Ore
What it is
Ore is a free, open-source web repository for creators to share Sponge plugins and Forge mods. Project pages give users a place to find downloads, documentation when provided, and support information; the download control selects the latest release. Developers can also use Ore’s JSON REST API to interact with indexed projects and versions. Uploads are queued for staff review, and Ore warns users before a plugin that has not cleared review is downloaded. Submissions must be signed with PGP, which the documentation says helps verify uploader identity. Ore recommends enabling two-factor authentication on Sponge accounts, but does not require it. Projects cannot be sold, unlock features for payment, or contain advertisements. External connections must be documented and should be configurable and disabled by default, subject to stated exceptions. Projects that download and execute code receive warnings, and guidelines call for hash checks, HTTPS, and documentation of that content. Projects must include an mcmod.info descriptor with modid, name, and version completed. Users who need help are directed to the Ore Support Forum; Ore’s terms place responsibility for system safety and downloaded content on users.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source project hosting.
- Project pages select the latest release for download.
- Staff review and warnings for uncleared plugins.
- JSON REST API covers indexed projects and versions.
- Project pages can provide documentation and support information.
Against
- Two-factor authentication is recommended, not required.
- Projects cannot include ads or paid feature unlocks.
- Users accept responsibility for downloaded content and system security.
The verdict
Ore combines project listings, an API, and a review process for Sponge plugins and Forge mods. Its submission rules and user-responsibility terms are important considerations for both publishers and downloaders.
Who it suits
Ore is for Sponge and Forge creators who want to publish plugins or mods, and for server administrators looking for them. Users should be prepared to assess downloaded content and take responsibility for their systems.
On the record
- Account security
- Ore recommends enabling two-factor authentication on the Sponge account.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- API
- Ore provides a JSON REST API for interacting with indexed mods and plugins, including routes to list projects and download project versions.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Content limits
- Submissions may not be sold or unlock features for payment, and advertisements are not permitted.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Downloads
- Project pages provide a download button that automatically selects the most recent release.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- External connections
- Plugins that connect to external systems must document those connections; such functionality should be configurable and disabled by default, subject to stated exceptions.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- For developers
- Ore gives plugin developers a central place where users can download, review, and get support for their plugins.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- For server administrators
- Ore is intended to help server administrators find plugins with account two-factor authentication and staff review of uploads.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Free and open source
- Ore is described as a free and open-source project that anyone may publish Sponge plugins or Forge mods on.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Limits and liability
- Ore's terms say users accept responsibility for the safety and security of their systems and use downloaded repository content at their own risk.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Maker
- The Ore site identifies SpongePowered as the organization; the reviewed pages do not state its headquarters or founding date.ore.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Plugin signing
- Plugin submissions must be signed with PGP, which the documentation says helps verify the uploader's identity.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Product
- Ore is a custom-built plugin hosting solution for sharing plugins created by content creators.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Project pages
- Ore project pages can provide documentation, and the download button selects the most recent release.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Ore is a plugin hosting repository where creators share Sponge plugins and Forge mods.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Review warnings
- Ore warns users before downloading plugins that have not cleared the review process.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Runtime downloads
- Projects that download and execute code receive warnings, and the guidelines require hash checks, HTTPS, and documentation of the downloaded content.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Security review
- Uploads are queued for staff review, and Ore warns users before downloading a plugin that has not cleared review.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
- Signed uploads
- Plugin submissions must be PGP-signed; the documentation says this helps verify the uploader's identity.docs.spongepowered.org · read 30 Sep 2026
