Installing Modpacks
Modpacks are pre-configured collections of mods that work together to create unique gameplay experiences.
Best Practices
Before installing a modpack:
- Check RAM requirements - Modpacks need significantly more RAM than vanilla
- Start fresh - Don’t migrate worlds between different modpacks
- Match versions exactly - Server and clients must run the same modpack version
- Read the wiki - Many modpacks have official guides and documentation
- Regular backups - Modpacks can be less stable than vanilla
- Join the community - Modpack Discord servers are great for help
What is a Modpack?
A modpack includes:
- A curated set of mods
- Pre-configured settings
- Custom recipes (sometimes)
- Quests and progression (often)
| Platform | URL | Features |
|---|
| CurseForge | curseforge.com | Largest collection |
| Modrinth | modrinth.com | Growing library |
| Feed The Beast | feed-the-beast.com | Classic modpacks |
| Technic | technicpack.net | Easy launcher |
| ATLauncher | atlauncher.com | Many modpacks |
Installing Modpacks
Method 1: Server Modpack Files
Many modpacks provide server files:
- Find the “Server Files” download
- Download the server
.zip
- Upload to your server via SFTP
- Extract the files
- Configure and start
Method 2: Manual Installation
- Download the modpack client files
- Find the
mods folder
- Upload mods to server’s
mods folder
- Upload config files to
config folder
- Install required server software (Forge/Fabric)
RAM Requirements
Modpacks need more RAM than vanilla:
| Modpack Size | Recommended RAM |
|---|
| Light (20-50 mods) | 4-6GB |
| Medium (50-100 mods) | 6-8GB |
| Heavy (100-200 mods) | 8-12GB |
| Massive (200+ mods) | 12GB+ |
Your server plan must have enough RAM for your modpack. Upgrade if needed!
Popular Modpacks
Kitchen Sink (Everything)
| Modpack | Mods | Description |
|---|
| All The Mods 9 | 400+ | Everything included |
| FTB Revelation | 200+ | Classic FTB experience |
| Enigmatica | 300+ | Quests and exploration |
Tech Focused
| Modpack | Description |
|---|
| Create: Above and Beyond | Create mod focused |
| FTB Infinity Evolved | Classic tech pack |
| Gregtech: New Horizons | Hardcore tech |
Magic Focused
| Modpack | Description |
|---|
| Arcane Realms | Magic and adventure |
| MC Eternal | Magic and tech blend |
| Modpack | Description |
|---|
| Better Minecraft | Vanilla+ experience |
| Fabulously Optimized | Just optimizations |
Skyblock/Challenge
| Modpack | Description |
|---|
| SkyFactory 4 | Skyblock with automation |
| Stoneblock 2 | Underground variant |
| RLCraft | Hardcore survival |
Step-by-Step: CurseForge Modpack
Server Setup
- Go to the modpack page on CurseForge
- Click Files → find server files
- Download the server
.zip
- Upload to your server root
- Extract files
- Check
start.sh or startup parameters
- Start your server
Client Setup
- Install CurseForge App
- Search for the modpack
- Click Install
- Wait for download
- Click Play
- Connect to your server
Updating Modpacks
Updating Server
- Backup your world and configs
- Download new server files
- Compare and merge:
- New
mods folder
- Keep your
world folder
- Compare
config changes
- Test thoroughly
Updating Clients
Players update through their launcher (CurseForge, etc.)
Server and clients must run the same modpack version!
Custom Modpacks
Creating your own modpack:
- Choose your mods carefully
- Test compatibility
- Configure each mod
- Export for server and clients
- Host files for players
Troubleshooting
Crash on Startup
- Check RAM allocation
- Look at crash log for specific mod
- Verify all mods are compatible
- Try known-working version
Players Can’t Connect
- Ensure same modpack version
- Check for client-only mods on server
- Verify same mod list
- Add performance mods if not included
- Lower view distance
- Reduce entity limits in configs
- Upgrade server RAM
Missing Items/Blocks
- World may be from wrong modpack
- Mod was removed in update
- Check mod configs
Best Practices
- Start fresh - Don’t migrate worlds between modpacks
- Read the wiki - Many modpacks have guides
- Join Discord - Modpack communities help
- Regular backups - Modpacks can be unstable
- Match versions - Server and clients must match exactly
JVM Arguments
Modpacks often need optimized JVM settings:
-XX:+UseG1GC -XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200
-XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions -XX:+DisableExplicitGC
-XX:G1NewSizePercent=30 -XX:G1MaxNewSizePercent=40
-XX:G1HeapRegionSize=8M -XX:G1ReservePercent=20
-XX:G1HeapWastePercent=5 -XX:G1MixedGCCountTarget=4
Check your panel’s Startup settings for JVM flags.
Next Steps