Install Forge Mods on a Client

One of our partners made a great video explaining all of the instructions below. So check it out here:

Forge mods are plugins developed against the MinecraftForge framework and loaded by ForgeModLoader. They are very different from mods/plugins developed on other frameworks like CraftBukkit or Sponge. Some examples of Forge mods include: Pixelmon, ThermalExpansion, Thaumcraft, etc. You can install and run all mods on the “Vanilla” Minecraft client using Minecraft Forge, on an existing mod pack, or distribute them with a system like Technic. If you want your players to be able to download your custom made modpack configuration, we would recommend using Technic Platform to make a mod pack for its launcher. Refer to our Technic Platform modpack guide to add to the information you find here.

To setup the server, you will need to follow our How to Install Forge Mods on a Server tutorial to install the same versions of the mods as you have installed on your client. All mods and their configuration files must be in sync on client and server for everything to work. Some mods can only be installed onto the client or server, but they will specify that requirement in their installation instructions.

Install Forge

Forge enables Minecraft to load mods.

1. Decide what version of Minecraft you will be using. If you already have a mod in mind, and that mod is a specific version, use that version.
2. Download Minecraft Forge installer for the version you need.

It has to be the installer download and not for example, the universal or src.

3. Before Forge will install and work, you have to run Minecraft at least once for the version you want to install. Run the “Vanilla” Minecraft client selecting the version you want to use. This downloads the game and assets from Mojang making sure you have all of the required files for Forge. After running it once and letting it load all the way, close the game.
4. Open the Minecraft Forge installer now and choose install client. It also gives you an option to choose what directory to install Forge into. The default directory should be fine for most people. If you change the location, write it down somewhere. Run the installer.
5. After it completes, navigate to the location where Forge was installed in the last step. You should see a mods folder as well as a few other things.

Install Mods

1. Copy and paste the mods you wish to use into the mods folder. Some mod installation instructions may specify other instructions. Make sure to read those as well! We also recommend adding one mod at a time, so if something goes wrong, it’ll be easier to troubleshoot.
2. Start the “Vanilla” Minecraft client. In the profile selector, choose “Forge” for the version you just installed and save. Press Play and you’re done!
3. Install the mods on your server. Click Multiplayer” to connect to your server.

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Notes About Installing Mods to an Existing Mod Pack

Keep in mind that installing new mods into pre-existing mod packs can be tricky. You may wish to backup your mod pack before making changes so you can restore it if something goes wrong and you don’t know how to fix it. You can backup your mod pack by copying and pasting the whole directory/folder. You should do the same when working on your server by downloading its files from the server SFTP. Don’t be surprised if the mods you install don’t work. It sometimes takes a lot of trial and error.

To install mods onto an existing mod pack, you only need to follow the directions in the Install Mods section. Make sure the mods match the version of Minecraft that the mod pack is based on. You can check the version by starting your mod pack. The version number is on the the main Minecraft screen on the lower left corner. Common version numbers are 1.4.7, 1.5.2, 1.6.4, and 1.7.4.

If you’re using a launcher, like Technic, the mod installation location is different than the steps outlined above. You will need to adjust accordingly. The launcher should have an option to open the folder that contains the mod pack’s mods. For example, in the Technic launcher, click the gear icon on the bottom left of a mod pack icon. Otherwise, you can find documentation and help for each launcher on their forums where each has a capable support staff ready to assist people using their launcher software.