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Installing Modpacks

Modpacks are pre-configured collections of mods that work together to create unique gameplay experiences.

Best Practices

Before installing a modpack:
  1. Check RAM requirements - Modpacks need significantly more RAM than vanilla
  2. Start fresh - Don’t migrate worlds between different modpacks
  3. Match versions exactly - Server and clients must run the same modpack version
  4. Read the wiki - Many modpacks have official guides and documentation
  5. Regular backups - Modpacks can be less stable than vanilla
  6. 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)
PlatformURLFeatures
CurseForgecurseforge.comLargest collection
Modrinthmodrinth.comGrowing library
Feed The Beastfeed-the-beast.comClassic modpacks
Technictechnicpack.netEasy launcher
ATLauncheratlauncher.comMany modpacks

Installing Modpacks

Method 1: Server Modpack Files

Many modpacks provide server files:
  1. Find the “Server Files” download
  2. Download the server .zip
  3. Upload to your server via SFTP
  4. Extract the files
  5. Configure and start

Method 2: Manual Installation

  1. Download the modpack client files
  2. Find the mods folder
  3. Upload mods to server’s mods folder
  4. Upload config files to config folder
  5. Install required server software (Forge/Fabric)

RAM Requirements

Modpacks need more RAM than vanilla:
Modpack SizeRecommended 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!

Kitchen Sink (Everything)

ModpackModsDescription
All The Mods 9400+Everything included
FTB Revelation200+Classic FTB experience
Enigmatica300+Quests and exploration

Tech Focused

ModpackDescription
Create: Above and BeyondCreate mod focused
FTB Infinity EvolvedClassic tech pack
Gregtech: New HorizonsHardcore tech

Magic Focused

ModpackDescription
Arcane RealmsMagic and adventure
MC EternalMagic and tech blend

Performance Friendly

ModpackDescription
Better MinecraftVanilla+ experience
Fabulously OptimizedJust optimizations

Skyblock/Challenge

ModpackDescription
SkyFactory 4Skyblock with automation
Stoneblock 2Underground variant
RLCraftHardcore survival

Step-by-Step: CurseForge Modpack

Server Setup

  1. Go to the modpack page on CurseForge
  2. Click Files → find server files
  3. Download the server .zip
  4. Upload to your server root
  5. Extract files
  6. Check start.sh or startup parameters
  7. Start your server

Client Setup

  1. Install CurseForge App
  2. Search for the modpack
  3. Click Install
  4. Wait for download
  5. Click Play
  6. Connect to your server

Updating Modpacks

Updating Server

  1. Backup your world and configs
  2. Download new server files
  3. Compare and merge:
    • New mods folder
    • Keep your world folder
    • Compare config changes
  4. 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:
  1. Choose your mods carefully
  2. Test compatibility
  3. Configure each mod
  4. Export for server and clients
  5. Host files for players

Troubleshooting

Crash on Startup

  1. Check RAM allocation
  2. Look at crash log for specific mod
  3. Verify all mods are compatible
  4. Try known-working version

Players Can’t Connect

  • Ensure same modpack version
  • Check for client-only mods on server
  • Verify same mod list

Low Performance

  1. Add performance mods if not included
  2. Lower view distance
  3. Reduce entity limits in configs
  4. Upgrade server RAM

Missing Items/Blocks

  • World may be from wrong modpack
  • Mod was removed in update
  • Check mod configs

Best Practices

  1. Start fresh - Don’t migrate worlds between modpacks
  2. Read the wiki - Many modpacks have guides
  3. Join Discord - Modpack communities help
  4. Regular backups - Modpacks can be unstable
  5. 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