Hello Minecraft! Launcher review
A cross-platform launcher with broad modpack format and loader support.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Hello Minecraft! Launcher (HMCL) is an open-source launcher for Minecraft Java Edition, aimed at players who want to create and customize installations or manage modded setups across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its breadth of pack-format and loader support makes it a fit for people moving between modpack ecosystems, as well as players who want to create and export their own packs. It is not a general game launcher: its stated scope is Minecraft Java Edition.
HMCL supports importing CurseForge, MultiMC, and Modrinth modpacks, and exporting HMCL, MultiMC, and MCBBS modpacks. It can install Fabric, Forge, LiteLoader, OptiFine, Quilt, and NeoForge, while also providing mod management and pack creation. That makes its strongest case interoperability across formats and a wide choice of loaders, rather than a focus on one provider. Players seeking a launcher with a built-in catalog for discovering packs may prefer a product whose browsing features are clearly part of its offering.
The project has been developed since 2015 and is distributed under GPLv3. The published product information describes it as open source with a free plan, and notes support for multiple CPU architectures; there are no paid tiers described. HMCL also offers customizable launcher themes and background images. Choose it if you value pack import/export flexibility, loader choice, and customization on a desktop operating system. Look elsewhere if Java runtime management, isolated instances, or automatic updates are essential to your launcher decision; these are not among the capabilities established for HMCL.
Hello Minecraft! Launcher pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Imports CurseForge, MultiMC, and Modrinth modpacks.
- Installs Fabric, Forge, LiteLoader, OptiFine, Quilt, and NeoForge.
- Creates and exports modpacks, and supports multiple CPU architectures.
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on Minecraft Java Edition.
- No paid tiers to compare for teams seeking commercial support options.
- Does not verify built-in modpack browsing or Java runtime management.
Hello Minecraft! Launcher fact sheet, pricing and score →
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