How to Make a Modded Minecraft Server: The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Modded Server in Minecraft

Final: How to Make a Modded Minecraft Server

Creating a modded Minecraft server lets you customize your gameplay experience with new content, mechanics, and features that are not available in the vanilla game. However, setting one up requires more than simply installing mods. You need a compatible Minecraft Java Edition version, a mod loader such as Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge, and compatible mods installed on the server and, where required, each player’s client.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to make a modded Minecraft server step by step, from choosing the right setup and installing mods to configuring the server, monitoring its performance, and making it available for other players.

Verdict

To make a modded Minecraft server, choose your Minecraft Java Edition version, install a compatible mod loader, add the required mods to the server and, where necessary, each player’s client, accept the EULA, configure your server settings, and start the server.

 

For small private servers, you can host from your own PC. For larger modpacks or 24/7 multiplayer, a Minecraft hosting provider is usually the easier option, although it typically requires a monthly fee.

You do not need paid hosting to test a modded Minecraft server. You can set up and run a small server on your own PC, especially when playing with just a few friends. However, hosting becomes useful when you want your server online 24/7, need a better network connection, or plan to run larger modpacks with multiple players.

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Takeaways
  • Several mod loaders, including Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge, are specifically designed to support modded Minecraft servers.
  • Finding the right mods can be done by filtering for specific criteria like Minecraft version, popularity, or category.
  • Once downloaded, mods can be installed by adding them to the server directory or uploading them via an FTP client.
  • Modded Minecraft servers require compatible server-side mods and, where required, matching client-side mods on each player’s machine.
  • Managing the server includes starting and stopping it, monitoring performance, and updating the mods and the modpack.
  • Allowing players to connect to the server requires sharing the server information and troubleshooting connection issues.

Requirements

Tip

The general process for creating a DIY modded Minecraft server includes the following steps:

  1. Download and install Java (JDK)
  2. Download and install your chosen mod loader (Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge)
  3. Run the server once to generate the required files
  4. Accept the Minecraft EULA
  5. Configure server settings
  6. Install compatible mods
  7. Start your server
  8. Connect to your modded Minecraft server

Minimum and recommended hardware system requirements for a modded Minecraft server depend on the Minecraft version, the number of players, and the complexity of your chosen modpack. In general, you’ll need:

1. Computer Specs

  • CPU: A processor with strong single-thread performance, since Minecraft relies heavily on individual CPU cores.
  • RAM: At least 4 GB for a small modded server, with additional memory required for larger modpacks and higher player counts.
  • Storage: 10–20 GB of available storage for the server files, mods, and world data. An SSD is recommended for better performance.
  • Operating System: Windows, macOS, or Linux, with up-to-date system libraries and security patches
  • Java: The latest compatible Java version required by your chosen Minecraft and mod loader version.

2. Internet Connection Speed

If you’re hosting the server from your own computer, a stable internet connection is essential. Upload speed is especially important because your server continuously sends world data and player updates to everyone connected.

As a general guideline, aim for a stable upload connection with at least 5–10 Mbps of available upload bandwidth for a small private server, with higher speeds providing more headroom as player count and activity increase.

To check your internet connection speed:

  • Use online speed test websites like Speedtest.net and Fast.com to measure both your upload and download speeds.
  • Check your internet service provider (ISP) to view the details of your current plan, including the upload and download speeds you should be receiving.

To optimize your internet connection:

  • Upgrade your internet plan.
  • Connect your computer to the router using an Ethernet cable instead of relying on Wi-Fi.
  • Restart your modem and router to clear any potential issues that may have developed over time.
  • If you’re using a hosting provider, choose a server location that’s geographically close to most of your players to reduce latency..

3. Minecraft Mod Loaders

There are several mod loaders available for modded Minecraft servers. The most popular options are Forge, Fabric, and NeoForge. The right choice depends on the mods or modpack you want to run, as each loader supports different projects.

Forge

  • Designed for large, feature-rich modpacks with extensive mod compatibility.
  • Pros: Largest mod ecosystem, broad compatibility, mature community.
  • Cons: Higher resource usage and a more complex setup than some alternatives.

