What Architectury API works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, Quilt |
| Minecraft versions | 1.16.5, 1.18.2, 1.19.2, 1.20.1, 1.20.4, 1.21.1, 1.21.5, 1.21.11, 26.1, 26.1.1, 26.1.2, 26.2 |
| Environment | Client, Server |
A mod fails to load with a message about a missing Architectury API dependency, and most players never chose to install it themselves. Architectury API is a shared library that lets one mod codebase run on Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt. It adds no blocks, items, or mechanics of its own. If another mod in the pack requires it, drop the matching file in the mods folder and the error clears.
What Architectury is
Architectury is a project led by MaxNeedsSnacks and contributors that gives mod developers one set of tools to target several Minecraft mod loaders instead of writing and maintaining separate Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge versions of the same mod. Architectury API is the runtime piece, the library file a multiplatform mod loads at startup to reach loader-specific features through a common interface. It has no in-game presence of its own. Its only job is making other mods work.
Architectury API for Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge
Architectury API ships separate builds for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt, and the build has to match both the loader and the Minecraft version of the mod that needs it.
- Fabric: install alongside Fabric API, which Architectury API lists as a required dependency.
- Forge: use the Forge build for the same Minecraft version, no extra library needed.
- NeoForge: use the NeoForge build; it is a separate file from the Forge jar.
- Quilt: the Fabric build runs through Quilt's Fabric compatibility layer.
Installing Architectury API
- 1.Check the mod that reported the missing dependency for its exact loader and Minecraft version.
- 2.Download the matching Architectury API build for that loader and version from Modrinth.
- 3.On Fabric or Quilt, also install Fabric API if it is not already present.
- 4.Place the jar in the mods folder next to the mod that requires it and relaunch.
Installing Architectury API
Which Minecraft version Architectury API supports
Architectury API tracks new Minecraft releases quickly. The current build supports 26.2, with recent files covering the 1.21.11 through 26.2 stretch. Older builds go back to 1.16.5 for legacy modpacks, but each file is tied to one Minecraft version and one loader, so match the exact version the dependent mod lists rather than assuming the newest file works.
Questions about Architectury API.
5 questions
Do I need Architectury API?
Only if another mod you have installed requires it. Architectury API adds no blocks, items, or mechanics on its own, it is a shared library that lets a multiplatform mod run its code on Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, or Quilt. If a mod's changelog or an in-game error names it as a dependency, install the matching build. Otherwise you can skip it.
What does Architectury API do in Minecraft?
It gives mod developers a single set of tools to target multiple loaders instead of rewriting the same mod for each one. In game, it changes nothing by itself. Its only visible effect is fixing missing dependency errors for mods built on top of it, including several storage, inventory, and utility mods that ship for more than one loader.
Does Architectury API work with Forge and NeoForge?
Yes. Architectury API publishes separate builds for Fabric, Forge, NeoForge, and Quilt. Each build targets one loader and one Minecraft version, so install the build that matches the loader and version the dependent mod requires, not just any file labeled Architectury API.
Does Architectury API require Fabric API?
The Fabric build does. Architectury API lists Fabric API as a required dependency on Fabric and Quilt, so both need to be installed together or the mod fails to load. The Forge and NeoForge builds do not need Fabric API.
Which Minecraft version does Architectury API support?
The current build supports 26.2. Recent releases cover 1.21.11 through 26.2, and older builds go back to 1.16.5 for legacy modpacks. Each file is tied to one Minecraft version and loader, so match the exact version the dependent mod lists.
