# PrismLauncher Install Guide
For Modpacks and General Use

* These instructions apply to my Vanilla Modpack. But also apply to other PrismLauncher Based modpacks
* If you came here for Vanillia, [[Download Here]](https://cdn.merith.xyz/assets/vanillia-multimc.zip)

## Basic Setup

### 1: Install PrismLauncher

1. Download PrismLauncher from [here](https://prismlauncher.org/).
2. On first launch, select the highest Java version available.
3. Set up your Minecraft account:
- Click "Manage Accounts."
- Click "Add Microsoft" and follow the instructions.

### 2: Download and Import a Modpack

PrismLauncher supports modpacks in formats like **Technic (.zip)**, **CurseForge (.zip)**, **Modrinth (.mrpack or .zip)**, and **MultiMC (.zip)**.

For Git repositories, ensure an `instance.cfg` file is in the root, then download the repo as a zip.

1. Drag and drop the modpack file onto PrismLauncher.
2. Or click "Add Instance" > "Import from zip."

### 3: Set the Java Version

Prismlauncher simplifies Java management:

1. Right-click the imported instance and select "Edit."
2. Go to "Settings" > "Java" tab.
3. Check "Java Installation" and click "Download Java."
4. Choose the latest version based on your Minecraft version:
- **1.16.x and below**: Use **Java 8**.
- **1.17.x to 1.20.x**: Use **Java 17**.
- **1.21.x and above**: Use **Java 21**.
*Note: Java 17 can run versions 1.13.x–1.20.x.*

Breakdown:
- **Distributors**:
- Mojang: Stable but may have performance issues.
- Adoptium: Open source, generally more performant.
- Azul Zulu: Focused on stability and consistency.
- **Major Versions**: Commonly referred to as "Java 8," "Java 17," etc.
- **Minor Versions**: Updates within a major version.

Optional: Add the following launch argument for smoother garbage collection (recommended for Vivecraft users):

-XX:+UseZGC

### 4: Launch the Game

With the modpack imported and Java set, click "Launch."