Java and MegaMek

We currently (11-Apr-2022) recommend Java 11 for all players and require it for all releases starting with 0.49.0. Stable 0.48.X is our final release supporting Java 8. MegaMek/MegaMekLab/MekHQ does not support Java 17 and it should not be used with any of the programs.

The Oracle Java SE Support Roadmap shows Oracle's version of supporting future Java releases, and is as of time of writing a solid source of future information about Java releases. The roadmap is about how long they will provide public support for certain versions. First, one must explain the split between Java versions. The primary Java versions are long-term support (LTS), which means that they will provide updates and fixes until they determine it end of life (EoL) (expected 5+ years from release). As of the day of writing, these are Java 8 (EoL), Java 11, and Java 17. All other Java versions are short-term, which means that they stop providing support when the next version is released.

Date: 11-Apr-2022

Minimum Version (0.48.X): Java 8

Minimum Version (0.49.0 and later): Java 11

Recommended Version: Java 11

Maximum Supported Version: Java 11 (Reminder: we do not support any Java beyond Java 11, including Java 17)