Every player connecting to a modded Minecraft server needs the same mods installed on their own client. That detail catches new server owners off guard more than anything else in the process. Sort it out early, and the rest of the setup is manageable.
This guide covers how to make a modded Minecraft server from start to finish: picking a mod loader, getting your Apex server configured, installing mods, managing modpacks, and working through the problems that come up most often.
Choosing a Mod Loader
The decision comes before you touch the server. Java Edition has three major mod loaders, and they are not interoperable; a mod built for one loader will not run on another.
Forge is the original option with the largest historical mod catalog. It is the reliable choice for older modpacks running on Minecraft 1.12.2 through 1.20.1, and there are years of community resources behind it. Forge updates to new game versions more slowly than the alternatives.
NeoForge is a fork created in 2023 by most of the original Forge development team. For Minecraft 1.20.5 and newer, NeoForge has become the default recommendation; most new mods targeting modern versions are built for NeoForge first. If you are starting a server on a current game version and have no legacy modpack to match, NeoForge is the better starting point over Forge.
Fabric updates to new Minecraft versions faster than either of the above and has a strong selection of performance and quality-of-life mods. It is not compatible with Forge or NeoForge mods; the mod libraries are separate. Fabric works well for performance-focused setups and servers running mods like Sodium or Lithium alongside lighter content additions.
The fastest way to decide: if you have a specific modpack in mind, check which loader it requires and match that. Building a custom mod list from scratch? Fabric for performance, NeoForge for content on 1.20.5 and newer, Forge for older packs.
For loader-specific installation steps, see our Forge server setup guide and Fabric server setup guide.
Setting Up Your Modded Minecraft Server
Making a modded Minecraft server involves purchasing one from our Pricing Area unless you’ve already done this before. Newcomers to the scene will need to choose between Forge and Fabric when creating your server. To set up Forge or Fabric on your server:
- Head towards your Apex server panel
- Open the Game File dropdown menu
- Type “Forge” or “Fabric” and click your desired version
- Confirm changes by pressing Change Version in the prompt
- Proceed with the prompts accordingly, then click Restart Now to load everything
- Join the server to ensure the installation was successful
Once the loader is running and you can connect, the server is ready for mods.
Adding Mods to Your Server
With Forge or Fabric running, adding mods is the next step toward your ideal in-game experience. Before downloading anything, check two things: the mod supports your current Minecraft version, and it targets the same loader you installed. A Fabric mod will not load on a Forge server.
Where to Find Mods
CurseForge has the largest mod catalog and is the most widely used platform. Modrinth is an open-source alternative that has seen strong growth in recent years; many mod authors publish to both platforms, and it is worth checking if a mod you want is not on CurseForge. Both platforms let you filter by Minecraft version and mod loader, which quickly narrows down what is compatible with your setup.
Server-Side vs. Client-Side Mods
Some mods only need to be installed on the server. These typically handle passive features like custom recipes, economy systems, or server-side mechanics that players benefit from without knowing the mod is there. Most content mods, however, require installation on both the server and each player’s game client. This includes anything that adds new blocks, items, mobs, or dimensions. Check the mod’s description page to confirm which type it is. If client installation is required, every player needs the same mod before they can join.
For example, the “When Dungeons Arise” mod adds dozens of fully designed structures with custom mobs and loot. It runs on Forge and Fabric but requires every player to have it installed on their client. Mods like that are easy to find on CurseForge by filtering for “adventure” or “world generation.”
Mod installation is done through the Apex panel file manager or via the FTP panel for bulk uploads. Full steps for both methods are in our mod installation guide.
Popular Mods
If you want a starting point for building your mod list, the table below covers some well-regarded options. Keep in mind that some mods might be unavailable for your game version.
| Mod Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Apotheosis | Introduces a new enchanting system, classes for equipment, magical abilities, and more |
| Biomes O’ Plenty | Changes the entire generation of your Minecraft world with unique biomes and terrain |
| The Aether | Adds a new sky dimension to Minecraft with custom items, mobs, and player abilities |
| Create | Provides you with endless amounts of new blocks, materials, and tools to create mechanical contraptions |
| Cobblemon | An alternative to Pixelmon, introducing Pokemon to Minecraft in an all-in-one mod |
How Much RAM Does a Modded Server Need?
A vanilla Minecraft server can run on 2GB of RAM. A modded server needs more, and getting this wrong is one of the most common sources of performance problems.
For light setups with 10-20 mods, 4GB is a workable minimum. For standard modpacks with 50-80 mods, 6-8GB is the practical range. Heavy modpacks with 150+ mods or multiple custom dimensions can use 10GB or more without much headroom to spare.
