that version. Your worlds are copied, not converted, if you use separate profiles.
- Back up your world folder before opening it on a newer version. Worlds upgraded to a newer version can't safely go back.