A modded Minecraft server does not run on the standard Vanilla server software. You need a modloader: Forge or Fabric. Both have their strengths, and the choice depends on which mods you want to run. This article compares the two and walks you through installation.
Forge versus Fabric: the differences
| Feature | Forge | Fabric |
|---|---|---|
| Available mods | Largest selection, thousands of mods | Growing, especially performance mods |
| Performance | Heavier, longer startup time | Lighter, faster startup |
| Update speed | Slow after new MC version | Often updated within days |
| Modpacks | Most major packs (ATM, RLCraft) | Fewer packs, more individual mods |
| Compatibility | Forge mods do not work on Fabric | Fabric mods do not work on Forge |
When to choose Forge
- You want to run a large modpack (All The Mods, RLCraft, Create, Enigmatica).
- You need a specific mod that is only available for Forge.
- You play on an older Minecraft version (1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.20.1).
When to choose Fabric
- You want a lightweight server with optimization mods (Lithium, Starlight, FerriteCore).
- You always play on the latest Minecraft version.
- You combine a small number of mods and want fast startup times.
How much RAM does a modded server need?
Modded servers require significantly more memory than Vanilla:
| Setup | Recommended RAM |
|---|---|
| Fabric + 10-20 optimization mods | 3-4 GB |
| Forge + 50-100 mods | 6-8 GB |
| Large modpack (ATM 10, Create AB) | 8-12 GB |
| Heavy modpack (GTNH, RLCraft 2) | 10-16 GB |
Installing mods on your server
- When creating your server, select the correct modloader (Forge or Fabric) and the Minecraft version.
- Download the desired mods as
.jarfiles from CurseForge or Modrinth. - Upload the files to the
mods/folder on your server via the game panel or SFTP. - Restart the server. Check the console for error messages.
- Players must install the same mods locally (client-side).
Common mistakes
- Version mismatch: a mod for Minecraft 1.20.1 will not work on 1.21. Always check version compatibility.
- Forge mod on Fabric: modloaders are not interchangeable. Choose all your mods for the same loader.
- Not enough RAM: if the server crashes with an OutOfMemoryError you need a larger plan.
- Conflicting mods: some mods modify the same mechanics and clash. Add mods one by one to identify conflicts.
NeoForge: the successor to Forge?
Since late 2023, NeoForge exists as a fork of Forge by part of the original team. NeoForge targets Minecraft 1.21+ and is actively developed. Many new mods for recent versions now release on NeoForge instead of classic Forge. At HostValues you can also run NeoForge servers.
Can I combine Forge and Fabric mods?
No, not directly. Compatibility layers like Sinytra Connector exist, but they are experimental and not suitable for production servers. Choose one loader and stick with it.
How do I update mods to a new Minecraft version?
Download the updated version of each mod, remove the old .jar files from the mods/ folder and upload the new ones. Always make a world backup first.
Start your modded Minecraft server at HostValues with plenty of RAM and NVMe storage.
