What is CurseForge?

CurseForge is a content distribution platform for Minecraft and other games that hosts mods, modpacks, and addons. It offers a centralized hub for downloading, managing, and publishing game modifications, primarily integrated with the CurseForge Launcher and backed by Overwolf.

CurseForge's key features

1. Mod Hosting – Central hub for downloading and publishing game mods.
2. Modpack Support – Lets users create, share, and install full modpacks.
3. CurseForge Launcher – Official launcher for easy mod and modpack management.
4. One-Click Install – Installs mods with auto-handling of dependencies.
5. Creator Rewards – Revenue-sharing program based on mod usage and ad views.
6. Manual Moderation – All uploads are reviewed for safety and policy compliance.
7. Multi-Version Support – Hosts mods compatible with multiple game versions.
8. Update Notifications – Notifies users when installed mods get updated.
9. Analytics for Creators – Provides mod download stats and user engagement data.
10. API Access via Overwolf SDK – Supports limited third-party integrations using the Overwolf SDK.

What is Modrinth?

Modrinth is a modern, open-source platform for hosting and discovering Minecraft mods and modpacks, designed for speed, transparency, and developer-friendly workflows without ads or launcher lock-in. 

Key features of Modrinth

1. Ad-Free Platform – Completely free of ads, ensuring a clean user experience.
2. Open Source – Both frontend and backend are fully open for community contribution.
3. Fast Approvals – Automated review system enables quick publishing (often within minutes).
4. Clean UI – Minimalist and fast interface optimized for usability.
5. CI/CD Integration – Supports GitHub Actions and webhooks for automatic mod publishing.
6. Markdown Project Pages – Full Markdown support for customizable mod descriptions.
7. Open API (REST & GraphQL) – No SDK lock-in; great for developers and launchers.
8. Launcher Compatibility – Works with Prism, ATLauncher, MultiMC, and other third-party tools.
9. Modpack System – Lightweight, JSON-based format independent of any specific launcher.

CurseForge is a well-established, Overwolf-backed platform offering a large mod library, ad-based monetization, and deep integration with its own launcher—ideal for legacy content and mass adoption.

Modrinth is a modern, open-source alternative focused on speed, privacy, and developer-friendliness—offering clean UI, fast uploads, open APIs, and compatibility with multiple launchers.

➤ Bottom Line: CurseForge leads in size and legacy support; Modrinth excels in speed, transparency, and open development.

#1 key similarities between CurseForge and Modrinth 

1. Minecraft Mod Hosting – Both platforms host mods and modpacks for Minecraft Java Edition.
2. Support for Forge & Fabric – Both support the two most widely used modloaders: Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, and Quilt.
3. Version Tracking – Allow mods to be published for specific Minecraft versions.
4. Modpack Distribution – Enable users to create, upload, and share modpacks.
5. Search & Filtering Tools – Provide search functionality with filters by modloader, version, and category.
6. Download Statistics – Show download counts and version history per mod.
7. Project Pages – Let developers present descriptions, screenshots, and links.
8. User Accounts – Require account creation for uploading, commenting, and managing projects.
9. Security Reviews – Implement safety checks to prevent malicious files from being distributed.

#2 Key Differences - between CurseForge vs Modrinth

2.1 Ownership

CurseForge: Operated by Overwolf, a commercial company focused on gaming mod ecosystems and monetization infrastructure.

Modrinth: Fully independent, maintained by a small developer team and backed by an open-source, community-driven philosophy.

✅ CurseForge is commercially operated with monetization goals, while Modrinth prioritizes community ownership and open development.

2.2 Platform Scope

CurseForge: A multi-game platform, supporting modding for various titles like World of Warcraft, The Sims 4, Terraria, and others alongside Minecraft.

Modrinth: A Minecraft-exclusive platform, purpose-built for the Java Edition modding community.

✅ CurseForge caters to a broader gaming mod audience, whereas Modrinth is specialized and focused purely on Minecraft Java Edition.

2.3 Monetization

CurseForge: Uses an ad-supported model where creators earn from download-based revenue through the CurseForge Rewards Program, tied to Overwolf’s platform.

Modrinth: Has no ads and empowers creators to receive income via direct donation links like Patreon, Ko-fi, or GitHub Sponsors.

✅ CurseForge monetizes through platform ads and revenue-sharing, while Modrinth promotes transparent, creator-controlled donation support.

2.4 User Experience

CurseForge: Features a heavier interface, with integrated ads and dependencies on the Overwolf platform, which can affect responsiveness and navigation speed.

Modrinth: Offers a lightweight, clean, and ad-free interface, resulting in faster load times and smoother browsing, especially for developers and power users.

✅ Modrinth delivers a faster, clutter-free experience, while CurseForge trades UI simplicity for monetization and launcher integration.