Fabric

  • A lightweight mod loader focused on performance and faster updates for new Minecraft versions.
  • Pros: Lightweight, excellent performance, quick version support.
  • Cons: Smaller mod library than Forge and requires mods specifically designed for Fabric.

NeoForge

  • A modern Forge-based mod loader that supports many newer mods and modpacks.
  • Pros: Modern architecture, growing ecosystem, good support for new projects.
  • Cons: Smaller mod library than Forge and some compatibility differences.

This guide focuses on setting up a Forge server since it remains one of the most widely used options for modded Minecraft servers, but the same general process applies to other mod loaders. Always make sure the server and all players use the same Minecraft version, mod loader, and matching mods.

4. Hardware Recommendations by Modpack Size

The size and complexity of your modpack are among the biggest factors affecting hardware requirements. While lightweight packs can run comfortably on modest hardware, larger collections with hundreds of mods require significantly more RAM and stronger CPU performance.

Modpack sizePlayersRAMCPU
Light (20–50 mods)2–54 GBModern CPU with strong single-thread performance
Medium (50–150 mods)5–106–8 GBModern 4+ core CPU with strong single-thread performance
Heavy (150–300+ mods)10+8–12 GB+High-performance CPU with strong single-thread performance

These recommendations are intended as a starting point. Actual resource usage depends on factors such as the Minecraft version, installed mods, render distance, simulation distance, automation-heavy gameplay, and the number of active players. Avoid allocating all available system RAM to Java. Make sure your computer has additional memory available for the operating system and background applications.

5. Modpack

A modpack is a collection of compatible Minecraft mods bundled together to create a specific gameplay experience. Modpacks can introduce new mechanics, game modes, dimensions, visual improvements, additional content, and quality-of-life features. By combining mods and configurations into a single package, they simplify installation and can make it easier to maintain a consistent setup across players.

Before downloading a modpack, make sure it’s compatible with your chosen Minecraft version and mod loader (Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge).

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Setting Up the Server

Before setting up your modded Minecraft server, use this checklist to prepare the required files, confirm compatibility, and avoid common setup issues. Many common problems occur when the Minecraft version, mod loader, and installed mods do not match.

StepFile/FolderActionMistake to Avoid
Prepare your server folderServer root folderCreate an empty folder for all server filesMixing server files with other Minecraft installations
Confirm Minecraft versionMinecraft launcher/server filesChoose the Minecraft version before installing modsUsing mods or a loader built for a different version
Install mod loaderForge/Fabric/NeoForge installer filesDownload and install the correct mod loader versionUsing a loader version that does not match your mods
Add modsMods folderPlace compatible mod files in the correct folderInstalling incompatible mods or missing required dependencies
Configure serverServer.properties / config folderAdjust gameplay settings and mod configurationsEditing configuration files without creating backups
Test the serverServer console / Minecraft clientStart the server and verify that mods load correctlyInviting players before confirming the setup works

Installing Minecraft Server Software

  1. Download Forge: Visit the official Forge website and select the version of Minecraft you wish to use. It’s essential to choose a Forge version that is compatible with your desired Minecraft version and mods.
  2. Install Forge: Once the download is complete, run the Forge installer. Select “Install server” and choose a dedicated folder for your Minecraft server. The installer will download the required files and create the server installation in that location.
  3. Accept the EULA: Locate the ‘eula.txt’ file in your server folder and open it with a text editor. Change the line ‘eula=false’ to ‘eula=true’ to accept the Minecraft End User License Agreement.
  4. Configure server settings: Open the server.properties file in your server folder with a text editor. Here, you can adjust settings such as the server MOTD, game mode, difficulty, and other preferences.
  5. Launch the Forge server: Use the launch script generated by the Forge installer to start the server. Depending on your Minecraft and Forge versions, the generated files and startup process may differ. On Windows, this will typically be a .bat file such as run.bat; on Linux, use the corresponding shell script or launch command generated by your Forge installation. Starting the server will generate the additional files and folders required for your setup, including the mods folder.
Tip
Common mistake: Do not mix Minecraft versions. If your server runs a specific Minecraft version with Forge, every player must use the same Minecraft version, a compatible Forge profile, and the required compatible mod setup. A newer mod file is not always backward compatible and can cause crashes or connection errors.

