Extra Loader
by GateGuardian
Extra Loader is a Forge mod that picks up unpacked resource packs and data packs placed in external folders, so they need not be copied into each modpack.
What it does
On startup, Extra Loader scans the directories it watches and loads any additional packs it finds there. Packs it force-enables are listed in the game menus for resource and data packs, where players can switch them on or off at will. Packs are read as plain folders, so non-zip resource packs work without repacking.
The mod sorts packs by Minecraft version. It scans folders specific to the version that is running, and each game version keeps its own independent directory, which prevents packs from conflicting across versions. A username system lets each user name be kept separate as well. The aim is one set of resource packs per Minecraft version, shared across several modpacks rather than copied into each modpack folder. The mod suits developers, artists and players who often test and rework resource packs.
The mod is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later. It is published for Forge only, with files for 1.20.1 – 1.20.6 and 2.0.0 for 1.20.6 as the latest file. Either side can run it, and neither needs it.
Key features
Automatic pack detection
Extra Loader detects resource packs and data packs in external directories and loads them without manual setup.
Toggle in-game
Force-enabled packs show up in the in-game lists, so players can enable or disable them at any time.
Version-specific folders
The mod scans the folders that match the running Minecraft version, such as 1.20.1 or 1.20.6.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Who it’s for: Pack developers, artists and players who test resource packs often, and modpack builders who want to reuse one pack library across several modpacks.
How it compares
Load My Resources is client-side only, works on Fabric and Forge across 1.12 – 1.20.4 and is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only. CGC Compat: PackLoader is open source under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only, runs on Forge and NeoForge for 1.20.1 – 26.3, and works on either side, and neither needs it. Global Packs is not open source, is released under All rights reserved and works on Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt for 1.16.4 – 26.3.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Loader | Forge | 1.20.1 – 1.20.6 | Client or server, optional | 2026-02-12 |
| Load My Resources | Fabric and Forge | 1.12 – 1.20.4 | Client-side only | 2023-09-24 |
| CGC Compat: PackLoader | Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 26.3 | Client or server, optional | 2026-09-26 |
| Global Packs | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge and Quilt | 1.16.4 – 26.3 | Client or server, optional | 2026-09-16 |
Questions
Which loader does Extra Loader need?
Does Extra Loader have to be on the server?
Where do the external packs go?
More from GateGuardian
What the author says
Extra Loader automatically detects and loads additional resource packs and data packs from external directories. These packs are not force-enabled — they simply appear in the in-game Resource Pack and Data Pack lists, allowing players to enable or disable them freely.
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/extraloader
- Owner
- GateGuardian
- Published
- 2026-01-16
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-02-12
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15