Quick Answer: NeoForge is the future of Minecraft 1.21+ modding. It emerged from a split where almost the entire Forge development team left to build a cleaner, faster platform. Choose NeoForge for new 1.21+ projects - better performance, more active development, and all major modpacks are migrating to it. Only old modpacks (<1.20.4) still use Legacy Forge.
The Great Split: What Happened?
Historical Context
For 2023:
- Minecraft Forge = the standard for modding since 2011
- Almost all mods used Forge
- Development became slower and more bureaucratic
December 2023: The Split
- LexManos (Forge creator) and the core team had an argument over project direction
- Almost the entire development team left Forge
- They started NeoForge ("Neo" = new) as a fork
- Forge continued to exist with minimal team
January-March 2024:
- Major mods are migrating en masse to NeoForge
- CurseForge and Modrinth add NeoForge support
- Switching FTB and ATM modpacks to NeoForge
2026 Status:
- NeoForge = actively developed, modern, fast
- Forge = legacy support, minimal updates
Technical Comparison
Performance Benchmarks
Test setup: ATM9 modpack (250 mods), 10 players, 6GB RAM
| Metric | Legacy Forge 1.20.1 | NeoForge 1.21.1 | Difference | |--------|---------------------|-----------------|----------| | Server Start Time | 8m 30s | 5m 45s | -32% ⚡ | | RAM Usage (idle) | 4.2GB | 3.4GB | -19% | | TPS (10 players) | 17-18 | 19-20 | +10% | | Chunk Gen Time | 450ms/chunk | 320ms/chunk | -29% | | Mod Loading | Sequential | Parallel | Faster |
Conclusion: NeoForge is measurably faster due to code cleanup and modern Java features.
Code Quality
| Aspect | LegacyForge | NeoForge | |--------|--------------|----------| | Codebase age | 13+ years (lots of legacy) | 2 years (modern) | | Java version | Min. Java 17 | Java 21+ (latest) | | Tech debt | High (backwards compat) | Low (clean slate) | | API design | Inconsistent | Cleaned | | Documentation | Outdated | Actively updated |
Mod Compatibility 2026
Which Mods Support What?
Top 50 Mods (February 2026):
| Category | Forge Only | NeoForge Only | Both | Fabric | |-----------|------------|---------------|-------|-------| | Tech Mods | 2% | 45% | 48% | 5% | | Magic Mods | 5% | 40% | 50% | 5% | | World Gen | 1% | 35% | 60% | 4% | | QoL Mods | 3% | 30% | 55% | 12% |
Conclusion: 93% of popular mods work on NeoForge. Almost all new mods only target NeoForge.
Major Modpacks Status
| Modpack | Version | Modloader | Status | |--------|--------|-----------|--------| | All the Mods 9 | 1.20.1 | Forge | Legacy | | All the Mods 10 | 1.21+ | NeoForge | Active ✅ | | FTB Inferno | 1.20.1 | Forge | Legacy | | FTB NeoTech | 1.21+ | NeoForge | Active ✅ | | Enigmatics 9 | 1.20.1 | Forge | Legacy | | Enigmatics 10 | 1.21+ | NeoForge | In dev | | RLCraft | 1.12.2 | Forge | No update plan | | Better Minecraft | 1.20.1 | Forge/Fabric | Both |
Trend: All modern Kitchen Sink packs are NeoForge.
When Forge vs When NeoForge?
Choose Legacy Forge If:
✅ You are playing an existing 1.20.1 or older modpack
✅ The specific mod you want only exists for old Forge
✅ Your server is running RLCraft / other 1.12.2 packs
Example scenario: "I want to run RLCraft 2.9" → Forge 1.12.2 (no alternative)
Choose NeoForge If:
✅ You start a new server on 1.21+
✅ You want the best performance
✅ You follow the modding community (new mods)
✅ You want to be future-proof
✅ You play ATM10, FTB NeoTech, or other new packs
Example scenario: "I want to make a custom tech modpack for 1.21" → NeoForge
Choose Fabric As:
✅ You want Vanilla+ (minor tweaks, no major mods)
✅ Performance is #1 priority (lighter than Forge/Neo)
✅ You play on latest snapshots (Fabric update fastest)
Example scenario:
"I just want Lithium, Sodium, and some QoL mods" → Fabric
Installation Guide: NeoForge Server
Step 1: Download NeoForge Installer
# SSH to your VPS
ssh root@je-vps-ip
# Create server directory
mkdir -p /opt/minecraft-neoforge
cd /opt/minecraft-neoforge
# Download NeoForge installer (check neoforged.net for latest version)
wget https://maven.neoforged.net/releases/net/neoforged/neoforge/21.1.7/neoforge-21.1.7-installer.jar
Step 2: Run Installer
# Install NeoForge (creates server libraries)
java -jar neoforge-21.1.7-installer.jar --installServer
# Accept EULA
echo "eula=true" > eula.txt
What happens:
- Installer download Minecraft 1.21.1 server jar
- Installs NeoForge libraries
- Creates
run.shandrun.batscripts
Step 3: First Start
# Unix/Linux:
bash run.sh
# Or with custom RAM:
java -Xms4G -Xmx6G @user_jvm_args.txt @libraries/net/neoforged/neoforge/21.1.7/unix_args.txt nogui
Important: Use the @user_jvm_args.txt and @unix_args.txt files that NeoForge generates. These contain optimized flags specifically for modded Minecraft.
