From Vanilla to Modded: Getting Servers for Minecraft Java Edition with Mods

Sun Feb 13. 2022

Minecraft, the immensely popular sandbox game, offers players a vast world to explore, create, and interact with. While the vanilla version of Minecraft provides endless possibilities, many players seek to enhance their gameplay experience by incorporating mods, or modifications, into their Minecraft worlds. These mods introduce new features, mechanics, and content, taking the game to new heights. For players looking to enjoy modded Minecraft together with friends, setting up a server for Minecraft Java Edition with mods is the way to go. In this article, we will guide you through the process of obtaining and configuring a modded Minecraft server, allowing you and your friends to embark on exciting modded adventures together.

Step 1: Choose a Modpack

The first step in getting a server for Minecraft Java Edition with mods is selecting a modpack. Modpacks are collections of mods bundled together, often curated around a specific theme or gameplay style. They offer a convenient way to install and manage multiple mods simultaneously, ensuring compatibility and reducing the risk of conflicts.

To choose a modpack, consider the type of gameplay experience you and your friends desire. Whether you're looking for technological advancements, magical adventures, or exploration-focused mods, there is a modpack to suit every preference. Popular modpack platforms like CurseForge, Feed The Beast, and Technic offer a wide variety of modpacks to browse and download.

Step 2: Install the Modpack

Once you have chosen a modpack, the next step is to install it on your local machine. Follow these steps to install the modpack:

1. Download the modpack files from the platform where you found it. The modpack files are typically provided in a compressed format, such as a ZIP file.

2. Extract the contents of the modpack file to a location on your computer. This will create a folder containing the necessary files for the modpack.

3. Open the Minecraft Java Edition launcher. If you don't have it installed, you can download it from the official Minecraft website.

4. In the launcher, click on "Installations" and then "New" to create a new installation.

5. Give the installation a name and select the version of Minecraft that corresponds to the modpack. Ensure that you have the correct version of Minecraft Forge installed (a modding platform required by most mods).

6. Under the "Game Directory" option, select the folder where you extracted the modpack files.

7. Save the installation and click "Play" to launch the modded version of Minecraft.

Step 3: Set Up a Server for Modded Minecraft

Now that you have the modpack installed on your local machine, it's time to set up a server to play with friends. Follow these steps to create a server for modded Minecraft:

1. Download the server files for the modpack. Some modpack platforms provide pre-packaged server files specifically for their modpacks. Look for a download option labeled "Server" or "Download Server Files."

2. Extract the server files to a dedicated folder on your computer. This will create the necessary files and folders for the server.

3. Open the server.properties file using a text editor. Configure the server settings according to your preferences, such as the server name, maximum number of players, and game mode.

4. If necessary, open any additional configuration files provided with the modpack and make any desired modifications.

5. Run the server by launching the server executable file. This may be a .jar file or another file format specified by the modpack.

6. Once the server is running, share the server IP address and port number with your friends, allowing them to connect to the server.

Step 4: Connect and Play

To join the modded Minecraft server, your friends will need to perform the following steps:

1. Open the Minecraft Java Edition launcher on their computers.

2. Click on "Multiplayer" and then "Add Server" to add the server to their server list.

3. Enter the server IP address and port number provided by the server host.

4. Save the server entry and click "Join Server" to connect to the modded Minecraft server.

5. Enjoy playing Minecraft together with mods, exploring new features and embarking on exciting adventures.

Additional Tips:

1. Server Hosting: If you prefer to host your modded Minecraft server on a dedicated machine or use a hosting service, ensure that the server hosting provider supports modded servers. Some providers offer specialized plans or support specifically tailored for modded Minecraft servers.

2. Mod Compatibility: It's essential to ensure that the mods included in the modpack are compatible with each other. Modpack authors typically ensure compatibility, but if you decide to add or remove individual mods, you may need to verify compatibility manually.

3. Server Configuration: The server.properties file contains various settings that can be adjusted to customize your server experience. Take the time to explore and modify these settings to suit your preferences.

Setting up a server for Minecraft Java Edition with mods allows you and your friends to enjoy an enhanced gameplay experience with a variety of new features and content. By choosing a modpack, installing the necessary files, and configuring the server, you can embark on exciting modded adventures together. Modded Minecraft servers provide endless possibilities for creativity and exploration, taking the beloved game to new heights and offering hours of immersive fun for you and your friends.