How to Install Modpacks on Your Minecraft Server

Learn how to install and manage modpacks on your Minecraft server using the Modpack Manager or manual upload.

Modpacks bundle dozens (or hundreds) of mods together into a single curated experience. This guide covers how to install modpacks using the built-in Modpack Manager, how to update them, and how to install them manually.

💡 Tip: We recommend installing modpacks on a fresh server to avoid conflicts with existing files. To connect to modded servers, use the CurseForge App to install the matching modpack on your local Minecraft client.

Installing with the Modpack Manager

Open Modpacks

Log in to the XGamingServer panel, select your Minecraft server, and go to Modpacks in the sidebar.

Choose a provider

Use the Provider dropdown to select where to search:

ProviderDescription
Modrinth (default)Open-source modpack repository
ATLauncherCommunity modpack launcher
CurseForgeLargest modpack collection
Feed The BeastClassic curated modpack platform
TechnicTechnic Launcher modpacks
Voids WrathVoids Wrath launcher modpacks

Find a modpack

Browse the modpack grid or use the search field to search by name. Adjust the page size (10, 25, or 50) to see more results.

Select a version and install

Click the download icon on a modpack card. In the dialog:

  • Select the modpack version from the dropdown.
  • Optionally enable Delete files to remove all existing server files before installing (recommended for clean installs).
  • Click Install modpack.

⚠️ Warning: The Delete files option permanently deletes all existing files on your server. Create a backup first from the Backups page if you have anything you want to keep!

Start your server

A message confirms "Your server has begun the modpack installation process." Wait for the install to complete, then start your server.

Updating an Existing Modpack

When a new version of your modpack is released:

⚠️ Warning: Modpack updates can cause world corruption. Always make a backup before updating.

Stop your server

Log in to the XGamingServer panel and stop your Minecraft server.

Download a backup

Go to Backups and create a backup of your server.

Delete outdated folders

Go to Files and delete the following folders for a clean update:

  • libraries
  • mods
  • scripts
  • kubejs
  • config

Install the updated modpack

Install the updated modpack using the Modpack Manager, without enabling Delete files (to keep your world).

Start your server

Start your server.

💡 Tip: At minimum, always delete libraries and mods before updating. The other folders (scripts, kubejs, config) may contain your custom settings, so only delete them if the modpack update requires a full reset.

Manually Installing Modpacks

If your modpack isn't in the Modpack Manager, or you need to install a server pack from CurseForge directly:

Set the server version

Go to Software Version in the sidebar. Select the compatible Minecraft version and mod loader (e.g., Forge 1.20.1), and optionally toggle Wipe Server Files for a clean install.

Download the server pack

Download the server pack .zip from the modpack's page (usually labeled "Server Pack").

Upload the server pack

Use SFTP to upload the .zip to your server's home directory.

Decompress the archive

In Files, click the three dots on the .zip file and select Unarchive.

Start your server

Start your server.

📝 Note: After decompressing, your server's home directory should contain the standard modded server structure — a mods folder, config folder, libraries folder, and the server .jar file.

Troubleshooting

Server Crashes Immediately

  • Check that the server .jar file is set correctly in Startup
  • Try changing the Java version in StartupAutomatic works for 99% of cases
  • Make sure the upload completed successfully — files larger than 1GB should be uploaded via SFTP

Version Compatibility

  • Verify the modpack's required mod loader and Minecraft version on its download page
  • Forge and NeoForge are not cross-compatible despite similar names

Server Crashes While Generating World

  • Large modpacks need more resources. Check Activity to see if you're running out of memory — you may need to upgrade your server plan

Can't Connect After Installing

  • Restart both your game client and the server
  • Make sure you've installed the same modpack on your local Minecraft client
  • Verify you're connecting with the correct IP address

Mismatched Mods

  • Ensure your client and server have identical mod lists
  • Download any missing mods or remove conflicting ones from both client and server

If you're still having trouble, join our Discord.

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