ATM10 and ATM9 are both excellent modpacks, but they target different Minecraft versions and have key differences in mod availability, stability, and progression. This guide breaks down the real differences to help you choose.
Quick Comparison
Feature
ATM9
ATM10
Minecraft Version
1.20.1
1.21.1
Mod Loader
Forge
NeoForge
Mod Count
400+
~500
Status
Stable (mature, few updates)
Active (frequent updates)
Java Required
Java 17+
Java 21
ATM Star
Yes + Gregstar
Yes (Star 2.0, Runic Star Altar)
Create
Yes (from launch)
Yes (added later)
Refined Storage
Yes
Yes (added later)
Just Dire Things
No
Yes (exclusive to 1.21+)
Downloads
12M+ on CurseForge
15M+ on CurseForge
Why Play ATM10?
Latest Minecraft Features
Built on 1.21.1 with all vanilla improvements: trial chambers, breeze mob, new copper blocks, crafter, and more.
NeoForge Performance
NeoForge offers better performance and mod management compared to legacy Forge. Faster loading times and better memory handling.
Exclusive Mods
Just Dire Things (Blaze Gold tools, area miners), Modern Industrialization, Oritech, and other 1.21-exclusive mods that don't exist on ATM9.
Active Development
Regular updates adding new mods, fixing bugs, and balancing content. The pack is still growing and evolving.
Why Play ATM9?
Maximum Stability
ATM9 has been through extensive testing. Fewer bugs, fewer crashes, and a mature ecosystem. Great for servers that need reliability.
Complete Endgame
The full ATM Star + Gregstar progression is polished and balanced. The quest book is complete with rewards at every stage.
Forge Ecosystem
More community-made addons and configurations available. Larger pool of compatible resource packs and third-party mods.
Established Resources
More guides, tutorials, videos, and wiki content available. If you get stuck, it's easier to find help for ATM9.
Major Mod Differences
Mod/Feature
ATM9
ATM10
Mekanism
Yes
Yes
Applied Energistics 2
Yes
Yes
Create
Yes
Yes
Ars Nouveau
Yes
Yes
Twilight Forest
Yes
Yes
L'Ender's Cataclysm
Yes
Yes
Just Dire Things
No
Yes
Modern Industrialization
No
Yes
Oritech
No
Yes
Eternal Starlight
No
Yes
Botania
Yes
No (not ported to 1.21 yet)
Industrial Foregoing
Yes
No (not ported to 1.21 yet)
Both packs share the core ATM experience: Mekanism, AE2, Ars Nouveau, AllTheModium progression, FTB Quests, and the ATM Star endgame. The main differences are in mods that haven't been ported to 1.21 yet (missing from ATM10) and new 1.21-exclusive mods (missing from ATM9).
Which Should You Choose?
You Should Play...
If You Want...
ATM10
Latest Minecraft features, active updates, new mods like Just Dire Things, NeoForge performance, being on the current version
ATM9
Maximum stability, complete polished endgame, Botania, more available guides/tutorials, proven server stability
Either
You just want to play a great kitchen-sink modpack. Both are excellent choices
For installation instructions, see our download guide (covers ATM10, ATM9, and ATM8). Check the system requirements to make sure your PC can handle it. Looking at an older version? See our ATM8 guide.
