How to install a Modpack to Minecraft server

Vanilla Minecraft can sometimes become monotonous for players. A Minecraft modpack is a pre-built collection of modifications that allows you to add new features, blocks, items, or even completely change game mechanics on your server with just a few clicks. A well-chosen and properly installed modpack can not only provide players with a fresh experience but also inspire creative solutions, expand community interaction, and enable unique events.

However, installing a modpack can sometimes seem complicated. In this tutorial, you will learn how to install both Forge and Fabric modpacks on a Minecraft server.

Preparation

• Connect to your service's FTP server using a client such as WinSCP or FileZilla.
• Download the desired server-side Minecraft modpack, for example from the CurseForge website. You can find server files in this section:

        

• If you want to install a Forge modpack, make sure you also install the appropriate Java JDK version on your computer.

Installing a Fabric Modpack

1. Unzip the downloaded modpack archive. You might not find a .jar file (for example, server.jar or fabric-server-launcher.jar) among the extracted files:

If you did not find a .jar file in the folder, follow the steps below. If you did find a .jar file, skip to step 4.

2. Open the start.bat (or another .bat launcher file) to download all required server files.

When you run the .bat file, you may need to accept Java installation or agree to the EULA license. In the command line, type I agree (or whatever acceptance text is requested).

3. Once you see that the server has started in the console (e.g., you see something like Done (102.295s)! For help, type "help"), shut down the server by typing the stop command:

4. In the Redfox Cloud control panel, stop the Minecraft server. Then, using your FTP client (WinSCP or FileZilla), delete all existing server files from the server directory:

5. Upload all of the modpack’s extracted files to the FTP server:

6. Finally, rename fabric-server-launcher.jar (or another existing .jar file you have) to server21.jar.

In the Redfox Cloud control panel, start the Minecraft server again, and your Fabric modpack should now be running.

Installing a Forge Modpack

1. Unzip the downloaded modpack archive.

2. Open the start.bat (or another .bat launcher file) to download all required server files.

3. Once you see that the server has started in the console (e.g., you see something like Done (102.295s)! For help, type "help"), shut down the server by typing the stop command:

4. In the Redfox Cloud control panel, stop the Minecraft server. Then, using your FTP client (WinSCP or FileZilla), delete all existing server files from the server directory:

5. Upload all of the modpack’s extracted files to the FTP server:

In the Redfox Cloud control panel, start the Minecraft server again, and your Forge modpack should now be running.

Common Issues

K: The Forge modpack works on my computer, but it doesn’t start when I upload it to the server

A: Contact live support and from FTP send the /libraries/net/minecraftforge/forge/1.*.*-*.*.*/unix_args.txt file

K: The Forge/Fabric server does not start locally

A: Check that you have the correct Java JDK version installed. If your modpack’s Minecraft version is older than 1.20.1, install Java JDK 17. If it is newer than 1.20.1, install Java JDK 21 and run the .bat file again. Also, remove any unnecessary Java versions from your computer

K: The modpack server does not start and errors appear in the console.

A: Make sure you installed the server-side modpack files, and not the client-side files.

In summary, to install a modpack on a Minecraft server, you need to download the server files, run them on your computer, and then upload them via FTP. If you encounter difficulties, contact live support or email us at [email protected].