Step 4: Add Mods
# Mods go into /mods directory
mkdir -p mods
cd mods
# Download mods from CurseForge or Modrinth
# Note: choose NeoForge version!
# Example: JEI (Just Enough Items)
wget https://mediafilez.forgecdn.net/files/5678/123/jei-neoforge-1.21-16.0.0.28.jar
⚠️ Version Check:
- Minecraft version must match (1.21.1)
- Mod must have "NeoForge" tagging (not "Forge" only)
Step 5: Performance Optimization
Recommended Mods for Server Performance:
| Mod | Function | Essential? | |-----|---------|-------------| | FerriteCore | RAM reduction (-40%) | ✅ Yes | | ModernFix | Startup & runtime optimization | ✅ Yes | | Canary | Lithium port for NeoForge | ✅ Yes | | Chunky | Pre-generate world | Recommended | | Spark | Performance profiler | Debug tool |
Download links:
cd /opt/minecraft-neoforge/mods
# FerriteCore
wget https://cdn.modrinth.com/data/uXXizFIs/versions/neoforge-1.21/ferritecore-7.0.0-neoforge.jar
#ModernFix
wget https://cdn.modrinth.com/data/nmDcB62a/versions/neoforge-1.21/modernfix-5.19.1+mc1.21.jar
# Canary
wget https://cdn.modrinth.com/data/fQEb0iXm/versions/neoforge-1.21/canary-0.3.3+1.21.jar
Migration: Forge → NeoForge
Scenario: You are running ATM9 (Forge 1.20.1) and want to switch to ATM10 (NeoForge 1.21)
⚠️ Important: Worlds are not directly compatible between versions. Migration requires new world of backup.
Option A: New World (Recommended)
Step 1: Backup Old Server
# Stop old server
screen -r minecraft
stop
# Wait until completely stopped
# Backup everything
cd /opt
tar -czf minecraft-forge-backup-$(date +%F).tar.gz minecraft-server/
Step 2: Install NeoForge (see above)
Step 3: Transfer Configuration
Some configs can be reused:
# Copy server.properties (basic settings)
cp /opt/minecraft-server/server.properties /opt/minecraft-neoforge/
# Copy whitelist/ops (player data)
cp /opt/minecraft-server/whitelist.json /opt/minecraft-neoforge/
cp /opt/minecraft-server/ops.json /opt/minecraft-neoforge/
Mod configs: Must be done manually per mod. Many mods rename configs between versions.
Option B: Global Migration (Experimental)
⚠️ Risk: Block/item IDs may have been changed = corruption.
Tools:
- StructureSaver mod: Export important builds as schematic
- MCEdit Unified: Manually convert chunks (complex)
Safer approach:
- Use StructureSaver to save important builds
- Start a new world on NeoForge
- Import builds with Schematica/Litematica
Common Problems
Problem: "Mod
Symptom:
[ERROR] Mod modid has a dependency on forge version [1.20.1,)
Cause: Mod is still Forge-only, not updated to NeoForge.
Solution:
- Check mod page on CurseForge/Modrinth → Filter "NeoForge"
- If no NeoForge version exists:
- Find alternative mod with same function
- Ask mod author in comments
- For popular mods: fork often available
Example:
- Forge-only mod: "TechMod v1.0"
- NeoForge alternative: Search "Tech" on Modrinth, filter NeoForge
Problem: Server crash at startup with NeoForge
Symptom:
[FATAL] Failed to load NeoForge
Caused by: java.lang.ClassNotFoundException: net.neoforged.neoforge.common.NeoForge
Cause: Wrong installer used, or old libraries.
Solution:
# Remove old libraries
rm -rf libraries/
# Download fresh installer
wget https://maven.neoforged.net/releases/net/neoforged/neoforge/21.1.7/neoforge-21.1.7-installer.jar
# Reinstall
java -jar neoforge-21.1.7-installer.jar --installServer
Issue: Mod conflicts between Forge/NeoForge versions
Symptom:
[ERROR] Mod dependency incompatibility: requires forge 1.20.1, found neoforge 21.1.7
Cause: Mixture of Forge and NeoForge mods in /mods folder.
Diagnosis:
cd /opt/minecraft-neoforge/mods
# Check each jar for loader type
unzip -p mod.jar META-INF/mods.toml | grep "loaderVersion"
Solution: Uninstall all Forge mods, download NeoForge versions.
