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Tech riderRev. 12 Oct 2026

Shard Launcher

Ch 426.9of 74Minecraft Launchers
  1. 1Runs onLinux, Mac, self-hosted, Windows
  2. 2CostsFree plan
  3. 3Separate instancesYes
  4. 4Modpack importfile
  5. 5Mod loader supportmultiple
5 lines stated Written from the maker's own pages: shard.thomas.md
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The Shard Launcher homepage

Overview

Shard Launcher is ranked #42 of 74 in Minecraft launchers on Specifiction. It runs on Linux, macOS, Self-hosted, Windows. There is a free plan.

Shard Launcher plans and pricing

All plans
Free Free Open source Minecraft launcher · no price stated shard.thomas.md · 12 Oct 2026

Compared on Minecraft launchers

Separate instances
Yesshard.thomas.md
Modpack import
fileshard.thomas.md
Mod loader support
multipleshard.thomas.md

Facts

Purpose
Shard is a Minecraft launcher focused on stability, reproducibility, and reducing duplicate files.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Profiles
Profiles are JSON manifests that can be versioned, shared, and used to manage different Minecraft versions, loaders, and content.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Deduplicated storage
Mods, resource packs, and shader packs are stored by SHA-256 hash so shared content is stored only once on disk.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Mod integrations
Users can browse and install mods from Modrinth and CurseForge, with version compatibility and dependencies handled automatically.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Loaders
Shard supports Fabric, Forge, Quilt, and NeoForge loaders.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
CLI
Shard includes a command-line tool for scripting and automation, and it shares its data directory with the desktop app.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Account support
Shard uses Microsoft OAuth for Minecraft authentication and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Local data
Shard stores profiles, Minecraft data, the content store, and account tokens locally in ~/.shard/.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Token storage
Account access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
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.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Supported operating systems
The FAQ says Shard is currently available for macOS and that Windows and Linux support is planned for future releases.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Java requirement
Minecraft requires Java 17 or later, and Shard can help install it.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Downloads
The download guide lists desktop app installers for macOS, Windows, and Linux, plus CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Download verification
Each release includes SHA-256 checksums in SHA256SUMS.txt for verifying downloads.shard.thomas.md · 11 Oct 2026
Accounts
Shard uses Microsoft OAuth and supports adding and switching between multiple Microsoft accounts.shard.thomas.md · 12 Oct 2026
Privacy
The maker says Shard has no telemetry and does not require a launcher account.shard.thomas.md · 12 Oct 2026
Security
The account guide says access and refresh tokens are stored in ~/.shard/accounts.json and refreshed automatically when needed.shard.thomas.md · 12 Oct 2026
Supported systems
The installation guide provides desktop and CLI downloads for macOS, Windows, and Linux.shard.thomas.md · 12 Oct 2026
Game requirements
Playing requires Java 17 or later and a Microsoft account for Minecraft authentication.shard.thomas.md · 12 Oct 2026
Support
The FAQ directs users with unanswered questions to open an issue on GitHub.shard.thomas.md · 12 Oct 2026
Maker
The homepage credits Thomas Marchand.shard.thomas.md · 12 Oct 2026

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Where it ranks on Specifiction

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