PolyMC vs Shard Launcher
PolyMC
polymc.orgShard Launcher
shard.thomas.mdSide by side
| Figure | PolyMC | Shard Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Minecraft Launchers | 8.4 (#17) | 8.7 (#9) |
| Mod loader support | multiple | multiple |
| Modpack import | both | file |
| Separate instances | Yes | Yes |
| Support | The project directs users to create an issue or ask in its Discord server for help. | The FAQ directs users with unanswered questions to open an issue on GitHub. |
Plans
In their own words
PolyMC
PolyMC is a free, open-source Minecraft launcher for Linux, macOS, and Windows. It manages multiple accounts, mods, and separate instances, with each instance keeping its own folder for mods, resource packs, settings, and other files. The launcher supports Forge, Fabric, LiteLoader, and Quilt, plus modpack installation from CurseForge, Technic, FTB, FTB Legacy, and Modrinth. Individual mods can be installed from CurseForge and Modrinth for the selected loader and game version. PolyMC also manages worlds, resource packs, shader packs, and Java runtimes, and provides logs plus a way to stop Minecraft after crashes or freezes. Users can customize the instance window and theme. The project says its Qt-based launcher remains light on system resources. PolyMC is licensed under GPL-3, while its logo and related assets use CC BY-SA 4.0. The current macOS build supports Apple Silicon; Intel users need the legacy universal build.
Shard Launcher
Shard Launcher has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.