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Head-to-head · Minecraft Mod Development Tools

NeoGradle vs NeoForge

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score NeoGradle #5 in Minecraft Mod Development Tools 8.9/10 Open source ✓ 2 of 4 features Visit NeoGradle
NeoForge #8 in Minecraft Mod Development Tools 8.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit NeoForge

NeoGradle leads on 0 checks, NeoForge on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreNeoGradle · 8.9/10
  • Free planonly NeoForge
  • Most featuresNeoGradle · 2 of 4

NeoGradle scores higher on our rubric for minecraft mod development tools: 8.9 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.

NeoGradle is the better fit for modern NeoForge development. NeoForge is the better fit for neoForge mod developers.

  • NeoGradle fits best

    Modern NeoForge development

  • NeoForge fits best

    NeoForge mod developers

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Side by side

Feature NeoGradle 8.9/10 Visit ↗ NeoForge 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.9 8.6
Ranking #5 in Minecraft Mod Development Tools #8 in Minecraft Mod Development Tools
Best for Modern NeoForge development NeoForge mod developers
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Open source Free plan
Free plan Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Free trial — —
Support Docs, Community Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market Solo, Small business
Features NeoGradle 2/4 · NeoForge 0/4
Visual editor Not checked yet Not checked yet
Code debugging Not checked yet Not checked yet
Dependency management ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Artifact packaging ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported loaders NeoForge, FML Not checked yet
Minecraft versions 1.20.2, 26.1 Not checked yet
Supported platforms Not checked yet Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Combines NeoForge Userdev and NeoForm artifact workflows
  • Supports client, server, data, game-test, and JUnit run modes
  • Builds distributable mod JARs with centralized artifact caching
  • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
  • Supports client, dedicated-server, and modpack installation
  • Includes mod development APIs and a Gradle-based toolchain
Cons
  • Focused on NeoForge and FML rather than multiple loader ecosystems
  • Verified version coverage is limited to 1.20.2 and 26.1
  • Requires familiarity with Gradle-based Minecraft development
  • Focused on Minecraft: Java Edition
  • Development centers on APIs and Gradle tooling
  • Requires separate client or server installation workflows
Our verdict

NeoGradle is an open-source Gradle framework for Minecraft mod development, aimed at developers working with NeoForge and FML projects. It configures development environments, manages Minecraft and library dependencies, handles Minecraft…

Read the review →

NeoForge is a free, open-source modding API and server platform for Minecraft: Java Edition. It is designed for mod developers, server administrators, and players who need a supported way to install and load mods or modpacks. Client…

Read the review →
  1. NeoGradleMinecraft Mod Development Tools 8.9Open source
  2. NeoForgeMinecraft Mod Development Tools 8.6Free plan

Strengths and trade-offs

  • NeoGradle — where it wins

    • Combines NeoForge Userdev and NeoForm artifact workflows
    • Supports client, server, data, game-test, and JUnit run modes
    • Builds distributable mod JARs with centralized artifact caching

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on NeoForge and FML rather than multiple loader ecosystems
    • Verified version coverage is limited to 1.20.2 and 26.1
    • Requires familiarity with Gradle-based Minecraft development

  • NeoForge — where it wins

    • Free and open source across Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Supports client, dedicated-server, and modpack installation
    • Includes mod development APIs and a Gradle-based toolchain

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on Minecraft: Java Edition
    • Development centers on APIs and Gradle tooling
    • Requires separate client or server installation workflows

More comparisons

All minecraft mod development tools comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update