NeoForge vs Forge
What is the difference between NeoForge and Forge?
What are NeoForge and Forge?
Forge and NeoForge are two mod loaders for Minecraft Java Edition. They let you install mods that add content to the game: new blocks, mobs, dimensions, gameplay mechanics, and more.
Forge has existed since 2011 and was long the must-have standard for Minecraft modding. NeoForge was created in 2023 from a Forge fork by part of the original dev team. Since then, both projects have evolved separately with different philosophies.
For a practical installation guide for classic Forge, follow Forge Minecraft. Fabric is another mod loader, independent from both Forge and NeoForge: Fabric Minecraft.
Why did the fork happen?
In 2023, internal tensions in the Forge team led to a split. A large part of the core developers, including Cpw (one of the historical contributors), left Forge to create NeoForge with the goal of modernizing the project.
Main criticism toward Forge was aging code, controversial technical decisions, a rigid contribution process, and slow modernization. NeoForge started with the ambition to clean up the API, improve performance, and make life easier for mod developers.
A fork, not a zero-from-scratch competitor
NeoForge vs Forge: full comparison
By 2026, both projects have had enough time to diverge significantly. Here is where things stand now.
| Criteria | NeoForge | Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Forge fork (2023), created by part of the historical team | Original project (2011), maintained by LexManos |
| Supported Minecraft versions | 1.20.2+ (no support for older versions) | 1.1 to 1.21+ (full historical support) |
| API | Modernized and cleaned, with intentional breaking changes | Historical API, backward compatibility first |
| Performance | Improved, faster load times, better memory management | Decent but older codebase and less optimized |
| Modder adoption | Strong growth, most new mods in 2025-2026 | Declining on new versions, but huge legacy catalog |
| Mod compatibility | NeoForge mods + easy porting from recent Forge | Forge-only mods, very broad catalog on older versions |
| Updates | Fast, frequent release cycle | Slower, more conservative release process |
| Community | Active, very dynamic Discord, docs improving | Historical community, Forge forums, lower momentum |
| Best for | New servers, modern modpacks (1.20.2+) | Legacy modpacks (1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2), historical compatibility |
The situation evolves quickly. In 2026, most active modders publish on NeoForge first for recent Minecraft versions.
Warning
How to choose between NeoForge and Forge
Your choice mainly depends on the Minecraft version you target and the mods you want.
Identify your target Minecraft version
Check mod availability
Follow your modpack platform
For new projects, prefer NeoForge
Install the mod loader
java -jar neoforge-installer.jar --installServerIf you are unsure whether you need a mod server or a plugin server (Paper), the Minecraft mods vs plugins guide helps you decide before installing any loader.
Key points to remember
The Minecraft modding landscape changed since the 2023 fork. Here is what you should keep in mind.
What matters in 2026
- •NeoForge is Forge's spiritual successor, maintained by much of the former core team
- •Forge remains essential for older versions (1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2)
- •On 1.20.2+, NeoForge has the edge in adoption and performance
- •Recent NeoForge and Forge mods are no longer cross-compatible
- •Major modpacks are gradually migrating to NeoForge on new versions
- •Fabric remains a third option, lighter, with its own ecosystem
Which host for a NeoForge or Forge server?
A modded server (NeoForge or Forge) is always heavier than a Paper server. Pick a host with enough RAM and a strong CPU to handle mod loading. For RAM ranges, see how much RAM for a Minecraft server.
Light modded server (1-10 players)
RAM: 4-6 Go
Players: 1 to 10 players
Price: ~6-10€/month
✓ Ideal for: For a small modpack (~30-50 mods) with friends. Create, Botania, Biomes O'Plenty.
Medium modded server (5-20 players)
RAM: 6-10 Go
Players: 5 to 20 players
Price: ~10-18€/month
✓ Ideal for: For full modpacks (100-150 mods) like Better Minecraft or Enigmatica.
Heavy modded server (10-30+ players)
RAM: 10-16 Go
Players: 10 to 30+ players
Price: ~18-30€/month
✓ Ideal for: For large modpacks (All The Mods 10, FTB) with an active community.
NeoForge or Forge: which one should you choose?
For a new server on a recent version (1.20.2+), NeoForge is the recommended choice. The ecosystem is more active, performance is better, and most modders publish there first.
For an older-version server (1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2), there is no real choice: use Forge. And that is fine, Forge on these versions is mature, stable, and packed with mods.
In short