Curios API is a library and equipment API mod that adds flexible, expandable accessory and equipment slots to Minecraft for Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge. Developed by TheIllusiveC4, it provides a unified framework that lets other mods add rings, amulets, belts, and other wearable items without conflicting with each other.
Vanilla Minecraft limits players to a handful of equipment slots: helmet, chestplate, leggings, boots, and offhand. That is it. If you want to wear a ring that gives fire resistance or an amulet that boosts XP gain, vanilla simply has no place to put those items. Curios API solves this by creating a flexible slot system that any mod can hook into, and it does so without adding bloat — slots only appear when another mod actually needs them. With over 22 million downloads, Curios has become the de facto standard for accessory management in modded Minecraft, and for good reason: it just works.
Key Features of Curios API
- Expandable Equipment Slots via a Central Registry — Curios uses an identifier-based registry where mods register new slot types like "ring," "necklace," or "belt." If two mods register the same slot type, they merge automatically instead of creating duplicates. This means you can run dozens of accessory mods together without ending up with redundant slots cluttering your inventory.
- On-Demand Slot Creation — Unlike other systems that pre-load a fixed set of slots, Curios only creates slots when a mod actually requests them. If you remove a mod that added a "charm" slot, that slot disappears entirely. This keeps your inventory clean and avoids the frustrating experience of staring at empty, unusable equipment slots.
- Fully Customizable Slot Appearance and Behavior — Mod developers can give each slot a custom background icon, adjust its size, or even hide and disable slots by default. Through the API, developers can also dynamically enable or disable slots for specific players, opening up possibilities for progression-based unlocking of equipment types.
- Vanilla Tag System Integration — Items are assigned to curio slot types using Minecraft's native tag system. For modpack creators, this means you can recategorize any item into any slot type simply by editing a JSON file in your datapack — no code required. You can even override existing assignments to better fit your modpack's design.
- Full Enchantment and Curse Support — Mending, Curse of Vanishing, and Curse of Binding all work correctly on items placed in curio slots. This seamless integration with vanilla mechanics means accessory items behave exactly like you would expect standard equipment to behave.
- Unified Inventory GUI — Curios adds a single, accessible GUI (default keybind: G) that displays every active equipment slot in one place. Players do not need to open separate menus for different mod accessories. Everything is centralized, clean, and easy to navigate right from the inventory screen.
Screenshots
How to Install Curios API
- Choose your mod loader. Curios API supports Fabric, Minecraft Forge, and NeoForge. Install whichever loader matches the mods you plan to use.
- Download the correct Curios API file for your Minecraft version and mod loader from the official download section below.
- Place the downloaded
.jarfile into your.minecraft/modsfolder. If the folder does not exist, launch the game once with your mod loader installed to generate it. - Install any accessory mods that depend on Curios — such as rings, amulets, or backpack mods. Curios itself does not add content; it provides the framework other mods use.
- Launch Minecraft and press G in-game to open the Curios inventory panel. If you see the panel, the installation was successful.
Requirements & Compatibility
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mod Loaders | Fabric, Forge, NeoForge |
| Minecraft Versions | 1.18.2 – 26.1 |
| Latest Update | March 25, 2026 |
| License | LGPL-3.0-or-later |
| Author | TheIllusiveC4 |
| Categories | Library, Equipment, Utility, Adventure |
What's New
- Updated to Minecraft 26.1 with full NeoForge support in version 15.0.0-beta.1.
- This is a beta release — expect further refinements as the 26.1 ecosystem stabilizes.
- The project continues to follow Semantic Versioning and maintains a detailed changelog on GitHub.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Industry-standard API trusted by thousands of mods and over 22 million downloads
- Slots are created on-demand, keeping the inventory clean when mods are removed
- Full vanilla enchantment and curse compatibility out of the box
- Supports all three major mod loaders: Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge
- Extremely wide version support from 1.18.2 through 26.1
- Datapack-friendly configuration using the vanilla tag system
Cons
- Adds no content on its own — requires other mods to provide actual accessories
- Players unfamiliar with modding may not understand why they need a "library" mod
- The 26.1 build is still in beta, which may mean occasional instability
- GUI customization options for end users are limited compared to developer-facing features
Alternatives to Curios API
- Trinkets — A Fabric-focused accessory slot API that serves a similar role to Curios. If you play exclusively on Fabric, some mods may use Trinkets instead of Curios for their accessory system.
- Accessories — A newer cross-loader accessory API designed as a unified alternative to both Curios and Trinkets, aiming for broader compatibility across mod loaders.
- Baubles — One of the original accessory slot mods for older Minecraft versions. While largely superseded by Curios in modern modding, Baubles remains relevant for legacy modpacks on 1.12.2 and earlier.
Download Curios API
| Minecraft Version | Forge | NeoForge |
|---|---|---|
| For Minecraft 26.1 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.11 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.10 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.9 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.8 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.7 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.6 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.5 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.4 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.1 | — | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.20.6 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.20.4 | Download | Download |
Always download mods from official sources to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Curios API add any items or accessories by itself?
No — Curios API is a library mod that only provides the accessory slot framework and inventory GUI. It includes two example items accessible through Creative mode for developer reference, but all actual wearable content comes from other mods that depend on Curios.
Is Curios API required for mods like Artifacts or Relics?
Yes — most accessory and trinket mods on Forge and NeoForge list Curios API as a required dependency. If a mod adds rings, necklaces, or other wearable items, check its mod page to confirm whether Curios is needed. Without it, those mods will not load.
Can I customize which slots appear in the Curios inventory?
Yes — you can control slot assignments through datapacks using the vanilla tag system. By editing JSON files in the data/curios/tags folder, you can add or remove items from specific slot types, or even reassign items to different slots without writing any code.
Does Curios API affect game performance?
The mod appears to be lightweight by design. Slots are only created when another mod requests them, so there is no wasted overhead from unused slot types. As a library mod with over 22 million downloads and years of active development, it has been widely tested across large modpacks without reported performance issues.
Is Curios API compatible with Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge?
Yes — Curios API supports all three major mod loaders. The latest builds for Minecraft 1.21.5 through 26.1 are available for NeoForge, while earlier versions also include Fabric and Forge builds. Always download the version that matches both your Minecraft version and your specific mod loader.
