How to Install a Custom Modpack on Your Minecraft Server

Installing a custom modpack on your Minecraft server allows you to create a unique gameplay experience with your chosen mods. This guide shows you how to prepare your modpack locally and install it on your server using the Wabbanode Control Panel.

Important: Client-Side vs Server-Side Mods

Before uploading your modpack to the server, you need to understand the difference between client-side and server-side mods:

• Server-side mods: Required on the server for gameplay mechanics, world generation, new blocks/items, etc.
• Client-side mods: Only needed on the player's game client (visual enhancements, minimap, GUI changes, performance mods like Optifine/Sodium)

Installing the Correct Server Type

1. Navigate to the Wabbanode Control Panel and select your Minecraft server.
2. Click Change Version in the sidebar to access the version manager.
3. Locate the server type that matches your modpack:
   • Forge for Forge modpacks
   • Fabric for Fabric modpacks
   • NeoForge for NeoForge modpacks (modern Forge alternative for 1.20+)
4. Click Select Version next to the server type.
5. Choose the exact Minecraft version and mod loader build that your modpack uses, then click install.
6. Once installation is complete, Stop your server if it started automatically.

Uploading Your Modpack Files

After installing the correct server type, upload your modpack's mods and configuration:

1. On your local computer, navigate to your modpack's folder
2. Create a .zip file containing:
   • The mods folder (with client-side mods removed)
   • The config folder (if your modpack has custom configurations)
   • Any other required folders (scripts, etc.)
3. In the Wabbanode Control Panel, click Files to access the file manager.
4. Click Upload Files and select your .zip file.
5. Select the uploaded .zip file by clicking the checkbox next to it.
6. Click Unarchive to extract the modpack files.
7. Verify that the mods and config folders were extracted to the server's root directory.
8. Start your server.

The server will load with your custom modpack. Monitor the console for any errors during startup.

Troubleshooting

• Server crashes on startup. Check the console for errors. Common causes include client-side mods that weren't removed, incompatible mod versions, or missing dependencies.
• Missing mods error. Ensure the server has the correct mod loader type and version. Verify that all required server-side mods are in the mods folder.
• Players can't connect. Ensure players have the exact same modpack installed on their client (minus server-only mods). Mod versions must match exactly between client and server.
• Mods not loading. Verify that the mods folder is in the correct location (server root directory) and that you're using the right mod loader version.
• Configuration not applied. Ensure the config folder was uploaded and extracted to the server root. Some mods require server restart after config changes.
• Version mismatch errors. Double-check that the Minecraft version, mod loader type, and mod loader version all match between your local modpack and the server installation.