How to Use Mods on Your Minecraft Server

Expanding your Minecraft server with mods opens up a universe of exciting possibilities, from adding new creatures and dimensions to enhancing gameplay mechanics and visual experiences. If you’re looking to go beyond the vanilla Minecraft experience, installing mods is a fantastic way to customize your server. This guide will walk you through the process of how to use mods on your Minecraft server, focusing on using Forge, one of the most popular mod loaders for Minecraft Java Edition.

Step 1 – Install Forge on Your Server

Forge is a free, open-source modding API for Minecraft. It acts as a bridge, allowing different mods to work together seamlessly and load into your Minecraft server. Before you can add any mods, you’ll need to install Forge on your server. Here’s how to do it using a Game Panel:

Access Server Management: Begin by right-clicking on your Minecraft server instance within the Game Panel and select Manage. This will take you to your server’s configuration settings.
Navigate to Server Type Settings: Once in the management area, go to Configuration > Minecraft. Here, you’ll find the essential server settings. Open the Server and Startup tab to proceed with changing the server type.
Select and Install Forge: Locate the Server Type option within the Server and Startup settings. Click on the dropdown menu to view available server types. Choose the Forge version that corresponds to the Minecraft version your chosen mods require. It’s crucial to select the correct Forge version for compatibility. After selecting, click Download / Update. This will install or update Forge on your server, preparing it for mods.

This process not only installs Forge but also allows you to switch between different mod loaders like Spigot, Fabric, and Paper if needed for other types of server customizations.

Step 2 – Upload Mods to the Mods Folder

With Forge installed, you can now upload your desired mods. Minecraft mods typically come as .jar files and are placed in a specific folder named “mods” on your server. Here’s how to upload them:

Open File Manager: Navigate back to the main menu of your Game Panel and find File Manager. This tool allows you to access and manage your server’s files and folders directly.
Create the ‘mods’ Folder: If a “mods” folder doesn’t already exist in your server’s root directory, you’ll need to create one. In the File Manager, right-click in the file area and select Create Directory. Name the new directory exactly mods and press OK. This folder is where all your mod .jar files will reside.
Download Mods and Add-ons: Find and download the mods you wish to install. Reputable sources for Minecraft mods include CurseForge and 9minecraft. When downloading mods, pay close attention to the required Minecraft version and any necessary add-ons or dependencies. Mod descriptions on sites like 9minecraft often list these requirements.
Upload Mods to the ‘mods’ Folder: Once you have downloaded the mod .jar files (and any required add-ons), upload them to the mods folder you created on your server. You can do this directly in the File Manager by dragging and dropping the files from your computer into the mods folder area. For larger files or multiple mods, using SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), accessible via a link in the top right corner of the File Manager, can provide faster and more reliable uploads.

Ensure you upload all necessary files, including any add-ons, for each mod to function correctly. Missing components can prevent mods from loading or cause crashes.

Step 3 – Restart Your Server to Activate Mods

The final step in using mods on your Minecraft server is to restart the server. Mods are loaded during server startup, so a restart is necessary for them to take effect.

Stop the Server: Before restarting, ensure your Minecraft server is completely stopped. Navigate to the Status section in your Game Panel. Check the application status; it should indicate “Stopped” before proceeding.
Start the Server: Once the status shows as stopped, simply start your server again. During the startup process, Forge will detect and load the mods located in the mods folder.

After the server restarts, the mods should be active. You and your players can now connect to the server and enjoy the modded Minecraft experience.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Check Mod Compatibility: Always ensure that the mods you install are compatible with the version of Forge and Minecraft you are using.
Review Mod Documentation: If you encounter issues, consult the mod’s official documentation or support forums. Mod authors often provide troubleshooting steps and compatibility information.
Contact Mod Author: For specific mod-related problems, reaching out to the mod author or their community support channels can be helpful.

Important Note on Minecraft Bedrock Edition:

It’s important to remember that Minecraft Bedrock Edition (the version on Windows 10, consoles, and mobile devices) does not support mods in the same way as Java Edition. Bedrock Edition users can enhance their game with add-ons available through the in-game Marketplace, which offers a curated selection of content officially supported by Minecraft.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to successfully use mods on your Minecraft server, opening up a wealth of new gameplay possibilities and customization options for you and your community. Explore different mods, experiment with modpacks, and transform your Minecraft server into a unique and exciting world.

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