The launcher installs and updates the game — no need to grab these archives by hand. You need your own Minecraft: Java Edition.
Binaries removed (licence cleanup, see #6741); tags and source remain.
New
- Java shader packs: the pack's shadow programs draw the shadow map (#1326)
Install or update it from the Horizon launcher: it installs new versions by itself. New here? Get the launcher at https://playhorizon.dev. You need your own copy of Minecraft: Java Edition.
Not an official Minecraft product. Not approved by or associated with Mojang or Microsoft.