Install Forge Mods on a Server

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The Easy Way

This guide is intended for advanced users only. If you have a server with us, Command Center provides an installer for many different modpacks, and if you don't see the one you want, you can contact us to request it.

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. This tutorial is for those who wish to create a custom modded server from scratch or add mods to an existing modpack’s server. Be sure to add the mods to your client too.

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Cauldron

Any references to Cauldron are out of date as Cauldron is no longer supported. The information is still provided as it is still correct even if it isn’t very useful.

Install Forge or Cauldron

Depending on how you are setting up your mods, you may need to install a Minecraft server that can load mods. If you are installing mods into a pre-existing modded server, continue to the next section, as it should have Forge or Cauldron. If you’re building a server from scratch, decide if you’d like to use Forge or Cauldron. Forge is the original Minecraft server that can only load Forge mods. Cauldron it’s a server optimized brand of Forge that also works with Bukkit plugins and has Spigot patches. Cauldron is a more feature rich and powerful system.

Do one of the following:

• Install a Forge Server
• Install a Cauldron Server
• Install a Thermos Server

Install Mods

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Backup, Backup, Backup!

Always make a backup before changing the files on your server.

1. Download the mods that you want to install. For compatibility, they need to be the same Minecraft version as your server. For example, if your server is 1.16.5, the mod must also be 1.16.5.
2. Log into your server SFTP.
3. Navigate to the SFTP folder for the game on your server that you want to work on.
4. Upload your mods (one at a time, repeating these instructions as necessary) into the mods folders. The mod’s installation instructions should specify the folder(s) to place them into if they are different.
5. Log into Command Center. From the server list, find the server you want to install mods to and click the Manage button on the right.
6. When you’re ready, restart your server.
7. If your server fails to start, or crashes after adding a mod, you will need to talk to the mod author or open a support ticket. Sometimes we can help resolve simple issues, but many times with mods, the issue is a bug in the code that has to be fixed. In the mean time, remove the mod and repeat the above instructions for any more mods that you might have.

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Add Mods to an Existing Modpack at YOUR OWN RISK

Keep in mind that installing new mods into pre-existing mod packs can be tricky. You may wish to backup your server 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 server by downloading its files from the server SFTP or using Backups in Command Center. Don’t be surprised if the mods you install don’t work. It sometimes takes a lot of trial and error. We also recommend adding one mod at a time so troubleshooting will be easier.

To install mods onto an existing mod pack, you only need to follow the directions in the “Install the 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 1.7.4, 1.12.2, 1.16.5, and 1.18.2.