All versions

What Java version does Minecraft 1.16.4 need?

Java 8

Minecraft 1.16.4 was released on 2020-10-29. Mojang's version file lists Java 8 for it, for both the game and a server.

FabricYes
ForgeYes
NeoForgeNo
Top mods listing 1.16.4123 of 500

See which Java you have:

java -version

Download Java 8 from Adoptium