Install mods and modpacks
Mods change the game itself. They run on Fabric, Forge and NeoForge servers. Unlike plugins, most mods also have to be installed on each player’s game.
Pick the right loader
Section titled “Pick the right loader”| Loader | Good for |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Light mods and performance mods |
| Forge | Classic mods and older modpacks |
| NeoForge | Big modded setups such as Create |
| Arclight | NeoForge or Forge mods together with Bukkit plugins |
A mod only works on the loader it was made for. Check the mod’s page before you pick. To change the loader of an existing server, see change the software or version.
Mods use more memory than plugins. Modpacks usually need 6 to 8 GB, which means the Pro or Ultra plan.
Start from a modpack
Section titled “Start from a modpack”You can install a whole Modrinth modpack when you create a server:
- On the create page, choose Modded and a loader.
- Next to Minecraft version, click Start from a modpack.
- Search for the modpack and pick it. It sets the loader and the version for you.
- Finish creating the server.
Players install the same modpack in their launcher, at the same version. The Modrinth App and Prism Launcher can install Modrinth modpacks.
Install a single mod
Section titled “Install a single mod”- Open your server and click Mods.
- Search on Browse. The list only shows mods for your loader and Minecraft version.
- Click Install. The panel adds the mod and the mods it needs to the
modsfolder. - Click Restart now.
Then install the same mod, at the same version, on each player’s game. Mods that only change the server, such as performance mods, are the exception. The mod’s Modrinth page says whether it’s needed on the client, the server, or both.
On the Installed tab you can update or remove mods. Restart after each change.
Things the panel adds for you
Section titled “Things the panel adds for you”- Fabric API and the mod that lets the server work behind the SwiftServers proxy are installed on every Fabric server. Don’t remove them.
- On Fabric, ViaFabric, ViaVersion and ViaBackwards are kept up to date, so players on other game versions can join. You can turn that off on the Installed tab with Keep ViaVersion installed and updated.