How do I install mods on my Minecraft server?

Welcome to this practical guide for installing mods on your Minecraft server.

If you're a Minecraft fan looking for a personalized and enriched gaming experience, you're in the right place. This guide provides all the necessary information to explore new content, unique features, and exciting adventures. Whether you're a solo player or want to create a multiplayer environment for you and your friends, adding mods can transform your gaming experience and open up a world of endless possibilities.

The Different Types of Mods

A mod (or "modification") is an addition that modifies or enhances Minecraft, presented as a simple file with a .jar extension. Mods can add objects, creatures, mechanics, or change the appearance of the game, allowing players to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences.

Server Mods

Server mods are installed on a Minecraft server and affect the gameplay for all connected players. They add new features or modify the gameplay for the entire server, often creating unique multiplayer environments.

Client Mods

Client mods are installed on a player’s game. They modify the appearance, interface, or performance of the game for that player only, without affecting others on the server.

The Different Modloaders

A Modloader is a tool that facilitates the installation and management of mods in Minecraft. It ensures that mods work correctly together without conflicts. Modloaders load mods when the game starts and ensure they function properly. The three most popular Modloaders are Minecraft Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge.

Forge

Forge is the most widely used Modloader. It is highly compatible with mods and allows easy management of multiple mods. Developers favor it because it offers robust tools for creating mods.

Fabric

Fabric is a lightweight alternative to Forge. It is designed to provide a fast and stable modding experience with lower memory usage and shorter loading times. It is increasingly compatible with mods and has an active community of developers.

NeoForge

NeoForge is a newer Modloader, designed to improve compatibility with recent Minecraft versions while combining the best features of Forge and Fabric. Although still under development, it promises better stability and optimized performance for mods.

Installing Mods on a Minecraft Server

If you're interested in adding mods to your Minecraft server, it's essential to have a server suited to your needs. If you haven't yet chosen a hosting service, we recommend checking out our Minecraft server hosting page, where you'll find high-performance solutions for hosting your modded server.

Choosing the Right Modloader

To integrate mods into your server, it’s essential that the server is compatible with a Modloader like Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge to ensure proper mod functionality. Access your game control panel, then select Quick Install > Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge, and choose the appropriate version.

The installation process is the same for all Modloaders. However, it is crucial to verify that your mods are compatible with the selected Modloader to avoid any conflicts or issues.

Once the Modloader is installed, you’ll need to start the server for the first time to generate all the necessary folders and files for adding mods. You should see a mods folder appear in the File Management tab.

Downloading Mods

To download mods, visit CurseForge. You can also explore Modrinth, another popular platform for Minecraft mods, though CurseForge will be used for the examples in this guide.

CurseForge offers a wide selection of Minecraft mods. To download a mod, go to its page by clicking on it. You can also configure various filters (3) to find mods that suit your needs, such as the Minecraft version you’re using.

Before downloading, make sure the mod version is compatible with your Minecraft version and the Modloader (Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge) used by your server. Also, check if the mod has additional dependencies. If so, you’ll need to install those as well.

For clarity, consult the Files section on CurseForge to select the mod that matches your server’s setup. You can also apply filters, such as Minecraft version or Modloader, to ensure you download the correct file.

Once you’ve gathered all the desired mods, proceed to the next step. For convenience, it’s best to collect all your mods in one folder, making it easier to share with friends and transfer to your server.

Transferring Mods to Your Server

There are two ways to transfer files to your Minecraft server:

1. Via an SFTP Connection: This method allows you to interact with your server files without limitations.
2. Via the File Manager (Web FTP): This is the simplest method as it doesn’t require any special tools. However, file uploads are limited to 1 GB.

For our purposes, the file manager available in the management interface is the preferred method. Since mods are small files, you won’t encounter any difficulty transferring them this way. Simply navigate to the File Management page, click on the mods folder, and use the Upload File button. You can also select all your mods and transfer them via drag-and-drop, which is particularly efficient if you’ve downloaded a large number of mods.

Once all the mods are transferred, restart your server and share the connection address and the server’s mods with your friends. Enjoy your game!