Creating a New World

  1. Set the world name: Open the ‘server.properties’ file in your server folder using a text editor (e.g., Notepad or Notepad++). Find the line ‘level-name=’ and change the default value (world) to your desired world name. For example, ‘level-name=MyMinecraftWorld’.
  2. Choose a seed: To set a specific seed for your world generation, find the line ‘level-seed=’ in the ‘server.properties’ file. Add the desired seed value after the equals sign. Seeds can be numerical or text-based. For example, ‘level-seed=123456789’ or ‘level-seed=MyUniqueSeed’. If you leave this field empty, the server will generate a random seed.
  3. Save the changes and restart the server: After changing server.properties, save the file and restart the server for the changes to take effect. If you are creating a new world for the first time, the server will generate it using the specified settings.
Tip
Remember that altering world settings may affect server performance and gameplay. Therefore, it is crucial to strike a balance between customization and maintaining smooth gameplay for all players.

Configuring Server Properties

  1. Access the server properties file: Open the ‘server.properties’ file located in your server folder using a text editor (e.g., Notepad or Notepad++).
  2. Set the game mode: Locate the line ‘gamemode=’ in the server.properties file. Change the default value (0) to the desired game mode: 0 for Survival, 1 for Creative, 2 for Adventure, or 3 for Spectator. For example, ‘gamemode=0’ would set the server to Survival mode.
  3. Configure the difficulty: Find the line ‘difficulty=’ in the server.properties file. Change the default value (1) to the desired difficulty level: 0 for Peaceful, 1 for Easy, 2 for Normal, or 3 for Hard. For example, ‘difficulty=3’ would set the server to Hard difficulty.
  4. Set the player limit: Locate the line ‘max-players=’ in the server.properties file. Change the default value (20) to the desired maximum number of players allowed on the server. For example, ‘max-players=10’ would allow up to 10 players to join the server simultaneously.
  5. Save and restart the server: After making the desired changes to the server.properties file, save it and close the text editor. Restart your Minecraft server for the changes to take effect.
Note
Remember to back up your server files before making any changes to the configuration files or settings. This will help you restore the server to its previous state if something goes wrong during the customization process.

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Choosing and Installing Mods

Finding Mods Online

There are several reputable platforms where you can find Minecraft mods and modpacks. When choosing where to download a mod, prioritize established platforms that provide version information, compatibility details, dependencies, and user feedback.

  • CurseForge: CurseForge is one of the largest platforms for Minecraft mods and modpacks. It provides detailed information about supported Minecraft versions, mod loaders, dependencies, downloads, and user feedback.
  • Modrinth: Modrinth is a popular platform for Minecraft mods and modpacks, with a clean interface and strong filtering options for Minecraft versions and mod loaders. It is also widely used by developers and players looking for Fabric, Forge, and NeoForge content.
  • Planet Minecraft: Planet Minecraft is a community-driven website where users can share their creations, including mods, skins, maps, resource packs, and more. It can be useful for discovering community-created content.

When searching for mods on these platforms, use the available filters to narrow down your options and find mods that match your server setup.

How to Choose Safe and Compatible Mods

Before adding any mod to your Minecraft server, check these six things:

  • Source: Download mods from reputable platforms such as CurseForge or Modrinth and avoid unfamiliar websites or reuploaded files. If you discover a mod through a community site such as Planet Minecraft, verify the original download source before installing it.
  • Minecraft version: Make sure the mod supports the exact Minecraft version running on your server. A mod built for 1.20.1 may not work on 1.20.6 or 1.21.
  • Mod loader: Check whether the mod requires Forge, Fabric, NeoForge, or another loader, and make sure it matches your server setup.
  • Dependencies: Read the mod’s requirements and install any libraries or other mods it depends on. Missing dependencies can prevent the server from starting.
  • Server or client side: Check whether the mod is designed for the server, the client, or both. Client-only mods generally should not be uploaded to the server, while some mods require installation on both the server and each player’s client.
  • Recent reports and RAM requirements: Look at recent user reports for crashes, compatibility problems, or known issues, and make sure your server has enough RAM for the mod and the rest of your setup.

Once you have checked these factors, use the platform’s filters to narrow down the available mods. Filter by Minecraft version and mod loader first, then use categories or the search bar to find mods that fit your needs.

