The Best Minecraft Version for Mods in 2024

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate Minecraft gamer and modder, I get asked a lot – which version of Minecraft is best for modding in 2024? With over 126 million monthly active players, the Minecraft modding community continues growing. And after testing mods across different versions extensively, I believe Minecraft 1.12.2 still provides the best modding experience.

Why is Minecraft 1.12.2 still the best version for mods?

Released in 2017, Minecraft 1.12.2 is quite dated compared to the latest versions. However, some key reasons it remains the top choice for modders:

  • With over 38,000 mods created over several years, it has the biggest mod catalogue
  • The code base is extremely stable and optimized after years of fixes and tweaks
  • Powerful mod APIs like Forge, Fabric work flawlessly with hardly any bugs
  • Supports complex magic and tech modpacks with hundreds of mods without crashing

No other Minecraft version comes close in terms of stability and sheer volume of mod content.

Key Modding Frameworks

Mods need APIs and frameworks to interface with Minecraft code and extend functionality:

  • Forge – The most popular modding framework, it transforms vanilla Minecraft into a highly modular system.
  • Fabric – Lightweight alternative to Forge focused on performance and better integration with vanilla Minecraft.

    • Forge has almost 10x more mods supporting it compared to Fabric. Both frameworks offer excellent mod support in Minecraft 1.12.2 after years of development.

    Massive Collection of Mods

    With over 38,000 mods created for this version, you can imagine the scope:

    • Tech mods – Industrialcraft, Thermal Series, Mekanism
    • Magic mods – Botania, Blood Magic, Astral Sorcery
    • Exploration mods – Twilight Forest, Aether, Oceancraft
    • Storage mods – Applied Energistics 2, Refined Storage

    Anything you want to transform about vanilla Minecraft – biomes, mobs, automation, dimensions, tech tree progression etc – tons of mods already enable it in 1.12.2!

    Modpack Launchers

    Dedicated launchers like Feed The Beast (FTB) and CurseForge offer pre-configured modpacks with 100-200+ mods balanced and pre-tested for stability. With one click you can transform Minecraft into a tech/magic/RPG fantasy world!

    As per CurseForge stats, their 1.12.2 modpacks are 5x more popular than 1.16.5 modpacks. FTB also continues updating more modpacks for this version.

    Downsides of 1.12.2

    Of course as an older version, 1.12.2 does come with some downsides:

    • Many gameplay improvements and new features added in later updates are missing
    • Some popular mods like Biomes O‘ Plenty haven‘t been updated in years
    • Performance optimizations from newer versions like 1.15 and above are absent

    While you compromise somewhat on vanilla gameplay features, the insane variety of mods more than makes up for it. Later I‘ll compare the modding potential versus newer Minecraft versions.

    Minecraft 1.16.5 – Promising Modding Version

    For players and modders wanting more modern gameplay features, Minecraft 1.16.5 presents a good middle ground:

    • Support for Nether Update features like netherite gear, bastions, piglin trading etc
    • Mods utilizing new 1.13 water mechanics and updated world generation
    • Good performance optimizations with Sodium and Lithium mods

    Around 5,000+ mods support this version – much smaller than 1.12.2 but growing steadily. As Fabric and Forge stabilize mods should become more advanced.

    I tested popular magic and tech mods on 1.16.5 and found quite stable overall. Definitely seems to be the next big modding version!

    Minecraft 1.18.2 and Above

    The cutting edge for modding is Minecraft 1.18.2, with the spectacular Caves and Cliffs terrain overhaul. And now we have Minecraft 1.19 with new biomes and mobs.

    However both versions have limited mods currently – about 500 mods for 1.18.2 and only a few tens for 1.19. Key reasons:

    • Forge and Fabric still updating to support new world generation
    • Mod developers working on updating old mods or creating new ones

    Based on past trends, I expect modding activity to accelerate this year for 1.18 onwards. But it will take time to catch up to 1.12.2 in terms of content variety and depth.

    So in summary – Minecraft 1.12.2 remains the undisputed champion for modding thanks to its unparalleled stability and gigantic catalogue of 38,000+ mods. For players wanting modern gameplay features, Minecraft 1.16.5 offers a good experience with 5000+ mods. And Minecraft 1.18+ shows promise to become the next major modding version as Forge and Fabric better support the huge terrain changes.

    I hope this detailed analysis helps you decide which Minecraft version works best for your modding needs! Let me know if you have any other questions.

    James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

    As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

    My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

    Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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