How to Install Mods on Your Minecraft Server
Install Forge, NeoForge, and Fabric mods on your Minecraft Java dedicated server. Includes mod loader differences and client/server requirements.
Minecraft mods extend the game with new content — blocks, items, mobs, dimensions, mechanics. Unlike plugins (which run on Bukkit/Spigot/Paper), mods require a dedicated mod loader server: Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric.
Mod Loaders
| Loader | Best For | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Forge | Largest mod ecosystem (Create, Tinkers, Thaumcraft) | Most popular for modpacks. Supports both legacy and modern mods |
| NeoForge | Modern continuation of Forge | Forked from Forge in 2023. Forward-looking API |
| Fabric | Lightweight, modern, performance-focused | Faster updates after game patches. Smaller mod count but growing |
Mods are loader-specific. A Forge mod won't work on Fabric and vice versa. Always check the mod page to confirm the loader.
Mod File Structure
Install Mods
Switch to Forge or NeoForge
In the XGamingServer Panel, go to Startup and select Forge or NeoForge as the server type. Restart to install the loader. See Switch Version.
Download mods
Get mods from:
- CurseForge — largest mod repository
- Modrinth — modern alternative
Filter by Forge (or NeoForge) and your Minecraft version.
Upload to mods/
Click Files in the sidebar and upload .jar files to the mods/ folder.
Start the server
Watch Console for mod loading messages. The server may take longer to start with many mods.
Switch to Fabric
In Startup, select Fabric as the server type. Restart to install.
Download Fabric API
Almost every Fabric mod requires the Fabric API (the base library). Download it from Modrinth for your Minecraft version.
Download mods
Get Fabric-compatible mods from:
- Modrinth — filter by Fabric
- CurseForge — filter by Fabric
Upload to mods/
In Files, upload Fabric API + your mods to the mods/ folder.
Note: Fabric mods are NOT compatible with Forge and vice versa. Check the mod page for the supported loader.
Client-Side vs Server-Side
Not every mod needs to be on both. Check the mod's description to know:
| Type | Server Install | Client Install | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server-side only | ✅ | ❌ | Performance mods, server utilities, anti-cheat |
| Client-side only | ❌ | ✅ | Shaders, minimaps, UI mods |
| Both required | ✅ | ✅ | Most content mods (new blocks, items, dimensions) |
If a mod adds gameplay content, it's almost always both required.
Remove a Mod
Warning: Removing mods that added new blocks/items can corrupt worlds containing those items. Players may see "missing blocks" replaced with the orange-and-black missing texture. Always back up first via Backups in the panel.
Common Issues
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Mods not loading | Check that the .jar is in mods/ (not a subfolder) and matches your loader (Forge ≠ Fabric) |
| "Mod requires Fabric API" | Install Fabric API for the same Minecraft version |
| Server crashes on startup | Check Console for the stack trace. Remove the offending mod |
| Wrong Minecraft version | Mod must match your server version exactly. 1.20.1 mods won't work on 1.21 |
| Wrong Java version | Modern mods require Java 17 or 21. See Java Version |
| Players can't connect | Client-required mods aren't installed on the player's side. Tell players to install matching mods |
Performance with Mods
Modded servers use significantly more RAM and CPU than vanilla. Recommendations:
| Mod Count | RAM |
|---|---|
| 1–20 | 4–6 GB |
| 20–50 | 6–8 GB |
| 50–100 | 8–12 GB |
| 100+ (modpacks) | 12 GB+ |
See Forge Optimize, NeoForge Optimize, or Fabric Optimize for tuning.
Related Guides
How is this guide?
How to Install and Manage Datapacks on Your Minecraft Server
Learn how to install and manage datapacks for custom recipes, loot tables, and world generation on your server.
How to Install a Modpack on Your Minecraft Server
Install CurseForge, ATLauncher, and custom modpacks on your Minecraft Java server, including how to set the right Java version.