Forge vs NeoForge: Which to Choose in 2026?
NeoForge is a 2023 fork of Forge created by some of the original Forge maintainers. In 2026, both projects coexist and the choice between them matters for some mods. Here's what you need to know.
Quick verdict
- For Minecraft 1.20.1 and earlier → use Forge
- For Minecraft 1.20.2 and later → check what your modpack/mods support
- For brand-new content (1.21+) → NeoForge often updates faster
Why NeoForge exists
NeoForge was forked from Forge in mid-2023 after a leadership disagreement in the Forge project. The NeoForge team includes several long-term Forge developers, so it's not a "lightweight" fork — it's a full continuation with most of Forge's expertise.
Mod compatibility
This is the key practical difference:
- Forge mods work on Forge. Some also work on NeoForge unmodified, but not all.
- NeoForge mods typically only work on NeoForge.
- Mod authors are increasingly choosing one or the other for new releases.
Before picking, check whether the mods or modpack you want to run support your chosen platform.
Version support
NeoForge has been faster to support new Minecraft versions since 1.20.2. Forge eventually catches up but can lag by weeks. If you want to play the latest Minecraft snapshot with mods, NeoForge is usually first.
Modpack ecosystem
As of 2026, most major modpacks (ATM, FTB, RLCraft) are still Forge-based for older Minecraft versions and have NeoForge versions for newer Minecraft versions. The transition is gradual.
Performance
Both have similar performance characteristics. Neither is meaningfully faster than the other.
API differences
NeoForge has been making changes to the modding API to fix long-standing pain points. This is good long-term but means existing Forge mods need updates to work on NeoForge.
How to decide
- Pick the Minecraft version first — based on what you want to play.
- Then pick the modpack or mod list — see what platform it supports.
- Then pick Forge or NeoForge — to match.
Can I run both?
Yes — you can have one Forge server and one NeoForge server running side by side on FreeMCServers.org (subject to your account limits). Just create them as separate servers.
Long-term outlook
NeoForge looks likely to become the dominant modding platform for newer Minecraft versions, while Forge continues for legacy support. Both will likely coexist for years. Pick whichever your favorite mods support.