Instances and Mod Catalog

Gens Launcher offers fully isolated game profile management ("Instances"), drawing inspiration from leading tools like MultiMC and Prism Launcher, while integrating direct access to popular online mod catalogs.

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Creating an Instance

1. In the top navigation bar, click New Instance.
2. Configure basic properties:
   • Instance Name: Provide a descriptive name (e.g., Survival 1.21 Fabric).
   • Minecraft Version: Pick from all official releases, development snapshots, and historical builds.
   • Modloader Engine: Choose your desired runtime:
     • Vanilla: Pure unmodified game files.
     • Fabric: Modern, lightweight modloader, ideal for performance enhancements (Sodium, Lithium, Iris).
     • Forge: The classic modloader for extensive tech and magic modpacks.
     • Quilt: A modern fork compatible with the vast majority of Fabric mods.
     • NeoForge: The modern evolution of Forge for Minecraft 1.20.2 and above.
3. Click Create. Gens Launcher retrieves official manifests and generates an isolated directory in %AppData%\GensLauncher\instances\<Name>.

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Configuring Java and Memory Allocation (RAM)

Every profile can specify its dedicated RAM allocation and Java runtime environment:

1. Right-click your instance -> Instance Settings (or select it and click the gear icon).
2. RAM Allocation:
   • Vanilla recommendation: 2 GB (2048 MB).
   • Light modpacks: 4 GB (4096 MB).
   • Heavy modpacks (200+ mods): 6 to 8 GB (6144 to 8192 MB).
3. Automatic Java Detection: Gens Launcher inspects your machine to find the appropriate Java version matching your target Minecraft edition:
   • Minecraft 1.16 and older: Java 8
   • Minecraft 1.17: Java 16
   • Minecraft 1.18 to 1.20.4: Java 17
   • Minecraft 1.20.5 and newer: Java 21 or Java 25 If the required version is missing from your system, Gens Launcher offers automated one-click installation.

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Integrated Mod and Content Browser

No more browsing obscure websites to download unverified .jar files:

1. Open your instance and switch to the Mods or Content tab.
2. Click Add Content.
3. Use the integrated search bar connected directly to Modrinth and CurseForge APIs.
4. Filter by category, game version, and modloader.
5. Click Install:
   • The compatible .jar is downloaded straight into the instance's mods/ directory.
   • Essential dependencies are identified automatically.
6. Easily toggle mods on or off using simple switches without deleting their underlying files.

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Shaders and Resource Packs

The catalog browser also supports additional cosmetic content:

• Shader Packs: Search and apply shaders (Complementary, BSL, Iris Shaders) in one click.
• Resource Packs: Download high-resolution textures, custom audio packs, and fonts directly into resourcepacks/.

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Importing and Exporting Instances

• Export: Export any instance to a portable .zip archive ready to share with friends or store as an offline backup.
• Import: Click Import Instance to load standard archive formats (CurseForge modpacks, Modrinth modpacks, or MultiMC zip files).