What is NeoForge?
NeoForge is a 2023 fork of Forge created by several long-term Forge developers. It maintains compatibility with the Forge mod ecosystem while updating the API and pushing out new releases faster than the original Forge project.
Why NeoForge exists
In mid-2023, several core Forge developers split off to create NeoForge after disagreements with Forge's leadership. NeoForge isn't a "lightweight" or "experimental" fork — it has serious engineering behind it and is now the preferred platform for many mod authors on newer Minecraft versions.
NeoForge advantages
- Faster updates — usually first to support new Minecraft versions
- Cleaner API — modernizes parts of the Forge API that had accumulated cruft
- Active development — frequent releases with improvements
- Strong mod support — most major mods now release for NeoForge
Mod compatibility
For Minecraft 1.20.2 and later:
- Most newer Forge mods also have NeoForge versions
- Old Forge-only mods may not work on NeoForge without an update
- NeoForge-only mods don't work on Forge
For Minecraft 1.20.1 and earlier, you should use Forge — NeoForge primarily targets newer versions.
NeoForge modpacks
- All the Mods 10 — Native NeoForge build of the popular kitchen-sink pack
- Prominence II — RPG modpack with NeoForge support
- Better Minecraft (newer versions) — Has NeoForge builds for 1.20.4+
Should you pick NeoForge or Forge?
Pick based on what your mods/modpack support. See our Forge vs NeoForge comparison.