Our verdict: Prism Launcher is the best open-source way to run many Minecraft setups side by side, each with its own version, mods and settings. It installs mods and modpacks from Modrinth and CurseForge without ads. You still need a paid Minecraft Java Edition account.
About Prism Launcher
Prism Launcher is a community-developed fork of MultiMC. Every instance is an isolated Minecraft installation with its own game version, mod loader, mods, resource packs and worlds, so a heavy modpack never breaks your vanilla game. It signs in with your Microsoft account and launches the official game files.
Mods, resource packs, shaders and complete modpacks can be searched and installed from Modrinth and CurseForge directly in the app, and modpacks from FTB and Technic are supported too. The launcher can download the right Java version for each instance automatically. The code is under the GPL v3 and the app has no ads.
What it does well
- Separate instances. Each instance has its own Minecraft version, mods, settings and worlds.
- Mod and modpack browser. Installs mods, shaders and modpacks from Modrinth and CurseForge.
- Mod loaders. Sets up Forge, NeoForge, Fabric or Quilt for each instance.
- Java management. Downloads and selects the right Java runtime per instance.
- Microsoft account sign-in. Logs in with your Minecraft account and supports several accounts.
Who it is for
Good fit
Minecraft Java players who run several modded and vanilla setups and want full control without ads.
Look elsewhere
Bedrock Edition players, or people without a purchased Minecraft Java Edition account.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Fully isolated instances
- Modrinth and CurseForge built in
- Automatic Java downloads
- Open source with no ads
Cons
- Requires a purchased Minecraft Java Edition
- More settings than the official launcher
- Some CurseForge mods must be downloaded manually because authors block third-party apps
How to install Prism Launcher
The button downloads the 64-bit MSVC installer from Prism Launcher's official GitHub releases; portable and ARM64 builds are on the download page. On first start, choose a folder for instances, let Prism download Java automatically and sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft.
Questions about Prism Launcher
Is Prism Launcher free?
Yes. Prism Launcher is open source under the GPL v3 with no ads or paid tier. You still need to own Minecraft Java Edition.
Can Prism Launcher play Minecraft without buying it?
No. You must sign in with a Microsoft account that owns Minecraft Java Edition to play online and download the game normally.
Can Prism Launcher install CurseForge modpacks?
Yes. It can search and install CurseForge and Modrinth modpacks. If a mod author blocks third-party downloads, Prism asks you to download that file in your browser.
