How to Make a Modded Minecraft Server (Forge, Fabric & NeoForge Guide)

To make a modded Minecraft server, install a mod loader (Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge), add your mods to the server's mods folder, and ensure every player has the same mods installed on their client. The process takes about 20-30 minutes for self-hosting or just a few minutes with a hosting provider that supports one-click modpack installation.

Modded Minecraft transforms the base game with new dimensions, mechanics, blocks, creatures, and progression systems. Running a modded server lets you experience all of that with friends in a shared world.

Choosing Your Mod Loader

Before installing anything, you need to pick a mod loader. Each one has its own ecosystem, and mods built for one loader don't work on another.

Forge

The original and most established mod loader. Forge has the largest mod library and supports most major modpacks.

Best for:

• Large modpacks (All The Mods, RLCraft, Create)
• Players who want the widest mod selection
• Kitchen-sink packs with 100+ mods

Considerations:

• Slower startup times than Fabric
• Higher RAM usage
• Less focus on performance optimization

Fabric

A lightweight, modern mod loader designed for performance. Fabric loads faster and uses fewer resources than Forge.

Best for:

• Performance-focused setups
• Technical Minecraft players
• Lighter modpacks with optimization mods
• Players who want vanilla-like gameplay with quality-of-life improvements

Considerations:

• Smaller mod library than Forge (but growing rapidly)
• Some popular mods are Forge-exclusive
• Requires Fabric API as a dependency for most mods

NeoForge

A community-driven fork of Forge that aims to modernize the platform. NeoForge is the successor to Forge for Minecraft 1.20.2 and newer.

Best for:

• Newer Minecraft versions (1.20.2+)
• Modpacks migrating from Forge
• Access to both legacy Forge mods and new NeoForge mods

Considerations:

• Still newer than Forge, so some older mods haven't migrated yet
• Growing ecosystem with active development
• Backwards-compatible with many Forge mods

For a detailed comparison of all server platforms, see our Paper vs Spigot vs Fabric vs Forge guide.

Option 1: Using a Hosting Provider

The fastest way to get a modded server running. Hosting providers handle mod loader installation, Java versions, and server configuration automatically.

Setting Up With One-Click Installation

Most hosting providers offer one-click installers for Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge:

1. Log into your server control panel
2. Navigate to the server type or mod loader section
3. Select your mod loader and Minecraft version
4. Click install and wait for it to complete
5. Upload your mods to the mods folder via the file manager or SFTP
6. Restart the server

For step-by-step instructions specific to each loader, see our help center guides:

• How to Install Forge
• How to Install Fabric
• How to Install NeoForge Modpacks

Installing a Complete Modpack

If you want to run a pre-built modpack like All The Mods or RLCraft:

1. Use your host's one-click modpack installer if available
2. Or upload a custom modpack manually

Modpacks bundle all required mods together, so you don't need to install them individually. For modpack recommendations, see our best modpacks for Minecraft servers guide.

Why Hosting Is Easier for Modded Servers

Modded servers are more demanding than vanilla or plugin-based servers. Hosting providers handle:

• Java version management (different mod loaders need different Java versions)
• RAM allocation (modded servers need significantly more memory)
• Automatic backups (critical when testing new mods)
• 24/7 uptime without keeping your PC running
• DDoS protection for public servers

Check out Minecraft Server Hosting for modded server hosting with easy mod management.

Option 2: Self-Hosting a Modded Server

If you want full control, you can run a modded server on your own machine.

Prerequisites

• Java installed (Java 17+ for modern Minecraft, Java 8 for older versions)
• Enough RAM to allocate to the server (see RAM requirements below)
• The mod loader installer downloaded from the official site
• Port forwarding configured on your router (port 25565)

Setting Up a Forge Server

1. Download the Forge installer from files.minecraftforge.net
2. Select your Minecraft version and download the Installer
3. Run the installer and select Install Server
4. Choose an empty folder as the install location
5. Wait for Forge to download and install all libraries
6. Run the server once to generate files (it will stop with an EULA error)
7. Open eula.txt and change eula=false to eula=true
8. Create a start script:

java -Xms4G -Xmx8G -jar forge-*.jar nogui

9. Run the start script again to fully launch the server

For detailed Forge mod installation, see our Forge mods guide.

