Mods can turn Minecraft into a completely different game — new dimensions, tech trees, magic systems or just better performance.
This guide walks you through modding your server from scratch: picking a mod loader, installing mods on the server, matching them on your own computer and fixing the most common errors. No file-editing experience needed — everything happens in the panel.
1
Choose your mod loader
Mods are built for a specific loader — the two big ones are Forge and Fabric.
Forge has the largest catalogue and powers most big content packs (Create, Applied Energistics, Twilight Forest). Fabric is lightweight, updates to new Minecraft versions quickly and is the home of performance mods like Sodium and Lithium.
Check which loader the mods you want are made for, then open your server panel and pick that loader (and matching Minecraft version) in the version switcher. The server installs the loader automatically when you apply the change.
2
Back up your world
Before changing anything, take a backup. Mods alter how the world is saved, and going back to vanilla later without a backup can corrupt chunks.
In the panel, open Backups and create a manual backup. It takes under a minute — and if anything goes wrong later you can restore with one click.
3
Install mods on the server
Download the mod files (.jar) from CurseForge or Modrinth — make sure each file matches BOTH your Minecraft version and your loader.
Upload them to the server's /mods folder using the panel file manager or sFTP. Some mods need other mods to work ("dependencies") — the download page always lists them, and they go in the same /mods folder.
Restart the server. Watch the console during startup: each mod prints a line as it loads.
4
Install the same mods on your computer
Content mods must exist on both the server AND every player's client — otherwise you can't join.
The easiest route is a launcher like the CurseForge app, Modrinth App or Prism Launcher: create a profile with the same Minecraft version and loader as the server, then add the same mods.
Tip: server-side-only mods (backup tools, performance patches) don't need to be installed by players — the mod's download page says which kind it is.
5
Join and troubleshoot
Start your modded profile, connect to your server address and play!
If the connection is refused, the error message almost always names the problem:
"Incompatible mod set" — a mod exists on one side but not the other, or versions differ. Compare your client's mods folder with the server's.
Server won't start after adding a mod — check the console log; the first error line names the mod that failed. Remove it or add its missing dependency.
Out of memory — big modpacks need more RAM. Upgrade the plan or remove heavy mods.
That's it — your server is now modded! Start small, add a few mods at a time and take a backup before every change, and you'll have a stable modded server that's easy to maintain.
Stuck on something? Our support team is available 24/7 via ticket and Discord.