Installing Mods
Mods add new content, mechanics, and features to Minecraft beyond what plugins offer.
Best Practices
Before installing mods:
- Start small - Add mods gradually to identify issues
- Test locally - Try mods in singleplayer first
- Check compatibility - Mods must match your exact Minecraft and loader version
- Keep backups - Always backup before adding or updating mods
- Document your mods - Keep a list of installed mods and versions
- Use performance mods - Especially for larger modpacks
Mods vs Plugins
| Feature | Plugins | Mods |
|---|
| Server Type | Paper/Spigot | Forge/Fabric |
| Client Required | No | Yes (usually) |
| Content | Commands, features | New blocks, items, mechanics |
| Performance | Generally lighter | Can be heavier |
| Compatibility | Usually compatible | Need version matching |
Mod Loaders
Forge
- Most mods available
- Larger modpacks
- More resource intensive
- Best for: Big modpacks, tech mods
Fabric
- Lightweight and fast
- Growing mod library
- Better performance
- Best for: Optimization, newer mods
NeoForge
- Modern Forge fork (1.20.2+)
- Active development
- Forge mod compatible (mostly)
Setting Up a Modded Server
Step 1: Choose Your Loader
In the panel Startup settings:
- Select Forge or Fabric
- Choose your Minecraft version
- Save and wait for installation
Step 2: Install Mods
- Download mods from trusted sources
- Upload
.jar files to the mods folder
- Restart your server
Finding Mods
Trusted Sources
| Site | URL | Loaders |
|---|
| CurseForge | curseforge.com | Forge, Fabric |
| Modrinth | modrinth.com | Forge, Fabric |
| GitHub | Various | Various |
Never download mods from random websites. They may contain malware.
Server-Side vs Client-Side
Server-Side Only
Installed only on server:
- Some optimization mods
- Server utilities
- Doesn’t require client installation
Client-Side Only
Installed only on client:
- Shader mods
- UI improvements
- Minimaps (some)
Both Required
Installed on server AND client:
- Content mods (new blocks/items)
- Most gameplay mods
- Players must have same mods
Essential Mod Categories
| Mod | Description |
|---|
| Sodium | Rendering optimization |
| Lithium | Server optimization |
| Starlight | Lighting engine rewrite |
| FerriteCore | Memory optimization |
| Mod | Description |
|---|
| Embeddium | Sodium port for Forge |
| Canary | Lithium port for Forge |
Utilities
| Mod | Description |
|---|
| JEI/REI | Recipe viewer |
| JourneyMap | Minimap |
| Inventory Sorting | Inventory management |
Content Mods
| Mod | Description |
|---|
| Create | Mechanical contraptions |
| Mekanism | Tech and machines |
| Biomes O’ Plenty | New biomes |
| Twilight Forest | New dimension |
Installing Fabric Mods
Step 1: Set Up Fabric Server
- In the More tab, select Fabric
- Choose your Minecraft version
- Click Install and wait for it to complete
Step 2: Install Fabric API
Most Fabric mods require the Fabric API:
- Go to the More tab
- Search for “Fabric API”
- Click Install
Or download manually from Modrinth and upload to the mods folder.
Step 3: Add Mods
Using the built-in installer (Recommended):
- Go to the More tab
- Browse or search for mods
- Click Install on the mods you want
- Restart your server
Manual installation:
- Download compatible mods
- Check they match your MC version
- Upload to
mods folder via Files
- Restart
Installing Forge Mods
Step 1: Set Up Forge Server
- In the More tab, select Forge
- Choose your Minecraft version
- Select Forge version
- Click Install and wait for it to complete
Step 2: Add Mods
Using the built-in installer (Recommended):
- Go to the More tab
- Browse or search for mods
- Click Install on the mods you want
- Restart your server
Manual installation:
- Download compatible mods
- Verify Minecraft AND Forge version match
- Upload to
mods folder via Files
- Restart
Client Setup
Players need matching mods:
Using CurseForge App
- Install CurseForge App
- Create a custom profile
- Add the same mods as server
- Launch and connect
Using Prism/MultiMC
- Create new instance with loader
- Add mods manually
- Launch and connect
Manual Installation
- Install Forge/Fabric on client
- Put mods in
.minecraft/mods
- Launch and connect
Mod Configuration
Mod configs are usually in:
/config/ folder (most mods)/mods/ folder (some mods)
Edit .toml, .json, or .cfg files to customize mods.
Version Compatibility
CRITICAL: Mods must match exactly:
- Minecraft version (1.20.4 ≠ 1.20.1)
- Mod loader version
- Dependency versions
Example:
✅ Mod for Fabric 1.20.1 on Fabric 1.20.1 server
❌ Mod for Fabric 1.20.1 on Fabric 1.20.4 server
❌ Mod for Forge on Fabric server
Troubleshooting
Mod Not Loading
Check console for:
[ERROR] Mod X requires mod Y version 1.2.3 or higher
- Install required dependencies
- Update the mod
- Check version compatibility
Server Crash on Startup
- Remove all mods
- Add mods one by one
- Identify the problematic mod
- Check for conflicts or missing dependencies
Client Can’t Connect
“Incompatible mods” error:
- Ensure client has exact same mods
- Check mod versions match
- Remove client-only mods from server
Out of Memory
java.lang.OutOfMemoryError
- Upgrade server RAM
- Remove heavy mods
- Reduce render distance
- Add performance mods
Best Practices
- Start small - Add mods gradually
- Test locally - Try mods in singleplayer first
- Check compatibility - Use mod compatibility charts
- Keep backups - Before adding/updating mods
- Document your mods - Keep a list of installed mods
- Use performance mods - Especially for modpacks
Next Steps
