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How to install modpacks?
Jun 27, 2026 37 views

How to install modpacks?

An easy to follow tutorial on how to get some major modpacks and mods onto your server and make them functional!

How to Install a Minecraft Modpack

This guide explains how to install a Minecraft modpack on both your own computer and your server.

A modpack must usually be installed in two places:

  • Client side: your Minecraft launcher, used by the player
  • Server side: your server files, used by the multiplayer server

If the client and server do not match, you may be unable to join the server.

Minecraft modpack install overview


What You'll Learn

  • How to install a modpack on your computer
  • How to install a modpack on your server
  • How to use the Modpack Installer
  • How to use the Single Mod Installer
  • How to check Minecraft, loader, and Java versions
  • How to fix common modpack problems

Before You Start

Before installing the modpack, open the modpack page on CurseForge, Modrinth, or the provider’s website.

Write down these details:

Detail Example
Minecraft Version 1.20.1
Mod Loader Forge
Mod Loader Version 47.2.0
Modpack Version 2.8.4
Recommended RAM 6 GB

The most important rule is simple:

Your server and your launcher must use the same Minecraft version, mod loader, and modpack version.

If one side is different, the server may crash or players may see missing mod errors.


Client Side vs Server Side

The client side is the player’s Minecraft launcher.

The server side is the server running inside your panel.

File Type Client Side Server Side
Mods that add blocks, mobs, items, or dimensions Required Required
World generation mods Required Required
Server performance mods Usually not Usually yes
Minimap mods Yes Usually no
Shader packs Yes No
HUD or UI mods Yes No
Resource packs Sometimes Sometimes

Do not upload client-only mods to the server unless the mod page says they are server-compatible.


Part 1: Install the Modpack on Your Computer

Players must install the modpack on their own computer before joining the server.

Option A: Install with CurseForge

This is the easiest method for most players.

  1. Download and open the CurseForge Launcher.
  2. Click Minecraft.
  3. Search for your modpack.
  4. Click the modpack.
  5. Choose the correct modpack version.
  6. Click Install.
  7. Wait for the download to finish.
  8. Click Play.

CurseForge launcher modpack search

Once Minecraft opens, do not change the modpack version unless the server is updated too.


Option B: Install with Modrinth

Use this if your modpack is hosted on Modrinth.

  1. Download and open the Modrinth App.
  2. Click Browse or Search.
  3. Search for the modpack.
  4. Select the correct Minecraft version.
  5. Select the correct modpack version.
  6. Click Install.
  7. Launch the modpack.

Modrinth app install screen


Option C: Manual Client Install

Only use this method if the modpack does not support a launcher.

  1. Install the correct Minecraft version.
  2. Install the correct loader:
    • Forge
    • Fabric
    • NeoForge
    • Quilt
  3. Open your Minecraft folder.
  4. Place mod .jar files into the mods folder.
  5. Place config files into the config folder.
  6. Start Minecraft using the modded profile.

Common Minecraft folder locations:

System Folder
Windows %appdata%\.minecraft
macOS ~/Library/Application Support/minecraft
Linux ~/.minecraft

Part 2: Install the Modpack on Your Server

Now install the server-side version of the modpack.

Step 1: Stop the Server

Before changing files, stop the server.

  1. Open your server panel.
  2. Select your Minecraft server.
  3. Go to Console.
  4. Click Stop.
  5. Wait until the server is fully offline.

Server console stop button

Do not install or delete modpack files while the server is running.


Step 2: Create a Backup

Always create a backup before installing a modpack.

  1. Go to Backups.
  2. Click Create Backup.
  3. Wait for the backup to finish.
  4. Confirm the backup appears in the list.

Create server backup

This lets you restore the server if the wrong version is installed.


Step 3: Use the Modpack Installer

Use the Modpack Installer when installing a full modpack.

  1. Open your server panel.
  2. Go to Modpack Installer.
  3. Search for the modpack name or paste the modpack URL.
  4. Select the correct modpack.
  5. Choose the correct modpack version.
  6. Confirm the Minecraft version.
  7. Confirm the loader type.
  8. Click Install.
  9. Wait for the installation to complete.

Modpack installer search

The installer will usually add the required:

  • Mods
  • Config files
  • Libraries
  • Server jar or loader files
  • Startup files

Step 4: Check Startup Settings

After installing the modpack, check the startup settings.

  1. Go to Startup.
  2. Check the server type.
  3. Check the server jar.
  4. Check the Java version.
  5. Save any changes.

Startup settings

Use this as a general Java guide:

Minecraft Version Recommended Java Version
1.16.5 and older Java 8 or Java 11
1.17 to 1.20.4 Java 17
1.20.5 and newer Java 21

If the wrong Java version is selected, the server may crash immediately on startup.


Step 5: Accept the Minecraft EULA

If this is a fresh install, you may need to accept the Minecraft EULA.

  1. Go to Files.
  2. Open eula.txt.
  3. Change this:
eula=false

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