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What Java version does Minecraft 1.16.5 need?

Java 8

Minecraft 1.16.5 was released on 2021-01-14. Mojang's version file lists Java 8 for it, for both the game and a server.

FabricYes
ForgeYes
NeoForgeNo
Top mods listing 1.16.5228 of 500

See which Java you have:

java -version

Download Java 8 from Adoptium