RLCraft for Windows

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Key Details of RLCraft

Minecraft mod
Last updated on June 7, 2025
There have been 4 updates
Virus scan status:
Clean (it’s extremely likely that this software program is clean)

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffJune 7, 2025

Minecraft is one of the most popular games in the world, with one of the most dedicated modding communities. RLCraft is a modpack consisting of over 100 mods for Minecraft. The RL stands for Real Life or Realism, with the point of this modpack being that it’s extremely challenging.

Mod culture

Mods are a common way for bedroom developers to try their hand at tweaking a game to look or play differently from the original version without making a full game. With Minecraft, many mods focus on the survival aspect and usually amp it up.

Blood n Bones and Rebirth of the Night are two popular ‘hardcore’ mods that increase the base game's challenge. RLCraft follows suit but increases the challenge so that the game becomes almost punishingly unfair.

Survival mods

RLCraft is a modpack that combines multiple existing mods into one. As such, it includes around 120 add-ons by other modders that include features like adding a thirst meter, stopping health regeneration, and adding a leveling system with skills and perks.

RLCraft also adds new monsters and dangers, making survival incredibly difficult. Although this modpack aims to create a purposefully high level of challenge, some players may find it’s too difficult. Luckily, many other modders have put together online guides to give you an advantage at playing RLCraft and succeeding.

Installation

RLCraft is available as a free download since the entire modpack is for anyone. However, although it’s possible to install it yourself, it requires a lot of tweaks to the file code, so it’s only recommended if you’re confident in doing this.

Part of the reason for this is because RLCraft requires around 4GB of RAM to run correctly. If you want to avoid any potential issues, the developer recommends installing the modpack via a dedicated launcher, such as Curseforge.

Pros
- RLCraft takes the challenge of Minecraft to a new level, perfect for players seeking greater difficulty and realism in their gaming experience.
- The utility combines over 100 different mods seamlessly, providing an enhanced and comprehensive gaming experience without any glitches or inconsistencies.
- It adds new elements such as biomes and enemies, alongside real-life mechanics like thirst and temperature to increase immersion and complexity in gameplay.
- RLCraft offers rewarding discoveries for braving dangerous locations, incentivizing exploration and strategy planning despite its tough gameplay.
- This game mod is compatible with Windows 11.
Cons
- You don't automatically pick up items when you walk over them; requiring manual effort that may disrupt the flow of gameplay for some users.
- Basic actions from the original game don't apply anymore; you'll need actual tools to harvest resources which could be a learning curve for beginners.
- Healing isn’t done through food consumption anymore which might take time getting used to for players accustomed to vanilla Minecraft healing mechanisms.
- There's an increased focus on survival with the addition of new mechanics such as thirst and temperature, potentially making gameplay more stressful than fun for some players.
- You can't equip a high-level weapon if your skill requirement is too low, adding another layer of difficulty that might not appeal to all gamers - especially newcomers or casual players.

Bottom Line

Our take

RLCraft is aimed at Minecraft players who want to work for their success. It’s not entirely unlikely that new players will repeatedly lose in the game before they get too far, but that’s what this modpack is all about. If you’re a fan of Minecraft but wish it is substantially more challenging, this modpack is for you.

Should you download it?

Yes. As it combines many other mods, it offers an entirely different experience to the base game.