The type of mod matters as much as the count. World generation mods that add custom biomes or dimensions hit performance harder than most other mod types; a single complex world gen mod can slow chunk loading more than 20 small quality-of-life additions combined. Mob spawner systems and entity trackers are the next biggest source of load after world generation.
If your server is running slow after adding mods, the Spark profiler mod is the standard diagnostic tool. Run /spark profiler in the server console to get a breakdown of which mods are generating the most CPU load. Our server optimization guide covers how to use it alongside other performance adjustments.
Using Modpacks
Modpacks are pre-configured collections of mods built to work together, and they are the most common way to run a modded server. Rather than tracking down individual mods, checking compatibility between them, and managing updates manually, a modpack handles that in a single install.
Apex Hosting offers one-click installation for many popular modpacks directly through the server panel, which is faster than assembling a mod list from scratch. For packs not listed in the panel, manually installing a modpack via FTP is the alternative.
Players connecting to your server need the same pack installed on their own client. Most major modpacks have a CurseForge or Modrinth launcher app that handles client-side installation automatically; share the pack name and version number so players install the right build.
Configurations
Most mods generate configuration files when they first run, giving server owners control over specific behaviors: spawn rates, item drop tables, dimension access, and toggled features. The Apex panel’s built-in file editor gives you direct access to these files without needing to pull them through FTP for smaller changes.
Permissions
At rare times, you may want or need to set up permissions on your modded Minecraft server. This is commonly done using mods such as LuckPerms or another similar mod to manage these aspects. Keep in mind that this works on servers using Forge or Fabric. On smaller private servers, the default operator system is usually enough.
Common Issues on Modded Servers
Check the crash log in the Console tab of the Apex panel. The error message usually names the mod causing the problem. Common causes are a mod built for the wrong Minecraft version, a missing dependency (a mod that another mod requires but isn’t installed), or a conflict between two mods. Remove mods one at a time and restart after each removal to isolate it.
The client and server need matching mods. If a player connects with vanilla Minecraft or a different version of the modpack, the connection will fail. Share the exact pack name and version number so every player installs the right build through CurseForge or Modrinth.
Start with RAM. If your server is running close to its memory limit, increasing the allocation or upgrading your plan often resolves consistent lag. If RAM is not the issue, install Spark and run a profiler session to identify the specific mod causing the load. The optimization guide covers both approaches.
Conclusion
When you’re all done making a modded Minecraft server, all players will be able to enjoy new gameplay with custom dimensions, items, and more. Pick the mod loader that matches your modpack or mod list, allocate enough RAM for what you’re running, and make sure every player has the matching client setup before they try to connect. If you need any assistance, feel free to contact our 24/7 Support Team for assistance.
Minecraft Modded Server FAQ
Can I Run a Modded Minecraft Server on My Own Computer?
Yes. You can run a modded server locally by installing the mod loader and server software on your own machine. Your computer will handle both the game client and the server simultaneously, which limits performance depending on your hardware. A dedicated server through Apex gives the server its own resources and keeps it running when you’re offline. For most groups playing together regularly, a hosted server is the more reliable option.
What Are Popular Mods Available for My Forge or Fabric Server?
We advise reviewing our “Adding Mods” section to learn more about popular mods in this guide. You can also visit CurseForge or Modrinth to find more. Some well-used options include Apotheosis, The Aether, Biomes O’ Plenty, Create, and Cobblemon.
Why Is My Modded Minecraft Server Lagging In-Game?
This is commonly caused by too many entities, insufficient allocated memory, or a resource-heavy mod. We recommend reviewing our optimization guide to find methods to resolve this, or upgrading your plan. Installing the Spark profiler mod can identify which specific mod is generating the most server load.
What’s Causing My Forge or Fabric Server to Crash?
Incompatible mods are the usual cause: wrong version, missing dependency, or a known conflict between two mods. Remove mods one at a time to identify the problem, then update or replace the mod causing the crash. The error log in the Console tab will often name it directly.
What Is NeoForge and Should I Use It?
NeoForge is a fork of Forge created in 2023 by most of the original Forge development team. For Minecraft 1.20.5 and newer, it has become the standard recommendation over legacy Forge; most modern mod releases target NeoForge first. If you’re setting up a server on a current game version without a specific older modpack to match, NeoForge is the better starting point.
Do Players Need Mods Installed to Join My Server?
Yes, for most mods. Server-side-only mods run without requiring client installation, but any mod that adds new blocks, items, mobs, or dimensions requires every player to have it installed on their game client. For modpacks, share the pack name and version so players can install the matching client build through CurseForge or Modrinth.
Useful Links
- How to Find Mods for Minecraft
- Installing Mods to a Minecraft Server
- How to Use and Connect to the FTP Panel
- Manually Setting Up Modpacks on Minecraft
