A mod is missing a dependency
Applies to Fabric, Quilt.
What it looks like in your log
Mod 'Sodium' (sodium) 0.5.8 requires any version of fabric-api, which is missing!
What causes it
The mod loader stopped because a mod needs another mod that is not installed.
How to fix it
Install the dependency the loader names, matching your exact Minecraft version.
Why it happens
Fabric mods declare their dependencies in fabric.mod.json, and Fabric Loader checks all of them before launch. The message names the mod, the dependency and the version range it wants. Fabric API is the dependency most often missing: nearly every Fabric mod needs it, and it is a separate download that people skip because it looks like it does nothing on its own.
Fix it step by step
- 1Read the blockFabric lists every unmet dependency in one block. Note each one.
- 2Install Fabric API firstIf it is in the list, get the build for your exact Minecraft version from its Modrinth or CurseForge page. Most other errors in the block disappear with it.
- 3Install the restEach remaining dependency is on the requesting mod's page under Dependencies. Match the game version.
- 4Check the loader versionIf the block says a mod requires a newer fabric-loader, update the loader itself through the installer, not just the mods.
If that didn't work
A dependency that is installed and still reported missing is usually a version mismatch: "requires version 0.92 or later" with 0.83 present. Update it.
Not sure this is your problem? Paste your log and Roastd will tell you which of these it actually matched, and what else it found.
Check your own log