Shard Launcher

Spec sheet

Purpose

Shard is a content-addressed Minecraft launcher focused on reproducibility and reducing duplicate files.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Security

The account guide says access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Privacy

The maker says Shard has no telemetry and does not require a launcher account.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Support

The FAQ directs users with unanswered questions to open an issue on GitHub.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Maker

The homepage credits Thomas Marchand.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Account support

Shard uses Microsoft OAuth for Minecraft authentication and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts.Read 11 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Accounts

Shard uses Microsoft OAuth and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

CLI

Shard provides a command-line tool designed for scripting and automation, sharing its data directory with the desktop app.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Deduplicated storage

Mods, resource packs, and shader packs are stored by SHA-256 hash and shared across profiles.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Download verification

Each release includes a SHA-256 checksums file for verifying downloads.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Downloads

The download guide lists desktop app installers for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux.Read 11 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Game requirements

Playing requires Java 17 or later and a Microsoft account for Minecraft authentication.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Java requirement

Minecraft requires Java 17 or later, and Shard can help install it.Read 11 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Loaders

Shard supports Fabric, Forge, Quilt, and NeoForge loaders.Read 11 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Local data

Profiles, game data, content, and account tokens are stored locally in ~/.shard/.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Mod integrations

Shard lets users browse and install mods from Modrinth and CurseForge and handles compatibility and dependencies.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Mod loader support

multipleRead 22 Sep 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Modpack import

fileRead 22 Sep 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Open source and telemetry

The maker’s homepage describes Shard as open source, says it has no telemetry, and says no launcher account is required.Read 11 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Profiles

Users can create multiple Minecraft profiles as JSON manifests that can be versioned and shared.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Separate instances

YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Supported operating systems

The FAQ says Shard is currently available for macOS and that Windows and Linux support is planned for future releases.Read 11 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Supported systems

The installation guide provides desktop and CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux.Read 12 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Token storage

Account access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed.Read 11 Oct 2026 · shard.thomas.md

Plans and prices

Every Shard Launcher plan and price →

Where Specifiction places it

• Minecraft Launchers#9 of 758.7