Basalt Launcher vs Thendrask Launcher
Basalt Launcher
github.comThendrask Launcher
thendrask.orgSide by side
| Figure | Basalt Launcher | Thendrask Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $3/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Minecraft Launchers | 8.6 (#11) | 9.2 (#2) |
| Built-in modpack catalog | Yes | Yes |
| Java runtime management | Yes | Yes |
| Mod loader support | multiple | multiple |
| Modpack import | catalog | both |
| Separate instances | Yes | Yes |
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.
Thendrask Launcher
Thendrask Launcher is a free, open-source desktop launcher for Minecraft modpacks. Users can browse approved Modrinth and CurseForge catalogues or import MRPACK and CurseForge ZIP files. It supports separate instances and custom packs using Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt, with dependencies installed automatically. Java runtimes are downloaded for each Minecraft release, and users can set custom Java paths. The launcher verifies required files, snapshots packs before updates, and rolls back failed updates automatically. It also supports portable backups, broken-file verification, and sanitized diagnostic bundles. Users can add friends by code to see who is online and what they are playing. Windows is available, while macOS and Linux are in public beta. The launcher is built with Electron and React and starts the official game without modifying Minecraft; it is not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft. Modrinth and approved CurseForge are its only public provider modules. Download and use cost nothing under the MIT license; optional support tiers are $3 a month and 50.00 USD once for lifetime support.