What are Orbit Launcher and Orbit Client?
Orbit Launcher is a Minecraft: Java Edition launcher. It runs any version, with or without mods, and installs mods and modpacks for you.
Orbit Client is a mod for Minecraft 1.21.11 (Fabric) with 56 mods, cosmetics and friends. The launcher sets it up and keeps it updated: press Play on the Orbit Client instance.
Is it free?
Yes. Both are free, and their source code is on GitHub: Orbit Launcher (MIT license) and Orbit Client.
Which computers does it run on?
Windows (64-bit), Macs with Apple Silicon (M1 and newer), and 64-bit Linux: as an AppImage, a .deb (Debian, Ubuntu) or an .rpm (Fedora, openSUSE).
Which Minecraft versions are supported?
The launcher runs any Java Edition version, as vanilla or with Fabric, Forge, NeoForge or Quilt. It downloads the right Java for each version on its own.
Orbit Client is for Minecraft 1.21.11 with Fabric. In the launcher, other Fabric instances on that version get Orbit Client too (you can turn that off per instance).
Do I need to buy Minecraft?
Yes. You sign in with the Microsoft account that owns Minecraft: Java Edition. Your password goes to Microsoft only; Orbit never sees it.
Can I use Orbit Client on servers?
Orbit Client is a client-side mod with quality-of-life and HUD mods, and no cheats. Servers set their own rules, though, and some don’t allow mods like zoom, freelook or hitboxes. Check the rules of the server you play on.
Servers can see that you use Orbit Client: it tells them its name, like other clients do.
How do friends work?
Add a friend by their Minecraft name, in Orbit Client (the Friends button on the home screen or in the Orbit menu’s dock) or in the launcher’s Friends tab. Once they accept, you see when they’re online and which server they’re on, and you can chat or join them.
Your friend needs Orbit Client or Orbit Launcher too. Messages last a day. In Orbit Client’s settings you can appear offline or hide your server.
Other players can’t see my cosmetics. Why?
Cosmetics are shared through Orbit’s server, so:
You need to be signed in with your Microsoft account (the Wardrobe says when it synced). The other player needs Orbit Client with Show Others’ Cosmetics on. Changes can take up to a minute to show. If it still doesn’t work, see whether Orbit’s server is up on the status page.
How do I switch accounts?
On Orbit Client’s home screen, click your name in the top right and pick another account. It switches without restarting the game. The list shows the accounts you’ve signed in with in Orbit Launcher; add new ones there.
Can I run Minecraft more than once?
Yes. While an instance runs, the launcher shows Launch another copy. Both copies start signed in to the same account: switch one of them to another account from Orbit Client’s home screen if you want to play on a server with both.
Where are my worlds, mods and screenshots?
Every instance has its own folder: press Folder on the Play page, or open the instance in the launcher. On Windows they’re all in %APPDATA%\.orbitlauncher\instances.
I found a bug.
Is Orbit made by Mojang?
No. Orbit is a fan-made project, not affiliated with Mojang or Microsoft.