A stable Botania installation starts with version matching. The Minecraft version, mod loader, Botania file and required dependencies must all belong to the same supported setup.
1. Choose your Minecraft version and loader first
Do not start by downloading a random Botania file. Decide which Minecraft version your profile uses and which loader that profile runs. Then choose a Botania release explicitly built for that combination.
Loader support changes across Minecraft generations, so a file intended for Forge, Fabric, Quilt or NeoForge should not be treated as interchangeable.
2. Use the configured 1.20.x download
The download button on this website is configured to the Botania 1.20.x ZIP archive. Use the exact file that matches the setup you intend to work with and keep version matching in mind.
3. Install the dependencies listed for that release
Botania depends on other mods on modern versions. Required dependencies differ by loader and Minecraft version, so use the dependency list attached to the exact Botania release you choose. Do not copy dependency versions from an unrelated guide or another Minecraft version.
4. Place mod files in the correct profile
For a normal launcher profile, put the Botania JAR and its required dependency JARs in that instance's mods folder. Keep only one intended Botania version in the folder; duplicate or mismatched JARs can prevent startup.
5. Launch a clean test before adding a large modpack
Test Minecraft with the loader, Botania and required dependencies first. If the game reaches the title screen and a test world loads, add other mods in controlled groups. This makes conflicts much easier to isolate.
6. Back up existing worlds before changing versions
A mod or loader upgrade can alter registries, configuration and world behavior. Copy important worlds before changing a working mod set, especially when moving between Minecraft versions or loaders.
If Minecraft crashes on startup
Check the first meaningful error in the latest log or crash report, then confirm the Minecraft version, loader version, Botania version and dependency versions. Avoid fixing secondary errors before the primary mismatch is resolved.
After installation
Open the Lexica Botania in-game and use it to confirm the recipes and mechanics for your installed version. Continue with the mana and Petal Apothecary guides when the basic profile is stable.
Related Botania guides
Continue with the full guide library, the installation checklist or the troubleshooting guide.