Fabric vs NeoForge: When Which?
It is often asked: "Why not just Fabric?"
Fabric Advantages:
✅ Lighter: Less overhead, better vanilla performance
✅ Faster updates: Often within hours of Mojang release
✅ Easier API: Simpler for novice modders
✅ Sodium/Lithium: Best performance mods are Fabric-only
NeoForge Benefits:
✅ More mods: 10x more content mods than Fabric
✅ Kitchen sink packs: Large modpacks (ATM, FTB) are NeoForge
✅ Complex mods: Tech/magic mods use Forge API
✅ Mature ecosystem: 13 years of development, stable APIs
Practical Advice:
Server type → Modloader:
| TypeServer | Best Choice | |-------------|-------------| | Vanilla+ (QoL only) | Fabric | | Tech pack (Mekanism, Create) | NeoForge | | Magic pack (Ars Nouveau, Botania) | NeoForge | | Kitchen sink (200+ mods) | NeoForge | | Ultra performance focus | Fabric (Paper + Fabric plugins) | | Latest snapshots | Fabric | | 1.21+ Modded | NeoForge |
Performance Tips for NeoForge Servers
JVM Arguments
NeoForge generates user_jvm_args.txt, but you can optimize:
For 6GB Server:
# In user_jvm_args.txt
-Xms6G
-Xmx6G
-XX:+UseG1GC
-XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled
-XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200
-XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions
-XX:+DisableExplicitGC
-XX:G1HeapRegionSize=32M
-XX:G1NewSizePercent=20
-XX:G1ReservePercent=20
-XX:MaxTenuringThreshold=1
-XX:G1HeapWastePercent=5
-XX:G1MixedGCCountTarget=4
-XX:InitiatingHeapOccupancyPercent=15
-XX:G1MixedGCLiveThresholdPercent=90
-XX:SurvivorRatio=32
-Dfml.readTimeout=180
-Dfml.loginTimeout=180
For 10GB+ Server (ZGC):
-Xms10G
-Xmx10G
-XX:+UseZGC
-XX:+ZGenerational
-XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions
-XX:+DisableExplicitGC
-Dfml.readTimeout=180
Server.properties Tweaks
# Modded servers need higher limits
max-tick-time=180000
# Network optimization
network-compression-threshold=512
# View distance (modded chunks are heavier)
view-distance=8
simulation-distance=6
World Generation Pre-chunking
Modded world gen is extremely slow. Pre-generate with Chunky:
/chunky world minecraft:overworld
/chunky radius 5000
/chunkystart
This pregenerates a 10,000x10,000 block area. Lasts 2-6 hours, but prevents lag during gameplay.
Future Perspective: 2026 and Beyond
Forge Legacy Support
LexManos has indicated that it will continue to support Forge for old versions, but new features will only come to NeoForge.
Forecast:
- Forge persists for 1.20.1 and lower (legacy)
- No active development on new Minecraft versions
- Community focus shifts completely to NeoForge
NeoForge Roadmap
Announced features:
- Faster mod loading: Parallel loading of mod assets
- Better mod compatibility layers: Easier porting Fabric mods
- Built-in performance tools: Spark-like profiling standard
- Minecraft 1.22 support: Immediately upon release (Fabric speed)
Mud Perspective
Mod developers choose NeoForge because:
- Active core team (bug fixes within days)
- Modern code (Java 21 features)
- Better documentation (NeoForged wiki is actively maintained)
- Greater community engagement
Decision Matrix: Your Situation
| I want... | Choose... | Why | |-----------|---------|--------| | Starting a server in 2026 on 1.21+ | NeoForge | Future-proof, best support | | Running ATM9 (1.20.1) | Forge | Pack is Forge, works fine | | Create your own modpack with 100+ mods | NeoForge | Better performance, more mod choice | | Vanilla+ with 10 QoL mods | Fabric | Lighter, faster | | RLCraft / running old pack | Forge | No NeoForge version available | | Experiment with snapshots | Fabric | Fastest updates | | Professional server with SLA | NeoForge | Most stable for modded |
Conclusion: NeoForge is the Winner for 2026
Summary:
✅ NeoForge = Future of Minecraft modding (1.21+)
✅ Forge = Legacy support for old packs (<1.20.4)
✅ Fabric = Lightweight alternative to Vanilla+
For new projects: Start immediately with NeoForge. Better performance, more active development, and the entire modding community is switching. For existing servers: Stay with your current loader until you upgrade to the new Minecraft version of course, then switch to NeoForge.
Ready to start a NeoForge server? Space-Node Minecraft Hosting supports NeoForge out-of-the-box, with pre-configured modpack installers (ATM10, FTB NeoTech) and NVMe storage for fast chunk loading. From €15/month with automatic backups.
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