Refract vs Thendrask Launcher

Refract is a free launcher for organizing Minecraft modpacks on Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports modpacks from Modrinth, CurseForge, and FTB, with a built-in catalog for finding compatible content. Multiple mod loaders are supported, and modpack import is available through both listed methods. Each pack runs in a separate instance, with its mods, resource packs, worlds, settings, and launch options kept apart. The launcher can install dependencies, update individual mods in place, manage Java runtimes, and apply automatic updates; worlds are preserved during updates. Existing libraries can be imported without mixing files or damaging saves. Users can choose themes, accent colors, sidebar layouts, Java versions, memory limits, and launch behavior. Refract is licensed under GNU GPL v3.0, and its application and website are developed in public. The project uses Tauri and Rust for its native shell. Discord supports player help and project discussions, while GitHub is used for bug reports, change proposals, and code contributions.

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.