Skip to content
ArcticDocs

Getting started

Arctic Launcher docs

Everything about using and building Arctic Launcher. The guides come straight from the launcher’s repository, so they always match the latest release.

Quick start

  1. 1

    Download

    Get the latest build from the download page. It’s a single executable, so there’s nothing to install. Run it from anywhere.

  2. 2

    Run it

    Double-click it. The Windows app is code-signed; you can still check the SHA-256 listed on the download page.

  3. 3

    Do the quick setup

    The first launch walks you through your theme, account, memory and first instance. Sign in with Microsoft in your browser or with a short code; your password only ever goes to Microsoft, and the tokens stay on your PC.

  4. 4

    Pick a version and play

    Choose a release or an instance on Play and press Play. The right Java and game files are downloaded automatically. For mods, create a Fabric instance under Instances and use Browse mods; to play with friends, open Play together.

Guides

Command line

Script installs and launches with the arctic CLI.

Read

Microsoft sign-in

How sign-in works and how to use your own client ID.

Read

Project

Architecture

How the launcher is put together, for contributors.

Read

Building from source

Build the launcher and CLI yourself on Windows, macOS or Linux.

Read

Releases & updates

Update channels, required updates and the release process.

Read
Need help? Join the Discord and post in the support forum. Attach your logs and the bot checks them for known problems right away. (opens in a new tab)

Prefer e-mail? Write to [email protected].

Contributing? Start with Building from source and the repository on GitHub (opens in a new tab).