ATLauncher: Modpack Launcher for Minecraft
ATLauncher is a free launcher built by the community, for the community. It’s been around since 2013 and does one thing incredibly well: makes modded Minecraft easy. No fiddling with configs. No manual jar installations. Just download a modpack or pick your mods, hit play, and go.
It works with Minecraft 1.21, 1.20.6, and pretty much every version back to ancient history. Hundreds of modpacks are hosted and ready to install. You can also build your own setup with Forge, Fabric, Quilt, or NeoForge. Everything stays organized in separate instances so you can run multiple Minecraft setups without them stepping on each other.
Why Use ATLauncher?
- 600+ Modpacks Ready to Go: Browse community-made packs like SkyFactory, RLCraft, All the Mods. Public, private, or code-protected. Install any of them instantly.
- CurseForge and Modrinth Built In: Browse mods directly in the launcher. Install, update, or remove them without opening a browser.
- Multiple Instances: Run 10 different Minecraft setups side by side. Each can have its own version, mods, and settings. Switch between them in seconds.
- Works Everywhere: Windows, Mac, Linux. Same features everywhere. Apple Silicon Macs get native support.
- Free and Open Source: No ads. No paywalls. Code is on GitHub if you want to check it out.
What ATLauncher Actually Does
Modpack Installation
This is what ATLauncher is known for. Pick a modpack from the list, click install, wait a minute, and you’re in a fully configured world with dozens of mods already set up. ATLauncher downloads everything needed, installs the right mod loader version, handles all the dependencies. You don’t touch a single file.
Some packs are public for everyone. Some need a code from the creator. Some are whitelist-only. All work the same way through the launcher.
Custom Mod Setup
Don’t want someone else’s modpack? Create a fresh instance with vanilla Minecraft or pick a specific version. Use the built-in mod browser to search CurseForge or Modrinth, install what you want. ATLauncher automatically grabs the right mod loader (Forge, Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge) and manages versions for you. Remove mods by unchecking them. No reinstalling. No cleanup.
Version Support
ATLauncher covers the full spectrum. All the way from old 1.7.10 packs to current 1.21 builds. Full support for:
- Forge (1.7.10 through latest)
- Fabric (all versions with API)
- Quilt
- NeoForge
- LegacyFabric (for older versions)
Instance Management
Each modpack or setup lives in its own instance. They’re completely separate. Change RAM for one without affecting the others. Update mods in one pack while leaving another untouched. Clone instances to experiment. Export them to share with friends. Each instance can even use a different Java version if needed.
Performance Tuning
ATLauncher includes basic performance tools. Allocate as much RAM as you want per instance. Add custom Java arguments if you know what you’re doing. Auto-detect Java or use the bundled version. Nothing fancy, but everything works.
Installation
Windows
Download the installer, run it, follow the wizard. Standard stuff. If Windows SmartScreen blocks it, click “More info” then “Run anyway.” The code is open source and audited by thousands of players.
Prefer portable? Download the portable version, run the exe from anywhere, and all your data stays in that folder. Good for USB drives.
macOS
Download the ZIP, extract it, drag ATLauncher to Applications. If macOS says it can’t open it, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and click “Open Anyway.” Done.
Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3/M4) run it natively with no translation layer needed.
Linux
Use the universal JAR and run java -jar ATLauncher.jar. Also available through package managers and the AUR if that’s easier for your distro.
System Requirements
Minimum
| Part | Minimum |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7+, macOS 10.14+, Linux |
| CPU | Intel Core 2 Duo or equivalent |
| RAM | 4 GB system (2 GB for Minecraft) |
| Storage | 500 MB launcher + space for instances |
| Java | Java 8+ (bundled option available) |
Recommended
| Part | Recommended |
|---|---|
| OS | Windows 10/11, macOS 12+, Ubuntu 22.04+ |
| CPU | Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 |
| RAM | 8 GB system (4-6 GB for modded MC) |
| Storage | SSD with 20+ GB free |
| GPU | Dedicated card for shaders |
| Java | Java 17 or 21 |
Big modpacks eat RAM. 8-10 GB isn’t unusual for the heavy ones. 64-bit OS is required to use more than 4 GB.
Getting Started
- Install ATLauncher
- Launch it and sign in with your Microsoft account
- Browse modpacks or create a new instance
- For modpacks: click the pack, hit install, wait for downloads
- For custom setups: pick your version, install mods, hit play
First-time setup takes maybe 10 minutes. After that, everything’s instant.