Downloading Mods

Once you have found a compatible mod, open its project page and select the file that matches your Minecraft version and mod loader. Read the installation instructions and check whether the mod requires additional dependencies before downloading it.

Most individual Minecraft mods are distributed as .jar files that should be placed in the server’s mods folder. If you download an archive such as a ZIP file, check the mod’s documentation before extracting or uploading its contents.

Installing Mods on the Server

Tip
Before installing a new mod, back up your server files and world so you can restore them if the mod causes crashes or compatibility problems.

The two most common methods are adding mod files through the server’s file manager or transferring them via FTP/SFTP.

  1. File manager: This method involves adding the mod files directly to the server’s “mods” folder, which can be accessed through the server’s control panel or file manager. This is the simplest method, especially if you are running the server on your own computer.
  2. FTP/SFTP: If you are using a remote server hosted by a third-party provider, you may need to use an FTP client to transfer the mod files to the server. This method allows you to manage the server files remotely without having to access the server’s control panel or file manager.

A. Installing mods using a file manager:

  1. Locate the “mods” folder: Navigate to the Minecraft server directory (the folder where your server software and files are stored). Inside the server directory, you will find a “mods” folder.
  2. Add the mod file: Place the mod file (usually a .jar file) into the “mods” folder in your server directory.
  3. Restart the server: After adding the mod file, restart your Minecraft server to load the mod. The mod should now be active on your server.

B. Installing mods through FTP/SFTP:

  1. Download an FTP client: To transfer files to your remote server, you will need an FTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck.
  2. Connect to your server: Open the FTP client and enter the required information to connect to your server, such as the server address, username, and password. This information should be provided by your hosting provider.
  3. Locate the “mods” folder: Once connected to your server, navigate to the Minecraft server directory and find the “mods” folder.
  4. Transfer the mod file: Drag and drop the mod file (usually a .jar file) from your computer into the “mods” folder on your server using the FTP client.
  5. Restart the server: After transferring the mod file, restart your Minecraft server to load the mod. The mod should now be active on your server.

Troubleshooting Common Mod Installation Issues

Mod-related problems are often caused by incompatible versions, missing dependencies, or a mod that conflicts with another part of the server setup. The table below covers some of the most common issues and what to check first.

IssueLikely causeFix
Server crashes on startupA newly added mod may be incompatible, corrupted, or missing a required dependency.If the server starts without mods but crashes after you add one, remove the new mod and restart the server. If it starts normally, check the latest.log file for errors.
Missing dependenciesThe mod requires another mod or library that is not installed, or the dependency version is incorrect.Check the mod’s documentation or error message, then install the required dependency for the correct Minecraft version and mod loader.
Mismatched mod versionsThe server and client have different mod versions, or a mod is built for a different Minecraft version or loader.Compare the mod lists and versions on the server and client, then replace incompatible files with matching versions.
Players cannot joinA player is missing a required mod or has a different Minecraft, loader, or mod configuration from the server.Compare the server’s mod list with the player’s client and verify Minecraft and loader versions before trying again.
Mod does not loadThe mod may be in the wrong folder, built for a different loader, or intended only for the client.Confirm that the .jar file is in the server’s mods folder and that the mod supports the server’s Minecraft version and loader. 
Corrupted or invalid mod fileThe download may have failed, the file may be incomplete, or the mod may come from an unreliable source.Remove the problematic file and download it again from a reputable source. Confirm that you downloaded the correct file for your version and loader.

If the problem persists, add or remove mods one at a time so you can identify which mod is causing the conflict. When troubleshooting a modded Minecraft server, check the server log after each installation change to help pinpoint the underlying problem.

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Configuring Mods

Understanding Mod Configurations

Mod configurations are settings and options within a mod that allow server administrators to customize various aspects of the mod’s functionality, such as altering specific gameplay elements, adding or removing features, and adjusting values or limits.

