> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.vexiumhosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing Mods

> How to install Forge/Fabric mods

# Installing Mods

Mods add new content, mechanics, and features to Minecraft beyond what plugins offer.

## Best Practices

<Tip>
  **Before installing mods:**

  1. **Start small** - Add mods gradually to identify issues
  2. **Test locally** - Try mods in singleplayer first
  3. **Check compatibility** - Mods must match your exact Minecraft and loader version
  4. **Keep backups** - Always backup before adding or updating mods
  5. **Document your mods** - Keep a list of installed mods and versions
  6. **Use performance mods** - Especially for larger modpacks
</Tip>

## 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:

1. Select **Forge** or **Fabric**
2. Choose your Minecraft version
3. Save and wait for installation

### Step 2: Install Mods

1. Download mods from trusted sources
2. Upload `.jar` files to the `mods` folder
3. Restart your server

## Finding Mods

### Trusted Sources

| Site           | URL                                                            | Loaders       |
| -------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------- |
| **CurseForge** | [curseforge.com](https://www.curseforge.com/minecraft/mc-mods) | Forge, Fabric |
| **Modrinth**   | [modrinth.com](https://modrinth.com/mods)                      | Forge, Fabric |
| **GitHub**     | Various                                                        | Various       |

<Warning>
  **Never download mods from random websites.** They may contain malware.
</Warning>

## 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

### Performance (Fabric)

| Mod             | Description             |
| --------------- | ----------------------- |
| **Sodium**      | Rendering optimization  |
| **Lithium**     | Server optimization     |
| **Starlight**   | Lighting engine rewrite |
| **FerriteCore** | Memory optimization     |

### Performance (Forge)

| 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

1. In the **More** tab, select **Fabric**
2. Choose your Minecraft version
3. Click **Install** and wait for it to complete

### Step 2: Install Fabric API

Most Fabric mods require the Fabric API:

1. Go to the **More** tab
2. Search for "Fabric API"
3. Click **Install**

Or download manually from [Modrinth](https://modrinth.com/mod/fabric-api) and upload to the `mods` folder.

### Step 3: Add Mods

**Using the built-in installer (Recommended):**

1. Go to the **More** tab
2. Browse or search for mods
3. Click **Install** on the mods you want
4. Restart your server

**Manual installation:**

1. Download compatible mods
2. Check they match your MC version
3. Upload to `mods` folder via **Files**
4. Restart

## Installing Forge Mods

### Step 1: Set Up Forge Server

1. In the **More** tab, select **Forge**
2. Choose your Minecraft version
3. Select Forge version
4. Click **Install** and wait for it to complete

### Step 2: Add Mods

**Using the built-in installer (Recommended):**

1. Go to the **More** tab
2. Browse or search for mods
3. Click **Install** on the mods you want
4. Restart your server

**Manual installation:**

1. Download compatible mods
2. Verify Minecraft AND Forge version match
3. Upload to `mods` folder via **Files**
4. Restart

## Client Setup

Players need matching mods:

### Using CurseForge App

1. Install [CurseForge App](https://www.curseforge.com/download/app)
2. Create a custom profile
3. Add the same mods as server
4. Launch and connect

### Using Prism/MultiMC

1. Create new instance with loader
2. Add mods manually
3. Launch and connect

### Manual Installation

1. Install Forge/Fabric on client
2. Put mods in `.minecraft/mods`
3. 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
```

Solutions:

* Install required dependencies
* Update the mod
* Check version compatibility

### Server Crash on Startup

1. Remove all mods
2. Add mods one by one
3. Identify the problematic mod
4. 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
```

Solutions:

* Upgrade server RAM
* Remove heavy mods
* Reduce render distance
* Add performance mods

## Best Practices

1. **Start small** - Add mods gradually
2. **Test locally** - Try mods in singleplayer first
3. **Check compatibility** - Use mod compatibility charts
4. **Keep backups** - Before adding/updating mods
5. **Document your mods** - Keep a list of installed mods
6. **Use performance mods** - Especially for modpacks

## Next Steps

* [Installing Modpacks](/games/minecraft/modpacks)
* [Performance Optimization](/games/minecraft/optimization)
* [Troubleshooting](/games/minecraft/troubleshooting)


Built with [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com).