This guide walks you through adding mods to a Minecraft Java Edition server. It assumes you're new to game servers, so we'll keep things simple and practical.

Quick overview: Mod/plugin loaders

Minecraft mods need a "mod loader" on the server to run. When creating your server you can pick one of these common options:

• Forge: The classic and widely supported mod loader. Most older and many modern mods use Forge.
• Fabric: A lightweight and fast mod loader. Many modern mods and performance-focused mods use Fabric.
• NeoForge: A modern, compatibility-focused option that aims to run Forge mods on newer versions; choose it if the server creation screen lists it and your mods are supported.
• Paper: Not a mod loader. Paper is a high-performance server implementation that runs plugins (Bukkit/Spigot-style), not Forge/Fabric mods. Use Paper if you want plugins (like Economy, Permissions, etc.) instead of mods.

<mark class="pen-red">Important</mark>: Players usually need the same mods and the correct versions installed in their Minecraft client to connect to a modded server.

How to add mods

When you create your server, choose the server type that matches the mods you plan to run. Based on the branch you select, follow the steps below:

Using the Mods panel

Compatible with Forge, Fabric or NeoForge.

After creation, open your server's configuration panel at My Servers > Manage Server. You should see a Mods section on the left panel.

1. Shut down the server:
   Click on the Actions option on the left panel to shut down the server.

   

    

2. Click on the Mods panel:

   The Mods panel lets you search and install mods or modpacks from two sources: CurseForge or Modrinth. Select what fits you best.

   

    

3. Select the installation panel:
   Select the Modpack or Mod panel, depending on whether you're installing a full modpack or individual mods.

   

    

4. Search the mod:
   You can use the search bar at the top rirght to type the mod's name or key word to locate it easier.
    

5. Click Install to download the mod inside the server:

   

   Once you click Install, it will check the mod compatibility with the server. In case they don't match, you can change versions under “My Server” and then install the mod.
   
   Examples:

        

    

6. Restart the server:

   Restart the server by clicking on the Actions option again and select Restart this time.

   

Notes:

• If you install a modpack, the panel will usually install the correct combination of mods and the right loader version automatically.
• Always check the mod's Minecraft version and loader (Forge/Fabric) before installing.

Manual installation

Compatible with Paper, Forge, Fabric or NeoForge.

You can also download mods or plugins files manually from a website (for example CurseForge or Modrinth) and upload them to your server.

1. Shut down the server:
   Click on the Actions option on the left panel to shut down the server.

1. Locate the server installation folders:
   You can connect to the server files using either the File Manager panel in our website or connect using SFTP.
    

2. Open the mods folder:

   - For Forge, Fabric or NeoForge:

   Once you create the server with any of this 3 templates, a mods folder will be created automatically. Locate it under /Server / mods /

   

    

   - For Paper plugins:

   Once you create the server with Paper, it will generate a plugins folder instead. Locate it at /Server / plugins /

   

    

3. Transfer your file:
    Either drag and drop your desired mod/plugin into the folder, or upload it using SFTP.

   

    

4. Install the mods in your PC:
   Use the same uploaded file to mod your local client. In your PC go to: C:\Users\NAME\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft\mods
   
   For plugins it won't be required to have them installed in your client, as this are server-side customizations.

    

5. Restart the server:
   Restart the server by clicking on the Actions option again and select Restart this time.

   

After restarting the server it will install the mod/plugin and create the necessary folders in case additional customization is available.

That's it, now you have a modded server to enjoy a new adventure with your friends!

Important: Players connecting to a modded server need the same mods and loader installed in their Minecraft client (matching versions). If they don't have the required client-side mods, they won't be able to join or will see errors.
The game should download the mods automatically upon entering the server, unless you're not using the official Minecraft client.

Troubleshooting

If something goes wrong, here are common issues and how to fix them:

• Incompatible mods: Some mods conflict with each other or require specific helper libraries. Check the mod pages for dependencies and incompatible mods. Remove or replace conflicting mods.
   
• Missing dependency files: Many mods require other mod libraries (example: Forge mod loader libraries or Fabric API). Make sure any required dependency .jar files are also installed in Server / mods /.
   
• Wrong mod/plugin directory: Mods belong in Server / mods /. Plugins belong in Server / plugins /. Putting a plugin in mods or vice versa will cause errors or the file to be ignored.
   
• Version mismatch: The server's Minecraft version, the mod loader version (Forge/Fabric/NeoForge), and the mod versions must match. If the mod targets Minecraft 1.19.4 and your server is 1.20.x, it will not work. Use mods built for the same Minecraft and loader versions.
   
• Server crashes on startup: Check the server logs (usually in the logs folder or the console) for error messages indicating which mod caused the crash. Remove the offending mod, fix dependencies, or switch to a compatible version.
   
• Players can't connect: Confirm clients have the same mod list and versions. Also check server-side mods that require client-side counterparts (some mods are server-only, but many require matching client mods).
   
• Modpack installation issues: If a modpack fails to install via the panel, try installing it manually or contact support. Check if the pack requires a custom launcher or extra setup steps described by the modpack author.
   
• Keep backups: Before major changes, make a world/server backup. If something breaks, restore the backup and try adding mods one at a time to locate the issue.

Final tips

• Install mods one at a time and test. This makes it easier to identify which mod causes a problem.
• Read mod pages for special instructions (some mods require server-side config changes or extra steps).
• Use the PingPlayers Mods panel when possible — it simplifies finding and installing compatible versions from CurseForge or Modrinth.

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our customer care agents through our live chat or email at [email protected]. Happy gaming!