Setting Up a Fabric Server

1. Download the Fabric installer from fabricmc.net
2. Run the installer and select the Server tab
3. Choose your Minecraft version and install location
4. Click Install to generate the server files
5. Download Fabric API from Modrinth and place it in the mods folder
6. Accept the EULA in eula.txt
7. Create a start script:

java -Xms4G -Xmx6G -jar fabric-server-launch.jar nogui

8. Launch the server

Fabric API is required by almost every Fabric mod. Always install it first. For more details, see our Fabric mods guide.

Setting Up a NeoForge Server

1. Download the NeoForge installer from neoforged.net
2. Select your Minecraft version and download the installer
3. Run it and select Install Server
4. Choose your server folder
5. Accept the EULA after the first run
6. Create a start script:

java -Xms4G -Xmx8G @libraries/net/neoforged/neoforge/*/unix_args.txt nogui

7. Launch the server

NeoForge is backwards-compatible with many Forge mods, especially for Minecraft 1.20.2 and newer.

Adding Mods to Your Server

Where to Find Mods

• Modrinth - Clean interface, fast downloads, growing library
• CurseForge - Largest mod library, most modpacks hosted here

How to Install Mods

1. Download the mod .jar file for your exact Minecraft version and correct mod loader
2. Place it in the server's mods folder
3. Check if the mod requires any dependencies (other mods it needs to function)
4. Install those dependencies the same way
5. Restart the server

Critical rule: Every mod on the server must also be installed on each player's client, with matching versions. Server-only mods (like performance or admin mods) are the exception.

Client-Side vs Server-Side Mods

Not all mods need to be on both sides:

Server-side only (don't need on clients):

• Performance mods (Spark, Chunky)
• Admin and management tools
• Server utility mods

Both server and client:

• Content mods (new blocks, items, dimensions)
• World generation mods
• Gameplay mechanic changes
• Most modpack mods

Client-side only (don't put on server):

• Shaders (Optifine, Iris)
• Minimap mods (unless they have a server component)
• HUD and UI mods
• Performance mods like Sodium and Lithium

Checking for Compatibility

Before adding mods, verify:

• Minecraft version matches exactly (a 1.20.1 mod won't work on 1.20.4)
• Mod loader matches (Forge mods don't work on Fabric and vice versa)
• Dependencies are installed (check the mod's page for requirements)
• Known conflicts are avoided (check the mod's issue tracker or wiki)

Start with a small set of mods and add more gradually. This makes it easier to identify which mod causes problems if something breaks.

RAM Requirements for Modded Servers

Modded servers need significantly more RAM than vanilla or plugin-based servers.

General guidelines:

• Light modpacks (under 50 mods): 6-8GB
• Medium modpacks (50-150 mods): 8-10GB
• Heavy modpacks (150+ mods): 10-16GB
• Kitchen-sink packs (All The Mods, FTB Revelation): 10-12GB

Always check the modpack's official documentation for specific RAM recommendations. Some packs list minimum and recommended amounts.

For detailed RAM guidance, see our Minecraft server RAM guide. Keep in mind that CPU matters just as much as RAM for modded performance. See our CPU guide for why.

Configuring Your Modded Server

Server Properties

Most modded servers use the same server.properties file as vanilla. Key settings:

• view-distance - Lower to 6-8 for modded servers (mods add processing overhead)
• simulation-distance - Set to 4-5 to reduce tick load
• max-players - Keep realistic for your hardware
• allow-flight - Set to true (many mods add flight mechanics, and leaving this on false kicks players for flying)

For help with specific settings:

• How to Change View and Simulation Distance
• How to Allow Flying

Mod Configuration

Most mods generate config files on first launch in the config folder. You can adjust mod behavior, disable specific features, or tune performance options through these files.

Common configuration changes:

• Disabling world generation from mods that add too many biomes
• Reducing mob spawn rates from mods that add new creatures
• Adjusting recipe difficulties or progression requirements
• Toggling specific features that cause lag or conflict with other mods

JVM Flags

Modded servers benefit significantly from optimized Java flags. Use Aikar's recommended flags with your RAM allocation adjusted for your modpack size. The standard flags work for both Forge and Fabric servers.

