How to Install a Modpack on Your Minecraft Server (Cobblemon, RLCraft, All the Mods…)
A modpack is a bundle of mods already tested together, with its loader and its version. It's the easiest way to play Cobblemon, RLCraft or All the Mods with friends: the hard part isn't installing it, it's getting the RAM right and making sure everyone has the same thing.
First of all: choose well
Check three things about the modpack: the Minecraft version, the loader (Fabric, Forge or NeoForge) and whether it comes with a server pack. Modpacks are published on Modrinth and CurseForge; both have filters by version and loader.
A server modpack shouldn't be mixed with other mods at random: if you add mods of your own, do it a few at a time and with a backup made first.
Rather not set it up yourself? Minecraft servers from €6 a month, no contract and a full refund within 72 hours. Or create a free Minecraft server, no card needed.
How much RAM it needs
It depends on how many mods the server loads, not on how many players you are. As a guide: a light one, like Cobblemon with about 30 mods, runs well on 4 GB (Stone plan); one with about 100 mods, better 6 GB (Iron); the heavy ones (Better MC or Prominence II, with more than 300 mods, and RLCraft) need 8 GB (Diamond); and the giants, like All the Mods 9 with more than 400 mods or All the Mods 10 with about 470, 8 GB at the very least.
If you fall short you'll notice it in stutters and very long startups. You can give it more RAM whenever you like, without reinstalling: the guide to giving it more RAM explains how.
Installing it on NapNodes
Some modpacks don't install on their own: CurseForge ones that don't come with a server pack are marked “No server pack”, and Quilt ones or those over 2 GB can't be set up with the installer. In those cases, open a ticket in “Help” and we'll give you a hand.
Make a backup
In “Backups”. The installer moves the previous world and mods aside (it renames them as “…-antes-<date>”, it doesn't delete anything), but a backup of your own never hurts.
Open “Mods & plugins” → “Modpacks”
Search for the modpack on Modrinth or CurseForge (the “Search on” selector). If you know the name, type it in; if not, have a look at the most popular modpacks.
Press install and wait a few minutes
The panel switches the server to the modpack's exact loader and version, downloads its mods (on CurseForge, the server pack the author prepares) and leaves it ready. The biggest ones take longer on the first startup; that's normal.
Start it and watch the console
When it finishes loading, the server shows as running. If a mod fails, the console names it.
Getting your friends in
Same modpack, same version
Every player needs the same modpack as the server. For CurseForge ones, from the CurseForge app; for Modrinth ones, from its app or from Prism Launcher.
Easier: your server's page
Modded servers have their own link, napnodes.com/jugar/<id>, with the client-side mods ready to download.
Add the address
In “Multiplayer” → “Add Server”, the address shown in the panel, without a port.
If something goes wrong
“Mod rejections” or an incompatible version message when joining: a player has another version of the modpack. They should update or reinstall it.
The server takes ages to start or restarts on its own: it's almost always RAM. Try more RAM before removing mods.
You want to go back to playing without mods: in “Mods & plugins” → “Server type” you can switch to Paper; the world stays, but the mods are moved aside because Paper doesn't load them.
Frequently asked questions
How much RAM does a modpack server need?
Light ones (about 30 mods, like Cobblemon) run on 4 GB; those with about 100 mods, on 6 GB; those with 300 mods or more, 8 GB; and giants like All the Mods 9, 8 GB or more.
Can I install a modpack on a server that already has a world?
Yes, but a backup first is a good idea. The installer moves the previous world and mods aside with the name “…-antes-<date>” instead of deleting them, and the usual thing is to start a clean world with the modpack.
Do my friends have to install the modpack?
Yes, the same one and in the same version. Modded servers have a napnodes.com/jugar/<id> page with the client mods ready to download.
Can I use Paper plugins with a Forge or Fabric modpack?
No: plugins are for Paper or Purpur and modpacks use Fabric, Forge or NeoForge. For things like permissions or protection there are equivalent mods.
Shall we set it up for you?
Minecraft servers from €6 a month, never oversold: your RAM is yours alone. And if you'd rather start without paying, there's a free Minecraft server, no card needed.
Your server doesn't show up in the game? Check it in a second with “Is my Minecraft server online?”: players, version and MOTD, free. Need a player's UUID for the whitelist or permissions? Look it up here. Handing out enchanted items? Build the command with the /give generator.
Free tool: Which Java do I need?. Type your Minecraft version or paste the Java error and we'll tell you which Java your server or your game needs.
Free tool: Why won't my server start?. Paste your Minecraft server's latest.log or crash report and see in plain English what failed and how to fix it.
Keep reading
- How to Add Mods to a Minecraft Server
Fabric, Forge or NeoForge, which mods go on the server and which on the client, and how to get your friends in without fighting over versions.
- How to Install Plugins on a Minecraft Server
What a plugin is, which servers it works on (Paper, Purpur), how to install it and the essentials to get started: permissions, land protection, backups.
- LuckPerms: Ranks and Permissions on Your Minecraft Server, Step by Step
Create ranks (player, vip, moderator), give and remove permissions with LuckPerms and use the web editor, hassle-free. For friends' or community Paper servers.