Quick Summary
| Feature | Fabric | Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Update speed | Very fast | Slower |
| Performance | Excellent | Good |
| Mod library | Growing | Largest |
| Learning curve | Moderate | Moderate |
| API stability | Evolving | Stable |
| Best for | New mods, performance | Large modpacks |
Bottom line: Use Fabric for performance and new mods. Use Forge for established modpacks and maximum mod selection.
What is Fabric?
Fabric is a lightweight, modern mod loader launched in 2018. It's designed to be fast, modular, and quick to update.
Download FabricFabric Strengths
- Rapid updates - Often available within days of new Minecraft versions
- Performance - Minimal overhead, works great with optimization mods
- Modern design - Built with current Java best practices
- Modular - Only loads what you need
- Active development - Constantly improving
Fabric Weaknesses
- Smaller mod library - Fewer mods than Forge (though growing fast)
- Newer ecosystem - Less documentation and tutorials
- Mod compatibility - Some classic mods only available on Forge
What is Forge?
Forge is the original Minecraft mod loader, started in 2011. It has the largest mod ecosystem and is the standard for modpacks.
Download ForgeForge Strengths
- Massive mod library - Thousands of mods available
- Modpack support - Industry standard for modpacks
- Stable API - Well-documented, mature ecosystem
- Community - Huge community and extensive documentation
- Mod compatibility - Many mods designed to work together
Forge Weaknesses
- Slower updates - Can take weeks or months for new Minecraft versions
- Heavier - More overhead than Fabric
- Performance - Generally slower than Fabric servers
- Complexity - More complex internal structure
Performance Comparison
Fabric generally offers better performance due to its lightweight design.
Benchmark Comparison (Approximate)
| Metric | Fabric | Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Startup time | Fast | Slower |
| Memory usage | Lower | Higher |
| TPS with 50 mods | 19.8+ | 19.5+ |
| Chunk loading | Faster | Standard |
Performance Mods
Fabric has excellent performance mods like Lithium, Starlight, and Sodium. Forge has OptiFine and similar mods. Both can run smoothly with proper optimization.
Mod Availability
Popular Fabric Mods
- Sodium - Graphics optimization
- Lithium - General server optimization
- Starlight - Lighting engine rewrite
- Iris - Shader support
- Origins - Unique player abilities
- Create (Fabric) - Engineering and automation
Popular Forge Mods
- Create - Engineering and automation (originated here)
- Mekanism - Industrial machinery
- Applied Energistics - Storage systems
- Thermal Series - Tech and automation
- Biomes O' Plenty - World generation
- JEI - Item and recipe viewer
Mod Ports
Many popular mods are now available on both platforms:
- Create
- JEI/REI
- Waystones
- Xaero's Minimap
- And many more...
Compatibility
Cross-Platform Mods
Mods are not compatible between Fabric and Forge. A Fabric mod won't work on a Forge server and vice versa.
Within Each Platform
- Fabric - Mods generally work well together, but check compatibility
- Forge - Mature ecosystem with well-tested mod combinations
Modpack Considerations
| Aspect | Fabric | Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-made packs | Growing selection | Huge library |
| Pack creation | Simple | Complex but powerful |
| CurseForge support | Full | Full |
| Modrinth support | Full | Full |
Update Speed
This is where Fabric really shines.
Typical Update Timeline
When a new Minecraft version releases:
| Milestone | Fabric | Forge |
|---|---|---|
| Loader update | 1-3 days | 1-2 weeks |
| Fabric API | 3-7 days | N/A |
| Core mods | 1-2 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Most mods | 2-4 weeks | 1-2 months |
Info
If you want to play the latest Minecraft version with mods, Fabric is usually available much sooner.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Fabric If:
- You want to play new Minecraft versions quickly
- Performance is a priority
- You prefer lighter, more modern tools
- Your must-have mods are available on Fabric
- You're building a new modded server
Choose Forge If:
- You want to use established modpacks (FTB, ATM, etc.)
- Your must-have mods are Forge-only
- You need the widest mod selection
- Stability matters more than being on the latest version
- You're familiar with Forge's ecosystem
Consider NeoForge
NeoForge is a fork of Forge that aims to modernize the platform:
- Faster updates than traditional Forge
- Compatible with most Forge mods
- Active development community
Hybrid Solutions
Sinytra Connector
Sinytra Connector allows running Fabric mods on Forge/NeoForge. It's experimental but expanding compatibility.
Quilt
Quilt is a fork of Fabric with additional features. It can run most Fabric mods with some advantages for mod developers.
Server Setup
Fabric Server Setup
- Download Fabric server from MCServerJars
- Run once to generate files
- Install Fabric API
- Add server-side mods to
mods/folder - Start server
See our Fabric Installation Guide for detailed steps.
Forge Server Setup
- Download Forge installer
- Run installer and select "Install server"
- Run generated start script
- Add mods to
mods/folder - Start server
Migration Tips
Fabric to Forge
- Find Forge equivalents for your mods
- Create new server with Forge
- Copy world files
- Test thoroughly before going live
Forge to Fabric
- Check if your essential mods have Fabric versions
- Create new Fabric server
- Copy world files
- Test for any world generation differences
World Compatibility
Worlds generally transfer between mod loaders, but modded blocks/items will be lost if the mod isn't available on the new platform.
Conclusion
Both Fabric and Forge are excellent mod loaders with their own strengths:
- Fabric for performance, modern mods, and quick updates
- Forge for maximum mod selection and established modpacks
The best choice depends on your specific needs and which mods you want to use.