For the complete flag set and explanation, see our best server settings guide.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Server Won't Start

• Check the crash log in crash-reports/ or logs/latest.log
• Verify Java version compatibility (Minecraft 1.17+ requires Java 17+)
• Ensure all mod dependencies are installed
• Remove the most recently added mod to isolate the issue
• Confirm mod versions match your Minecraft version exactly

Mod Version Mismatch

If players can't connect with a "Mod rejected" error:

• Both server and client need identical mod versions
• Share your exact mod list and versions with players
• Use a modpack launcher (CurseForge, Prism, ATLauncher) to sync mods automatically

Server Lag With Mods

Modded servers are inherently heavier than vanilla. If you experience lag:

• Allocate more RAM if usage is consistently above 85%
• Lower view-distance and simulation-distance
• Install performance mods (Spark for profiling, Chunky for pre-generation)
• Reduce entity spawn rates in mod configs
• Check if a specific mod is causing disproportionate lag with Spark
• Consider upgrading your hosting plan or hardware

For detailed optimization strategies, see our TPS guide and performance plugins guide.

World Corruption

Modded worlds are more prone to corruption, especially when adding or removing mods mid-game.

• Always back up before adding, removing, or updating mods
• Download your world regularly (how to download your world)
• Never remove a mod that adds blocks or dimensions from an existing world
• Test mod changes on a copy of your world first

Keeping Your Server Updated

Updating Mods

• Check Modrinth or CurseForge for mod updates
• Read changelogs before updating (some updates require world resets)
• Update all mods at once when possible to avoid version conflicts
• Back up before every update session

Updating Minecraft Version

Updating a modded server's Minecraft version is more involved than vanilla:

1. Wait until your mod loader supports the new version
2. Check that all your mods have been updated
3. Back up your world and configs
4. Install the new mod loader version
5. Download updated mod versions
6. Test thoroughly before letting players join

Missing even one mod can prevent the server from starting. Patience is key when updating modded servers..

Looking for modded server hosting that makes setup easy? Check out Minecraft Server Hosting with one-click mod loader installation, generous RAM plans, and easy file management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the easiest way to set up a modded Minecraft server?

Use a hosting provider with one-click mod loader installation. Select Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge from the control panel, upload your mods, and start playing. No Java installation, port forwarding, or file management required on your end.

Can I switch from Forge to Fabric on an existing server?

Not directly. Forge and Fabric mods are incompatible with each other. You'd need to start fresh with the new mod loader and find Fabric equivalents for your Forge mods. Your world may carry over if no Forge-specific blocks or items exist in it, but back up first.

How much RAM does a modded Minecraft server need?

Light modpacks need 6-8GB, medium modpacks need 8-10GB, and heavy packs like All The Mods need 10-16GB. Always check the modpack's recommended specs and monitor actual usage with Spark.

Do all players need the same mods installed?

Yes, for content mods that add blocks, items, or gameplay changes. Server-side utility mods (admin tools, performance mods) don't need to be on clients. Client-side mods (shaders, minimaps) don't need to be on the server.

Can I add mods to an existing world?

You can add most mods to an existing world safely. Removing mods is riskier because blocks and items from removed mods will disappear, potentially corrupting the world. Always back up before making changes.

Why does my modded server crash on startup?

The most common causes are mismatched mod versions, missing dependencies, incompatible Java versions, or insufficient RAM allocation. Check logs/latest.log for the specific error message. It usually tells you exactly which mod and why.

Is Forge or Fabric better for a modded server?

Forge has the largest mod library and supports most major modpacks. Fabric is lighter and faster but has fewer mods available. Choose based on which mods you want to play. If your modpack is on Forge, use Forge. If you want performance mods with vanilla-plus gameplay, use Fabric.

How do I install a modpack on my server?

Download the server files from the modpack's page on CurseForge or Modrinth, upload them to your server, and start it. Most hosting providers also offer one-click modpack installers that handle the entire process.