Configuring Modpack Options

  1. Locate the configuration files: After installing a modpack on your server, navigate to the ‘config’ folder in your server folder. This folder contains configuration files for individual mods, as well as global modpack settings.
  2. Adjust game difficulty: If the modpack has its own difficulty settings, you can usually find them in a configuration file within the ‘config’ folder. Open the file using a text editor, and adjust the difficulty setting according to your preference. Save the changes and restart the server for the new settings to take effect. If the modpack uses the default Minecraft difficulty settings, you can adjust the difficulty in the ‘server.properties’ file.
  3. Configure resource allocation: Some modpacks may require more resources (RAM, CPU, and storage) than a vanilla Minecraft server. To allocate more resources to your server, edit the server’s generated launch configuration to increase the amount of RAM allocated to the server. For example, if you are using a Forge server, you can adjust the -Xmx and -Xms values in the script to allocate more RAM.
  4. Manage player permissions: To configure player permissions within a modpack, you can either use the modpack’s built-in permission system, Minecraft’s operator system, or a permissions mod compatible with your chosen loader. Follow the modpack or mod documentation to set up and manage player permissions. This can involve creating permission groups, assigning permissions to groups or individual players, and setting up inheritance between groups.
  5. Customize individual mods: Within the ‘config’ folder, you will find configuration files for each mod included in the modpack. Open these files with a text editor to adjust mod-specific settings, such as item spawn rates, recipe options, or world generation settings. Always save the changes and restart the server for the new settings to take effect.

Finding Mod Configuration Files

  1. Locate your server’s root directory: This is the main folder where your server software, world data, and other essential files are stored.
  2. Look for the “config” folder: In most cases, mod configuration files will be stored in this folder. Open it to access the various mod config files.
  3. Search for the specific mod’s config file: Mod configuration files are usually named after the mod itself or a related identifier. For instance, if you have a mod called “ExampleMod,” its configuration file may be named “examplemod.cfg,” “examplemod.toml,” or something similar.
  4. If you don’t find the setting you need in the config folder, check the mod’s documentation for the correct configuration location. Some server-side Forge configurations are stored in the world’s serverconfig folder rather than the main config folder.

Editing Mod Configurations

  1. Backup the original configuration files: Before making any changes, it’s important to make a backup of the original configuration files to ensure you can revert to the default settings if needed.
  2. Locate the configuration file: As mentioned earlier, mod configuration files are commonly found in the config folder or, for some server-side settings, the world’s serverconfig folder. Check the mod’s documentation if you’re unsure where a particular setting is stored.
  3. Use a text editor: Open the configuration file using a text editor such as Notepad, Notepad++, Visual Studio Code, or Sublime Text. Ensure that the text editor you use supports the file format of the configuration file (e.g., JSON, YAML, or TOML).
  4. Understand the configuration settings: Carefully read through the configuration settings to understand what each setting does. If you’re not sure about a specific setting, refer to the mod’s documentation or consult online forums for guidance.
  5. Edit the settings: Make changes to the configuration settings according to your preferences, ensuring that you follow the correct syntax for the file format. Be cautious when making changes, as incorrect settings can cause the mod to malfunction or crash the server.
  6. Save the changes: After editing the configuration settings, save the changes to the file. Make sure to save it in the same format as the original file (e.g., .cfg, .json, .yaml, or .toml).
  7. Restart the server: To apply the changes to the mod configuration, you’ll need to restart your Minecraft server. Ensure that you safely stop the server before restarting it to prevent data loss or corruption.
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Managing the Server

Starting and Stopping the Server

Using the Forge launch script:

After installing Forge, use the launch script generated by the installer to start the server. Depending on your Minecraft and Forge versions, the generated files and startup process may differ.

On Windows, this will typically be a .bat file such as run.bat. On Linux, use the corresponding shell script or launch command generated by your Forge installation. Run the script from the server folder and follow any prompts shown in the console.

If you need to adjust the amount of RAM allocated to the server, modify the Java memory settings in the generated launch configuration rather than replacing the Forge launch command with a generic server.jar command.

To stop the server safely, type stop in the server console and press Enter. Wait for the server to shut down completely before closing the console or restarting it.

Using a server management tool or control panel:

If you are running the server through a management tool or control panel, use its Start, Run, or equivalent button to launch the server. To shut it down, use the Stop or Shutdown option and wait for the server to finish stopping before closing the panel.

Using a hosting provider’s control panel:

If your server is hosted by a provider, log in to its control panel and open your Minecraft server management page. Use the Start, Run, or equivalent button to launch the server. To stop it, use the Stop or Shutdown option.

