npc-lib
by derklaro
npc-lib is a Fabric library for server owners and developers that spawns and controls non-player characters on Minecraft Java Edition servers.
What it does
The library is built for Java Edition servers and can be extended by other mods. Developers can create characters from their own code, and the library handles their attributes, poses, skin layers and equipment. Fabric API is required, and the library runs on the server alone, so players join without installing anything.
Its feature set covers skins loaded either statically or dynamically, interaction hooks for interact and attack events, and a controller layer with automatic looking, player imitation and spawning rules. A LabyMod extension adds emotes and sprays for clients that use LabyMod. Folia works through ProtocolLib and PacketEvents on Bukkit forks, while full Minestom support is limited to the latest version only.
The project is published under the MIT License and is open source, with source code, an issue tracker and a wiki available. Builds cover 1.21.4 – 26.3 across 10 release versions, and the latest Fabric file is 3.0.0-beta.18 for 26.3, on the beta channel.
Key features
Extendable base
A simple, extendable base for creating characters on Java Edition servers, meant for other mods to build on.
Skins and poses
Characters support skins loaded statically or dynamically, plus attributes, status, pose and skin layers.
Equipment and interaction
Characters can hold items in the main hand, off hand and armor slots, and respond to interact and attack events.
Controller behaviors
Automatic looking, player imitation and spawning rules can be attached to characters through a controller.
LabyMod emotes
An extension sends emotes and sprays to players who run LabyMod, when the server has the extension enabled.
Gallery
Compatibility
Latest build for each game version and loader.
26.x2 of 2 versions with builds
1.21.x8 of 8 versions with builds
Only full game releases are shown. This mod publishes no snapshot builds.
Requirements
Dependencies declared by the latest file for each loader.
Required 1
Use cases
Server guides
Server owners place guides, shopkeepers or greeters that look at players as they approach.
Mod integration
Developers build quest givers or companions on top of the library without writing packet code themselves.
Who it’s for: Server owners running Fabric and developers building mods that need spawned characters. Players on a server running npc-lib do not install anything.
Questions
Does npc-lib need Fabric API?
Do players have to install npc-lib?
Which game versions are covered?
Can Folia servers run npc-lib?
In the catalog
npc-lib is one of 3,514 Library mods on ModsFinder, and one of 2,348 Library mods for Fabric. 8,071 mods support Minecraft 26.3.
Similar mods
What the author says
More detailed documentation, such as instructions for installation and use, can be found on our GitHub page
Official listing
- Modrinth page
- modrinth.com/mod/npc-lib
- Owner
- derklaro
- Published
- 2025-01-29
- Updated on Modrinth
- 2026-10-03
- Facts verified
- 2026-10-15