Minecraft Forge (1.19.4, 1.18.2)— Modding API and Library

Minecraft Forge is not actually a mod by itself, but rather a modding API that supports a huge variety of mods while dealing with mod and vanilla compatibility issues. This API makes it easier for various mods to work together while ensuring a stable gameplay. Minecraft Forge is as old as Minecraft modding and has evolved alongside vanilla Minecraft in many ways.

Basically, Minecraft Forge adds game support to other Minecraft Mods. With Forge installed, you can install mods that provide new weapons, and NPCs, alter existing mobs, add new mobs, and so much more. The duty of forge is to compile and make sure that each of the mods you installed has no conflict and is compatible with each other. In the case that you have two or more conflicting mods, then Forge will warn you of such a scenario and give you some options on how to proceed.

By itself, Minecraft Forge API does not do anything except add a “MOD” button at the game’s title screen. It also displays how many mods (if any) are installed and other useful information.

Installation

Minecraft Forge is very easy to install. All you need to do is follow the steps below:

1. Make sure that you have run Minecraft one time before starting to install Forge API.
2. Go to https://files.minecraftforge.net/
3. Choose the version you want to install and download the “Installer”
4. Run the Installer as an Administrator.

After the steps above, a new Minecraft profile will appear in the drop-down list of your Minecraft. Just click on it, hit play, and enjoy. The initial start-up of your Minecraft Forge will take a little while as it will try to download and process the files needed for a smooth start.

How to Install Other Mods with Forge

Although not every mod follows the same installation process, most Minecraft mods use the standard installation procedure of Forge. For your standard mods, all you need to do is download the mods .zip or .jar file, and put it in the mods folder in your Minecraft directory. It’s that simple!

For more complicated mods, the installation may differ depending on the mod. It is best to consult the mod’s installation procedure for such mods instead.

If you get the hang of mod installation and keeping everything compatible while still having a decent FPS, then you’ll end up with dozens of mods at once. We also recommend installing Optifine HD on top of Minecraft Forge to make use of the added FPS boost and make Minecraft even more beautiful.

Should You Install It?

Around 90% of Minecraft’s existing mods also use MC Forge as their platform, so unless you want to play an un-modded vanilla Minecraft, then you better install forge before trying out other fancy mods.

Installing Minecraft Forge is easy and hassle-free, and it simplifies the installation of other mods by a hundred-fold! If you plan on modding the heck out of your Minecraft game, or if there’s a fancy game-changing mod you want to use, then Minecraft Forge is an essential modding API that you can’t play without.