How to Fix 'Incompatible Mods Found!' Error in Minecraft

Understanding the Error

When you launch modded Minecraft on Fabric, NeoForge, or Quilt, the mod loader reads every fabric.mod.json or neoforge.mods.toml manifest before the Minecraft window opens.

If a requirement cannot be satisfied, the loader halts and displays:

Incompatible mods found!
net.fabricmc.loader.api.ModResolutionException: Some of your mods are incompatible with the game or each other!

This error screen is not random; it gives you the exact blueprint of what is wrong.

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The 4 Most Common Causes & Direct Fixes

1. Missing Core Dependency (Fabric API, YACL, Cloth Config)

• What it looks like:

  - Mod 'Sodium' (sodium) requires {fabric @ [>=0.110.0]}
  - Mod 'Iris' (iris) requires {yet_another_config_lib_v3 @ [*]}
  

• The Fix: Most content and visual mods do not bundle helper libraries. You must download the requested library jar (e.g., Fabric API or Yet Another Config Lib) and place it in .minecraft/mods.

2. Mismatched Minecraft Version

• What it looks like:

  - Mod 'Create' requires {minecraft @ [~1.20.1]}, but only the wrong version is present: {minecraft @ [1.21.11]}!
  

• The Fix: You cannot load a 1.20.1 mod directly on 1.21 or 26.x unless the developer has published an updated release for that version. Check Modrinth or CurseForge for a newer build of the mod, or adjust your launcher profile to match the mod's required version.

3. Duplicate Versions of the Same Mod

• What it looks like:

  - Duplicate versions of mod 'sodium' found: [sodium-0.5.8.jar, sodium-0.6.1.jar]
  

• The Fix: Open your .minecraft/mods folder, search for the mod name, and delete the older version.

4. Direct Incompatibility (Conflicting Mods)

• What it looks like:

  - Mod 'OptiFine' is in conflict with mod 'Sodium'!
  

• The Fix: Certain mods attempt to replace identical internal rendering engines. You must choose one (for modern versions, Sodium + Iris is strongly recommended over OptiFine).

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Quick Diagnostic Checklist

1. Check Fabric Loader version: Keep your loader updated (e.g. Fabric Loader 0.16.x).
2. Update Fabric API: Ensure you are running the latest Fabric API build targeting your Minecraft version.
3. Read the bottom lines of the error: The last bullet points on the screen explain which file names are clashing.