NeoBackports
by Nikdo53
NeoBackports brings selected NeoForge 1.21.1 features to Forge 1.20.1 as a library that other mods can build on.
What it does
Developers who want to write code against newer NeoForge APIs on 1.20.1 can use this library, which backports data components, data attachments, stream codecs, DeferredHolder subtypes and recipe serializers that use codecs. Its purpose is easier maintenance between versions, so mod code written for 1.21.1 needs fewer changes on 1.20.1.
The library is meant to be included with other mods rather than installed by players alone, and it runs on client and server together. Its only standalone feature is blurred GUI backgrounds, enabled through a built-in resource pack. Forge is the only loader with files, and the single game version is 1.20.1, with 1.4.2 as the latest file published on 2026-09-14.
NeoBackports is open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1 only. Source code and an issue tracker are public. The author notes that manually installing a newer packaged version is mainly useful for bug fixes.
Key features
Data components and attachments
Backports of NeoForge data components and data attachments let mods store structured data on stacks and other objects.
Stream codecs and codec recipes
Stream codecs and recipe serializers built on codecs follow the NeoForge 1.21.1 style on 1.20.1.
Interface extensions
A set of convenience extensions to existing interfaces reduces boilerplate in code that uses the backported features.
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Use cases
Mod developers
A developer targeting Forge 1.20.1 can reuse NeoForge 1.21.1 code patterns and keep the port closer to the newer codebase.
Bundled dependency
Other mods can include the library in their own jars, so players do not need to install it separately.
Who it’s for: Mod developers who ship Forge 1.20.1 mods and want NeoForge 1.21.1 APIs. Players who only want the blurred GUI backgrounds can also use it on its own.
How it compares
AlfinoLib is a library for Forge and NeoForge on 1.20.1 – 26.3, under the GNU General Public License v3.0 only and open source. Archivist is a Fabric, Forge and Quilt library on 1.20.1 under a custom license that is not open source. NeoBackports is only for Forge 1.20.1 and is open source under the GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1 only, with the client and server environment.
| Mod | Loaders | Game versions | Environment | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NeoBackports | Forge | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2026-09-14 |
| AlfinoLib | Forge and NeoForge | 1.20.1 – 26.3 | Client and server | 2026-09-21 |
| Archivist | Fabric, Forge and Quilt | 1.20.1 | Client and server | 2026-04-24 |
Questions
Does NeoBackports need to be installed on both sides?
Which loader does NeoBackports support?
Can NeoBackports be bundled inside other mods?
In the catalog
NeoBackports is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 1,576 Library mods for Forge. 34,764 mods support Minecraft 1.20.1.
More from Nikdo53
Similar mods
What the author says
A library for using neoforge 1.21.1 features and methods on forge 1.20.1 This mod is intended to be used as a library included with other mods. Currently, the only standalone features are blurred 1.21-style gui backgrounds. Manually installing a newer version than is packaged is only useful for fixing bugs
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/neobackports
- Owner
- Nikdo53
- Published
- 2026-06-20
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-09-14
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15