Balm
by BlayTheNinth
A cross-loader abstraction library used by Waystones, Cooking for Blockheads, and other mods by BlayTheNinth.
Overview
Balm is a library mod created by BlayTheNinth. A cross-loader abstraction library used by Waystones, Cooking for Blockheads, and other mods by BlayTheNinth. As a library mod it concentrates on shared code that other mods build on, and it has been downloaded around 90 million times, which puts it among the options players reach for in this space.
Balm is built for players installing Blay's mods such as Waystones or Cooking for Blockheads. Balm is the abstraction library behind several popular mods, providing cross-loader plumbing they share. It is approachable enough to drop into a world and use right away, with little setup required.
The mod is available for Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge, so it fits a range of modpacks and launchers. It currently supports Minecraft 1.20.1 and 1.21.1, spanning the 1.20.1 to 1.21.1 releases. It runs on both the client and the server, so on a multiplayer server every player who connects needs it installed alongside the server itself.
Mod Loaders
Minecraft Versions
Key Features
Balm brings a focused set of features to the table. Highlights include cross-loader mod development, plus event and networking abstractions, with the full list below.
- Cross-loader mod development
- Event and networking abstractions
- Configuration framework
- Menu and GUI helpers
- Required by Waystones and more
Tags
How to install Balm
Balm supports Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge; pick one loader (you cannot mix them) and install it for your chosen Minecraft version. It is built for Minecraft 1.20.1 and 1.21.1, so make sure your profile uses one of those versions.
- 1Choose and install one mod loader from Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge for a Minecraft version this mod supports (1.20.1 and 1.21.1).
- 2Check the download page for any required libraries. Balm lists no hard dependencies here, but it is always worth confirming for your exact version.
- 3Drop the Balm .jar file into your instance's mods folder. On a server, place it in the server's mods folder instead, and make sure every connecting player has it too.
- 4Launch the game with that loader profile and confirm Balm appears in the in-game mods list; if it does not load, re-check the loader, the Minecraft version, and any library requirements.
Supported Minecraft versions: 1.20.1 and 1.21.1. Always download the build that matches your version exactly, as mod files are version-specific.
See our full mod install guideCompatibility & alternatives
Balm works particularly well alongside Waystones and Cooking for Blockheads. Because it ships for both Fabric and Forge-family loaders, it slots into most popular modpacks regardless of which side they are built on.
As a library mod, Balm adds no content of its own and has a negligible footprint, it exists to support the mods that depend on it.
If you are comparing options, a similar mod worth a look is (no direct alternative, it is a dependency library). They overlap in purpose, so most players pick whichever suits their loader and pack.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Balm mod do?
A cross-loader abstraction library used by Waystones, Cooking for Blockheads, and other mods by BlayTheNinth. It is a library mod by BlayTheNinth, aimed at players installing Blay's mods such as Waystones or Cooking for Blockheads.
Is Balm Forge or Fabric?
Balm supports Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge. You only install it on one of these loaders, never several at once, so choose the one your pack uses.
What Minecraft versions does Balm support?
Balm supports Minecraft 1.20.1 and 1.21.1. Be sure to download the file built for your specific version, since mod jars are not interchangeable across versions.
Does Balm need any dependencies?
No, Balm lists no required mod dependencies here, so it works as a standalone install. It is still wise to confirm on the download page for your exact version.
Can I use Balm on a multiplayer server?
Yes. Balm runs on client and server, so install it on the server and make sure every player who joins has the same version installed too.
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