How to make a modded Minecraft server
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A modded server is a normal Minecraft: Java Edition server running a mod loader (Fabric, NeoForge or Forge), with the same mods your players have. The steps are the same on your own PC or a host: pick a loader and version, install the server, add mods, give it enough memory, and share the address.
Step 1: pick a loader and Minecraft version
Your mods decide this. A Fabric mod won't load on NeoForge or Forge, and a 1.20.1 mod won't load on 1.21.1. Check each mod's Modrinth or CurseForge page and pick the loader and version that all of them support.
Step 2: install the server
- Fabric: download the server launcher from fabricmc.net for your Minecraft version and run it in an empty folder.
- NeoForge or Forge: run the installer from neoforged.net or files.minecraftforge.net and choose Install server.
- Start it once, open
eula.txt, change it toeula=true, and start it again.
Step 3: add mods (and leave out client-only ones)
Put the mod .jar files in the server's mods folder, along with every library they need (Fabric API, Architectury and so on). Leave out client-only mods such as shaders, minimaps and HUD mods. Modrinth labels each mod as client, server, or both. Restart and read the console: a missing dependency or a wrong version is named there.
Step 4: give your players the same mods
Most mods have to be on both the server and every player's game, at the same versions. The easiest way is a launcher profile (CurseForge app, Modrinth app or Prism) that everyone imports.
Step 5: give it enough RAM
Modded servers need more memory than vanilla. A light mod list with a few friends runs on about 4 GB. Big modpacks need more. Our modpack RAM guide explains how to size it.
Step 6: let your friends in
On your own PC, you need to forward TCP port 25565 on your router and share your public IP, which changes now and then (how to port forward a Minecraft server). On a host you get an address instead.
Skip the setup: a modded server on Packyard
Choose Fabric, NeoForge or Forge, and the Minecraft version your mods are built for. Upload your mods in the panel's file manager (mods folder) and restart. Prefer a ready pack? Pick Cobblemon, Cobblemon (NeoForge), Cobbleverse, All the Mods 10: To the Sky, All the Mods 10, Vault Hunters 3rd Edition, RLCraft, Create+ or Slimes Adventure and we install it. Players join a permanent address like my-server.play.packyard.ca. Automatic daily backups plus your own panel backups, each restored in one click. Servers run in Seattle (US West). Java Edition only.
- Size: 4 GB is our pick for a lightly modded server ($6/month). Most of our modpacks are recommended at 5 GB ($7.50). That's $1.50 per GB per month, $5 minimum, in USD plus applicable taxes.
- First-payment refund if something on our side doesn't work (see Refunds). Cancel any time in the panel. Available in the US and Canada (not Quebec).
See every pack we install on modded Minecraft server hosting, or go straight to RLCraft server hosting.
How to make a Minecraft server · Modpack RAM guide · Port forwarding
FAQ
Fabric, NeoForge or Forge?
Whatever your mods are built for. Newer mods are mostly Fabric or NeoForge, and many older packs are Forge 1.20.1.
Why won't my modded server start?
Usually a missing dependency, a mod for a different loader or version, or a client-only mod on the server. The console log names it.
Do players need the mods too?
For most mods, yes, at the same versions.
Can Bedrock players join?
No. Mods are Java Edition only.
Also see: How to make a Minecraft server, Modpack RAM guide, Minecraft hosting. Back to Packyard home.
Packyard is not an official Minecraft product and is not affiliated with Mojang.