NeoForge vs Forge: Should You Switch?

NeoForge is a fork of Forge, but in 2026 it's increasingly the platform mod authors prefer for newer Minecraft versions. Here's whether you should switch and what to expect.

Quick recommendation

• For Minecraft 1.20.1 and older → stick with Forge
• For Minecraft 1.20.2 through 1.20.6 → check what your mods support
• For Minecraft 1.21+ → NeoForge is increasingly the default

Why switch from Forge to NeoForge?

• Faster Minecraft version support — NeoForge usually hits new versions sooner
• Modern API — many old Forge wrinkles have been cleaned up
• Active development — frequent releases with improvements
• Mod authors are migrating — most popular mods now have NeoForge versions for newer Minecraft

Why stay on Forge?

• Older mods — many legacy mods only have Forge builds, not NeoForge
• 1.20.1 and earlier — Forge has better support for these versions
• Specific modpacks — RLCraft, ATM9, classic FTB packs are Forge-only
• Habit and familiarity — if Forge works for you, switching adds friction

Migration: how to switch

You can't directly upgrade a Forge server to NeoForge — they're separate installations. To switch:

1. Create a new NeoForge server on FreeMCServers.org
2. Choose the Minecraft version you want
3. Install NeoForge-compatible versions of your mods
4. Copy your world from the Forge server's world folder to the NeoForge server
5. Make sure all players install NeoForge clients with the matching mod set

Worlds usually transfer cleanly between Forge and NeoForge if the same mods are installed. Test in a copy first.

Will Forge die?

Probably not anytime soon. Forge still has a massive existing mod library and active users. But for new Minecraft versions, NeoForge is increasingly the default. Both will likely coexist for years.

What about Fabric?

Fabric is a different platform entirely with its own mod ecosystem. See Fabric vs Forge for that comparison.

Can I run both?

Yes. On FreeMCServers.org you can have a NeoForge server and a Forge server side by side as separate instances. Useful if you want to test mods on both platforms.