2.5 Approval Time

CurseForge: Uses a manual moderation process, where new mod uploads and updates are reviewed by staff—this can delay approval for several hours or even days.

Modrinth: Implements a semi-automated approval system, allowing most projects and updates to go live within minutes, with occasional manual checks for flagged content.

✅ Modrinth offers significantly faster publishing speed, making it ideal for rapid development cycles and quick updates.

2.6 Launcher Integration

CurseForge: Integrates tightly with the CurseForge Launcher, which runs on the Overwolf platform and is required for full functionality; third-party launcher support is limited and restricted by API access policies.

Modrinth: Designed with open compatibility, supporting popular third-party launchers like Prism Launcher, ATLauncher, MultiMC, and others—no vendor lock-in.

✅ Modrinth offers greater flexibility and independence with broad launcher support, while CurseForge prioritizes its own Overwolf-based ecosystem.

2.7 API Accessibility

CurseForge: Provides a restricted API that requires integration via the Overwolf SDK; usage is subject to terms and may limit access for independent launcher developers.

Modrinth: Offers fully open REST and GraphQL APIs with public documentation, allowing developers and launchers to integrate freely without platform constraints.

✅ Modrinth’s open API approach empowers developer freedom and integration, while CurseForge imposes tighter control through SDK dependencies.

2.8 Library Size

CurseForge: Hosts a larger and more established library of mods and modpacks, benefiting from its long-standing presence and early adoption in the Minecraft community.

Modrinth: Has a smaller but fast-growing collection, driven by modern tooling, developer-friendly workflows, and increasing community migration.

✅ CurseForge leads in volume due to legacy dominance, while Modrinth is catching up quickly with developer trust and modern infrastructure.

#3 Advanced Differences between CurseForge and Modrinth 

3.1 Developer Automation

CurseForge: Relies on manual uploads through the web interface or the CurseForge CLI, which is tightly coupled with the Overwolf platform and requires authentication via their ecosystem.

Modrinth: Enables automated CI/CD pipelines with built-in GitHub integration, webhook triggers, and support for tools like GitHub Actions for seamless publishing.

✅ Modrinth streamlines developer workflows with automation and CI-friendly tools, while CurseForge remains more manual and Overwolf-dependent.

3.2 Download Infrastructure

CurseForge: Utilizes a CDN-based delivery system that can introduce throttling, particularly for non-launcher or anonymous downloads; performance may vary depending on the Overwolf client or geographic region.

Modrinth: Delivers content via fast, direct S3-hosted links with no download restrictions, offering consistent speed and reliability across all clients.

✅ Modrinth offers faster, unrestricted downloads, while CurseForge's CDN setup may introduce variability and throttling outside its launcher.

3.3 Modpack Format

CurseForge: Uses a proprietary modpack format designed primarily for the CurseForge Launcher, with metadata and structure tightly coupled to Overwolf’s platform requirements—making third-party launcher support more complex.

Modrinth: Utilizes a modern, open JSON-based format that is launcher-agnostic, cleanly documented, and designed for easy integration with tools like Prism Launcher, ATLauncher, and MultiMC.

✅ Modrinth promotes open, flexible modpack creation across any launcher, while CurseForge locks modpacks into its own ecosystem.

3.4 Markdown Support

CurseForge: Offers basic formatting for project pages using a restricted rich-text editor; lacks full Markdown syntax or advanced layout customization.

Modrinth: Provides complete Markdown support, allowing creators to structure project descriptions with headings, code blocks, tables, images, and links for enhanced clarity and presentation.

✅ Modrinth enables fully customizable, developer-friendly project pages with Markdown, while CurseForge restricts formatting to simpler tools.

3.5 Legacy Modpack Support

CurseForge: Maintains strong compatibility with legacy modpacks, including popular formats from FTB (Feed The Beast) and Technic Launcher, making it ideal for users seeking older or long-standing modded Minecraft experiences.

Modrinth: Focuses on a cleaner, modern format that’s more modular and launcher-independent, but currently lacks full backward compatibility with legacy pack standards.

✅ CurseForge is the go-to for legacy modpack compatibility, while Modrinth is optimized for modern, streamlined modpack development.

#4 Which One to Choose? —Use Case

• Choose CurseForge if:
  ✔️ You want the largest mod library
  ✔️ You’re using old modpacks (like FTB or Technic)
  ✔️ You need monetization with minimal setup
  ✔️ You prefer using the CurseForge Launcher

• Choose Modrinth if:
  ✔️ You want a lightweight, ad-free experience
  ✔️ You use Prism, MultiMC, or other third-party launchers
  ✔️ You prefer open-source, fast updates, and automation
  ✔️ You’re building modern modpacks or server setups