How to install mods on a Minecraft server (Forge and Fabric)

Mods change the game itself, so both the server and every player need compatible versions. Plan this before you upload anything.

Pick a loader and version

Choose Fabric or Forge (or NeoForge), and a Minecraft version your mods support. All mods must be built for the same loader and the same Minecraft version.

Install mods

1. Download the server version of each mod from Modrinth or CurseForge.
2. Stop your server.
3. Upload the .jar files into the mods folder.
4. Start the server and check the console for errors.
5. Give your players the same mods and loader on their side, or a client modpack.

For a modpack, download its "server pack" from CurseForge or Modrinth and upload it as instructed on the pack's page.

Common errors

• "Mod X requires Y" or "Missing or unsupported mandatory dependencies": install the dependency, often Fabric API for Fabric mods.
• Crash on start: open the newest file in the crash-reports folder and look for the mod name near the top.
• Players can't join, "mod mismatch": their mods or versions differ from the server's.
• Server runs out of memory: modpacks often need 6 to 12 GB. Ask us about a bigger plan.
• A client-only mod crashes the server: remove mods that are marked client-side only.