Monitoring Server Performance

Monitoring your server performance can help you identify lag, memory issues, and resource bottlenecks before they affect everyone playing. You can use the server console, your operating system or hosting control panel, and performance profiling tools to monitor the server.

Using the built-in server console:

Monitor the server console while players are online. Look for warnings, errors, repeated messages, or indications that the server is struggling to keep up with its tick rate.

Checking CPU and RAM usage:

If you’re hosting the server on your own computer, use your operating system’s task manager or system monitor to check CPU and RAM usage while the server is running. If you’re using a hosting provider, its control panel may provide similar resource usage statistics.

High or consistently increasing RAM usage can indicate that you need to adjust your Java memory allocation or investigate a memory-intensive modpack or mod. Consistently high CPU usage may indicate that the server is struggling with world generation, automation, entities, or other resource-intensive activity.

Using performance profiling tools:

For more detailed troubleshooting, you can use a profiling mod such as spark to identify performance bottlenecks and determine which parts of the server are consuming the most resources. Follow the tool’s documentation for installation and profiling instructions for your Minecraft version and mod loader.

A server that consistently struggles to maintain its expected tick rate may need configuration changes, fewer resource-intensive mods, additional CPU performance, or more RAM, depending on the underlying bottleneck.

Updating Mods and the Modpack

Check for updates:

  • Regularly visit the mod developer’s website or mod distribution platforms like CurseForge to check for new updates.
  • Read the update notes to understand the changes and ensure compatibility with your current server setup.

Backup your server:

  • Before updating, make a complete backup of your server, including world files, configuration files, and mod files, to prevent data loss in case of issues during the update process.

Update the modpack:

  • If using a modpack, download the latest version from the modpack’s official website or distribution platform.
  • Update the modpack according to its installation or update instructions, making sure to preserve any custom configurations or settings you’ve made.
  • Restart your server to apply the changes.

Update individual mods:

  • If updating mods individually, download a compatible updated version of each mod from the mod developer’s website or distribution platform.
  • Check the update notes and compatibility requirements before replacing the existing version.
  • Remove the old mod files from your server’s “mods” folder and replace them with the updated versions.
  • Ensure that you also update any required dependencies, libraries, or other related mods to maintain compatibility.

Update server software:

  • If the mod update requires a newer version of Minecraft or your mod loader, download and install the compatible server software as well.
  • Be sure to back up your server before updating the server software to avoid potential issues.

Test and troubleshoot:

  • Restart your server and test the updated mods and modpack. Ensure that everything is working correctly and that there are no conflicts or issues.

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Connecting to the Server

Final: How to Make a Modded Minecraft Server

Once your modded Minecraft server is running, you need to give players the correct connection information. The details they need depend on whether you are using a hosting provider, running the server from your own home network, or playing only with people on the same LAN.

Hosted Server

If you use a Minecraft server hosting provider, find the server IP address or subdomain in your hosting control panel. Your provider may also display the server port and connection information there. Share the IP or subdomain with your players so they can enter it in Minecraft’s multiplayer menu.

If your hosting provider gives you a custom port instead of the default 25565, players may need to enter the address in the format server-address:port.

Self-Hosted Server

If you run the server on your own computer at home, players outside your local network usually need your public IP address and the server port. You can find your public IP address by checking your router’s internet/WAN settings or using a reputable IP-checking service.

The default Minecraft server port is 25565. You can check or change it in the server.properties file by finding the server-port=25565 setting.

For players outside your home network to connect, you will generally need to port-forward the server port on your router to the computer running the Minecraft server. You may also need to allow the server through your computer’s firewall. Check your router and firewall documentation for the appropriate configuration steps, as the process varies by device and operating system.

If the server is private, consider enabling the whitelist so only approved Minecraft accounts can join.

If the server uses a custom port, players should enter the public IP followed by a colon and the port number, such as 123.45.67.89:25566.

LAN Only

If everyone playing is connected to the same local network, you do not need to share a public IP address or configure port forwarding.

For a Minecraft world opened to LAN, the hosting player can press Esc and select Open to LAN. Other players on the same network can then open Minecraft’s Multiplayer menu and look for the game under Local Games.

