What Rhino works with.
| Platform | Java Edition |
|---|---|
| Loaders | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge |
| Minecraft versions | 1.18.2, 1.19.2, 1.20.5, 1.21.11, 26.1.2 |
| Environment | Client, Server |
Rhino is a Java library mod for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge that ports Mozilla's Rhino JavaScript engine into Minecraft. It runs on both client and server, but it makes no changes by itself; other mods load it to get a working JavaScript engine now that Java has dropped Nashorn.
Loaders and versions
- Fabric: Minecraft 1.18.2 to 26.1.2. The newest build needs no dependencies.
- Forge: Minecraft 1.18.2 to 26.1.2. The newest build needs no dependencies; some builds for 1.18.2 to 1.19.2 require Architectury API.
- NeoForge: Minecraft 1.20.5 to 26.1.2. The newest build needs no dependencies.
- Quilt: Minecraft 1.18.2 to 1.20.1, builds stopped after February 2025. The newest build needs no dependencies.
What Rhino does
The fork supports ES6 JavaScript and removes any dependency on Java's built-in scripting engine, which stopped shipping in later Java releases. On its own, Rhino adds nothing to a world; it exists so mods that need to run scripts have somewhere to run them. KubeJS is the scripting mod most players will recognize, and Rhino typically arrives alongside it as the JavaScript engine underneath.
Installing Rhino
Grab the build that matches the loader and Minecraft version in use, then drop the jar into the mods folder next to whatever mod requires it, most commonly KubeJS. Rhino lists its side as client optional and server optional, so it can sit on whichever side the dependent mod needs.
- Match the Rhino build to the loader (Fabric, Forge or NeoForge) and Minecraft version of the game directory
- Place the jar in mods alongside the mod that requires it, typically KubeJS
- Side is listed as client optional and server optional
Questions about Rhino.
5 questions
Do I need to install Rhino on purpose
Usually not directly. Rhino is a library that mods such as KubeJS depend on for JavaScript scripting; install it because a mod's dependency list names it, not because it adds features by itself.
Does Rhino work with Forge and NeoForge as well as Fabric
Yes. Rhino ships current builds for Fabric, Forge and NeoForge, matched to the same Minecraft version as the dependent mod and loader in use.
Why does Rhino exist instead of using Java's built-in scripting engine
Java removed its built-in Nashorn scripting engine, so mods that need JavaScript support lost their engine. Rhino is a fork of Mozilla's Rhino library adapted to fill that gap for Minecraft mods.
Is Rhino a Bedrock mod
No. Rhino is a Java Edition mod loaded through Fabric, Forge or NeoForge; Bedrock Edition cannot load Java mod files at all.
Does Rhino need Architectury API
The newest builds across Fabric, Forge and NeoForge need no extra dependency, though the newest build itself confirms nothing else is required.
