Basalt Launcher vs Spectra Launcher
Basalt Launcher
github.comSpectra Launcher
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Basalt Launcher | Spectra Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Minecraft Launchers | 8.6 (#11) | 8.6 (#10) |
| Built-in modpack catalog | Yes | Yes |
| Java runtime management | Yes | Yes |
| Mod loader support | multiple | multiple |
| Modpack import | catalog | both |
| Purpose | Basalt is an open-source Minecraft launcher with an artwork-led interface and tools for managing instances, loaders, content, accounts, and launch settings. | Spectra Launcher is a free desktop program for starting Minecraft and managing multiple installations. |
| Separate instances | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The project directs users to GitHub Issues for reproducible bug reports and feature proposals, and asks them to include logs, operating system, Minecraft version, and loader when relevant. | The README directs users to the Help and troubleshooting section and says crash reports can be shared with one click for help. |
Plans
In their own words
Basalt Launcher
Basalt Launcher is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher written in Rust for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It keeps saves, mods, resource packs, shaders, settings, and launch options separate for each instance. Users can install and switch among Fabric, Quilt, NeoForge, and Forge, browse Modrinth and CurseForge with compatibility filtering, dependency resolution, changelogs, and update checks, and create an instance from a Modrinth modpack. Multiple Microsoft accounts are supported with device-code sign-in and silent token refresh. Skin and cape tools allow importing, previewing, saving, and applying cosmetics. Basalt can locate compatible Java runtimes and set global or per-instance overrides. Downloads and installs can be monitored, cancelled, or recovered after interruption. Separate launcher and game logs, adjustable log levels, and launch-argument previews aid diagnosis. Installers are provided for the three desktop systems, though testing coverage varies by platform during beta. Basalt is not an official Mojang or Microsoft product.
Spectra Launcher
Spectra Launcher is a free desktop launcher for starting Minecraft and keeping multiple installations separate. Each instance has its own Minecraft version, mods and worlds, and supports Vanilla, Fabric, Quilt, Forge and NeoForge. The launcher can browse and install mods, shaders, resource packs and modpacks from Modrinth and CurseForge, including their required dependencies. Players can sign in with Microsoft/Xbox or offline accounts; Spectra finds and installs the required Java version automatically. It also imports instances from Prism, CurseForge and the Modrinth app, and exports them as .mrpack or .zip files. Shared views collect worlds and screenshots, alongside 3D skin previews, saved skins and cape switching. Other tools include Quick Play for Minecraft 1.20+, server status with player counts and ping, live logs, crash-report sharing, optional Discord status and playtime tracking. Downloads are listed for Windows, macOS and Linux. Spectra says accounts, settings and instances stay on the user's computer, and Microsoft/Xbox passwords are not seen by the launcher.