For a dedicated server running on a computer within the same LAN, players can connect using the host computer’s local IP address and the server port, such as 192.168.1.100:25565.

Joining the Server

Direct connection method:

  • Launch Minecraft and click Multiplayer in the main menu.
  • Click Add Server or Direct Connect.
  • In the Server Address field, enter the server address and port if required. For example, 123.45.67.89 or 123.45.67.89:25566.
  • Click Join Server to connect.

Server list method:

  • Launch Minecraft and click Multiplayer in the main menu.
  • Click Add Server.
  • Enter a name for the server in the Server Name field.
  • Enter the server address and port, if required, in the Server Address field.
  • Click Done to save the server.
  • Select the server from the list and click Join Server.

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Server not responding:

  • Check if the server is online: Verify if the server is up and running by visiting server status websites, checking with the server owner, or looking at the server’s console.
  • Verify the server IP and port: Ensure that you have entered the correct server IP address and port number (if applicable) in the “Server Address” field.
  • Restart Minecraft: Close the game completely and relaunch it to resolve any temporary glitches.

Connection timing out:

  • Check your internet connection: Ensure that your internet connection is stable and working correctly. You can run an internet speed test or try connecting to other online services to verify your connection.
  • Restart your router/modem: Unplug your router/modem for 30 seconds and then plug it back in to refresh your network.
  • Check your firewall settings: Make sure your firewall or antivirus software is not blocking the Minecraft server or its port. If necessary, create an appropriate firewall exception rather than disabling your protection completely.

Incompatible client or server version

  • Update your Minecraft client: Make sure you are using the same Minecraft version and compatible mod loader as the server.
  • Update the server: If you’re the server owner, ensure that the server is running a Minecraft version and mod loader compatible with the players’ clients and installed mods. Update the server software if necessary.

Modded Minecraft Server Hosting

Choosing between hosting a modded Minecraft server yourself and using a hosting provider depends on your hardware, internet connection, modpack requirements, and how you plan to play.

When to Use Modded Minecraft Server Hosting

Use hosting when the server needs to stay online while your PC is off, when your upload speed is weak, or when the modpack needs more resources than your home PC can comfortably provide. A self-hosted setup can still work well for testing, development, and small private play.

NeedWhen hosting makes sense
Always-on uptimeYou want friends to access the server even when your PC is turned off.
Upload speedYour home internet has limited upload bandwidth or an unstable connection.
Heavy modpacksThe modpack requires more resources than your home PC can provide.
Friends in other regionsYou have friends in different regions and want a location that keeps latency consistent.
BackupsYou want automated backups to help protect your world and server files.
DDoS protectionYou want additional protection against attacks that could make the server unavailable.

If your requirements are better suited to hosted infrastructure, compare providers based on factors such as available resources, server locations, modpack support, backups, uptime, and support options.

Recommended Minecraft Server Hosting Providers

Kamatera

  • CPU and email alerts
  • Customizable server images
  • Configuring security groups
  • Backup scheduling
  • NVMe SSD storage
  • 99.95% uptime guarantee
  • 24/7 customer support
Minecraft Hosting Plans with Kamatera
With two decades of expertise in web hosting, Kamatera stands out in the competitive market. Its strong and adaptable services make it an excellent choice for Minecraft hosting. Kamatera offers distinctive features, superior performance, and round-the-clock customer assistance, ensuring a remarkable Minecraft hosting experience.
Visit Kamatera

Godlike

  • One-click modpack installation
  • Forge and Fabric support
  • Automatic backups and easy restores
  • DDoS protection and 99.9% uptime
  • NVMe SSD storage and high-performance CPUs
  • 24/7 customer support
  • User-friendly control panel with easy server management
Minecraft Hosting Plans with Godlike host
Godlike is an excellent option for Minecraft hosting, providing one-click modpack installation, Forge and Fabric support, automatic backups and easy restores. With built-in security updates, complimentary DDoS protection, 99.9% uptime, NVMe storage and high-performance CPUs, , Godlike ensures your Minecraft server is safe and secure. Consider Godlike for reliable and secure Minecraft hosting.
Visit Godlike host

