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GDLauncher vs CurseForge App

The CurseForge App is the official launcher for CurseForge content. GDLauncher integrates with CurseForge too, adds Modrinth in the same browser, Cloud Instance Sharing across both platforms, and built-in server management. Here's the breakdown.

Feature GDLauncher CurseForge App
CurseForge support Yes Yes (native, it's their app)
Modrinth support Yes No
Auto Java management Yes Yes
Auto mod updates Yes Yes (with prompt)
Auto modpack updates Yes Yes (with prompt)
Multi-instance Yes Yes
Cloud Instance Sharing Yes (one-click code, mixed CF + MR) Yes (CurseForge only)
Server management Yes (built-in) No
Ad-supported in app Yes (in-app banner) Yes (in-app banner)
Source on GitHub Yes No
Pays addon authors Yes Yes

Modrinth in the same launcher

The CurseForge App is, by design, CurseForge-only. Modrinth has been growing fast, especially for Fabric mods, performance mods, and shaders, and many authors now publish to both platforms. GDLauncher's built-in browser searches both at once, so you don't have to pick.

Server management

GDLauncher includes built-in Minecraft server management, create a Vanilla, Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, or Quilt server and manage it from the same UI as your singleplayer instances. The CurseForge App doesn't include server management.

Cloud Instance Sharing

Both launchers can share a setup with a friend. The CurseForge App keeps everything inside the CurseForge ecosystem, you can hand off a CurseForge modpack but a setup that mixes CurseForge mods with Modrinth mods can't travel intact. GDLauncher's Cloud Instance Sharing accepts the mixed case: paste one code, the recipient gets your exact instance with files from both platforms re-downloaded from their original CDNs.

The verdict

If you only ever install CurseForge content, the CurseForge App is the official choice. GDLauncher gives you the same CurseForge integration plus Modrinth in the same browser, Cloud Instance Sharing that travels with mixed CurseForge + Modrinth setups, and built-in server management.

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