How to Install Mods on Your Minecraft Server VPS (Easy) (2025)

Want to turn your vanilla Minecraft server into a modded masterpiece?

You’ve come to the right place.

This guide will walk you through the process of installing mods on your Minecraft server VPS, step-by-step.

We’ll cover everything from choosing the right modpack to troubleshooting common issues.

By the end, you’ll be able to unleash your creativity and build the server of your dreams.

Why Mod Your Minecraft Server?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why.

Why bother installing mods on your Minecraft server in the first place?

Simple: mods make Minecraft even more awesome.

They can add:

New dimensions: Explore alien worlds, magical realms, and more.
Crazy creatures: Battle mythical beasts, tame exotic pets, and encounter creatures you never thought possible.
Game-changing items: Wield powerful weapons, craft incredible tools, and discover artifacts with unique abilities.
Enhanced gameplay: Experience new mechanics, challenges, and ways to play.

Think of mods as rocket fuel for your server. They can take your gameplay to a whole new level and keep your players engaged for hours on end.

Can you add mods to an existing Minecraft server?

Yes, you can generally add mods to an existing Minecraft server, but there are some caveats:

Compatibility: Make sure the mods you want to add are compatible with the Minecraft version your server is running on.
World Changes: If the mods introduce new world generation features (like ores, biomes, or structures), those will only appear in newly generated chunks. Existing chunks will remain the same.
Server Type: The process for adding mods can vary slightly depending on whether you’re running a vanilla server, a Forge server, a Fabric server, or a Spigot/Bukkit server.
Backups: Always back up your server files and world before adding any mods, just in case something goes wrong.

General Steps (for Forge servers, as an example):

Download the Mods: Download the .jar files for the mods you want to add. Make sure they are compatible with your server’s Minecraft version and Forge version.
Access your Server Files: You’ll need to access your server’s files, either through FTP or through your hosting provider’s control panel.
Locate the mods Folder: There should be a mods folder within your server’s main directory. If there isn’t, you may need to start the server once with Forge installed to generate it.
Upload the Mods: Upload the downloaded mod .jar files into the mods folder.
Restart the Server: Restart your Minecraft server to load the new mods.

We will discuss these in detail in a minute.

How To Choose the Right Modpack

The first step to modding your server is choosing the right modpack.

A modpack is a collection of mods that work together to create a specific gameplay experience.

There are thousands of modpacks available, so it’s important to choose one that fits your server’s theme and your players’ interests.

Here are a few popular options:

FTB Revelation: A massive modpack with something for everyone, from tech to magic to exploration.
All the Mods 8: As the name suggests, this pack includes a huge variety of mods, offering a truly customizable experience.
RLCraft: A hardcore modpack that focuses on realism and survival. Be prepared for a challenge!
Pixelmon: Gotta catch ’em all! This modpack brings the world of Pokemon to Minecraft.

When choosing a modpack, consider:

The theme: What kind of experience do you want to create? Tech-focused? Magic-based? Adventure-driven?
The size: Some modpacks are massive, while others are more streamlined. Choose a size that fits your server’s resources and your players’ preferences.
The difficulty: Some modpacks are designed to be challenging, while others are more casual. Choose a difficulty that matches your players’ skill levels.

Once you’ve chosen a modpack, it’s time to get it installed.

Steps To Install Mods on Your Minecraft Server VPS

Now for the main event. Here’s a step-by-step guide to installing mods on your Minecraft server VPS:

1. Access Your Server

First, you’ll need to access your server. This is usually done through a control panel provided by your VPS hosting provider.

2. Install Forge or Fabric

Most modpacks require a mod loader like Forge or Fabric. These tools act as a foundation for your mods, ensuring they work correctly.

Forge: A popular mod loader that’s been around for years. It’s known for its stability and compatibility.
Fabric: A newer mod loader that’s lightweight and efficient. It’s a good choice for servers with limited resources.

Choose the mod loader that’s compatible with your chosen modpack.

You can usually find this information on the modpack’s website or download page.

To install Forge or Fabric:

Download the installer for your chosen mod loader.
Upload the installer to your server.
Run the installer.
Select “Install server” and choose a location for your server files.

3. Download the Modpack

Next, download the modpack you want to install. You can find modpacks on websites like CurseForge and FTB.

4. Install the Modpack

There are two main ways to install a modpack:

Manually: This involves extracting the modpack files and placing them in the “mods” folder on your server. This can be time-consuming, but it gives you more control over the installation process.
Using a modpack manager: This is a tool that automates the installation process. It’s faster and easier than manual installation, but you have less control.

If you’re using a modpack manager, follow the instructions provided by the manager.

If you’re installing manually:

Extract the modpack files to your computer.
Connect to your server via FTP or SFTP.
Navigate to the “mods” folder on your server.
Upload the modpack files to the “mods” folder.

5. Configure Your Server

Some modpacks require additional configuration. This might involve editing server settings or installing additional files.

Refer to the modpack’s documentation for specific instructions.

6. Start Your Server

Once you’ve installed the modpack and configured your server, it’s time to start it up!

Connect to your server using your Minecraft client and enjoy your modded gameplay.

How To Fix Common Issues

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues you might encounter when installing mods on your server, along with solutions:

Mods not loading: Make sure you’ve installed the correct mod loader and that your mods are compatible with it. Also, check that you’ve placed the mod files in the correct folder.
Server crashing: This could be due to a number of factors, including incompatible mods, insufficient server resources, or corrupted files. Try updating your mods, increasing your server’s RAM, or reinstalling the modpack.
Connection issues: Make sure your server’s firewall is configured correctly and that your ports are open. You may also need to update your Minecraft client to the latest version.

If you’re still having trouble, there are plenty of resources available online. Check the modpack’s website, forums, or Discord server for help.

Top Tools for Modded Minecraft Servers

Here are a few tools that can make managing your modded Minecraft server easier:

AMP (MCMyAdmin): A popular control panel for Minecraft servers. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of features, including modpack installation, server backups, and performance monitoring.
Pterodactyl Panel: Another popular control panel that’s known for its flexibility and customization options.
CurseForge: A website where you can find and download modpacks, mods, and other Minecraft content.
FTB App: A launcher for FTB modpacks. It makes it easy to install, update, and manage your modpacks.

How To Take Your Modded Server to the Next Level

Once you’ve got your modded server up and running, there are a few things you can do to take it to the next level:

Customize your server settings: Tweak the game difficulty, adjust the world generation settings, and enable or disable certain features to create a unique experience.
Add plugins: Plugins can add even more functionality to your server, such as economy systems, player ranks, and mini-games.
Build a community: Create a Discord server or forum for your players to connect and interact.
Promote your server: Let other players know about your server by listing it on server directories and social media.

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Conclusion

Installing mods on your Minecraft server VPS might seem daunting at first, but it’s actually a pretty straightforward process.

With a little patience and the right tools, you can create a truly unique and engaging experience for your players.

So what are you waiting for?

Author

Kevin

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How to Install Mods on Your Minecraft Server VPS (Easy)