Hostinger

  • Mod support with full root access
  • DDoS protection and PCI-DSS compliance
  • Automatic off-site backups
  • 99.99% uptime guarantee
  • Dedicated IPv4/IPv6 addresses
  • Plugin and mod automatic installers
  • Full file access to add third-party plugins and mods manually
Minecraft Hosting Plans with Hostinger
Hostinger provides an exceptional Minecraft hosting experience, tailored specifically for the game. Their plans are designed to meet various needs, starting from basic setups for beginners to more advanced and robust options, enabling seamless scaling as your requirements grow. Hostinger grants you full control over your game server with a VPS pre-configured for Minecraft hosting. It’s the best MC server hosting with variable pricing and international payment options.
Visit Hostinger

Other Reliable Modded Minecraft Server Hosting Providers

Ultahost

  • Fast performance
  • 99.99% uptime guarantee
  • Proactive monitoring
  • Free SSL and DDoS protection
  • Many built-in security features

ScalaCube

  • One-click installation plus 1,000+ unique modpacks
  • Free subdomains and automatic backups
  • Ultra-low Minecraft online server latency
  • Unlimited slots and full FTP access
  • Full Mod & Plugin Support

Apex Hosting

  • 200+ 1-Click-Modpack Installers
  • Full FTP & MYSQL Database Access
  • 7-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 Servers with 99.9% Uptime
  • Premium Hardware & Low Latency

Shockbyte

  • Unlimited slots and SSD storage
  • Supports custom modpacks and plugins
  • Automatic modpack installation
  • Always online support
  • Guaranteed DDoS protection and automatic backups

BisectHosting

  • Instant 1,000+ automated Minecraft Modpack Installs
  • Free dedicated server IP
  • 20 locations for low latency
  • 3-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7/365 service support

Conclusion

Setting up a modded Minecraft server takes a little more work than running a vanilla server, but once your Minecraft version, mod loader, and mods are compatible, the basic setup is straightforward.

Once your server runs locally, decide what comes next:

  • Keep it self-hosted: If you’re testing your setup or playing privately with a few friends, creating a Minecraft server on your own PC may be all you need.
  • Check your requirements: If the server is struggling with lag or crashes, review your Minecraft server requirements and adjust your hardware, RAM allocation, or modpack.
  • Move to hosting: If you want the server online while your PC is off, need more resources, or want a more reliable connection for players in different regions, consider Minecraft server hosting.

With the right setup and compatible mods, you can create a customized Minecraft world for you and your friends without needing paid hosting from the start.

Gaming Hosting
Best Minecraft Hosting Providers
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Next Steps: What Now?

Learn More About Minecraft Servers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a modded Minecraft server for free?

Yes, you can make a modded Minecraft server for free by hosting it on your own computer. You will need to install the right server software, add the mods, configure the server files, and keep your device online while others are playing. Free self-hosting can work well for small private servers, but it requires more technical setup and may not perform as reliably as paid Minecraft hosting.

Do all players need the same mods to join?

In most cases, yes. Players usually need the same Minecraft version, mod loader, and mod files as the server to join successfully. If the server uses Forge mods, each player should install the same Forge version and matching mods on their own device. Some server-side-only mods do not need to be installed by every player, but gameplay-changing mods normally do.

Is Forge required for a modded Minecraft server?

Forge is not always required, but it is one of the most common options for running a modded Minecraft server. Some servers use Fabric or NeoForge instead, depending on the mods they want to install. The best choice depends on the modpack or individual mods you plan to use. Before setting up the server, check which mod loader your chosen mods support.

How much RAM does a modded Minecraft server need?

A small modded Minecraft server usually needs at least 4GB of RAM, but larger or heavily modded servers may need 6GB, 8GB, or more. The right amount depends on the number of players, the size of the world, and how demanding the mods are. Lightweight modpacks can run on less RAM, while large modpacks with many new biomes, mobs, machines, or dimensions need more resources to avoid lag and crashes.

Why does my modded Minecraft server crash on startup?

A modded Minecraft server often crashes on startup because of incompatible mods, missing dependencies, the wrong Minecraft or Forge version, corrupted mod files, or not enough RAM. Start by checking the crash report or server log, then confirm that every mod matches your server version and mod loader. You should also remove recently added mods one at a time to identify conflicts and make sure all required libraries or dependency mods are installed.

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