How to Install Mods with Forge or Fabric
Want to add new biomes, machines, creatures, or gameplay mechanics to your Minecraft server? Mods are the way to go! To run mods, your server must be set up with a modloader like Forge or Fabric.
This guide shows you how to install mods on a Forge or Fabric Minecraft server using our Pterodactyl panel.
✅ Step 1: Choose Forge or Fabric
Forge and Fabric are two different mod loaders. Mods made for one usually won’t work on the other, so be sure to pick the one your mods are made for.
- Forge: Most common mod loader (used for large modpacks)
- Fabric: Lightweight mod loader with faster updates
✅ Step 2: Install Forge or Fabric on Your Server
You have two options:
- Use our pre-configured Forge or Fabric server type: Select it during checkout or ask support to install it for you.
- Manually install it:
- Download the Forge/Fabric installer from the official site
- Run the installer locally to generate the server files
- Upload those files (especially the
server.jar
) to your server
Need help with installation? Just ask!
✅ Step 3: Download Compatible Mods
Download mods from trusted sources:
Make sure each mod matches your Minecraft version and is for the correct loader (Forge or Fabric).
✅ Step 4: Upload Mods to the Server
- Go to the File Manager in your panel
- Open or create a folder named
/mods
- Click Upload and add your mod
.jar
files
✅ Step 5: Restart the Server
After uploading mods, go to the Console and click Restart.
Your mods will now load — if there are any issues, the console will show error messages.
✅ Step 6: Install Mods on Your Client
Mods must also be installed on your own Minecraft launcher:
- Install the same version of Forge or Fabric using a modded launcher (like CurseForge, Prism, or MultiMC)
- Place the same
.jar
mod files in your local/mods
folder
???? Troubleshooting Tips
- Check for version mismatch: Server, mod, and loader versions must match exactly
- Use fewer mods at first: Add them one at a time to find conflicts
- Look for missing dependencies: Some mods require other mods to work
Need help installing mods or switching to Forge/Fabric? Reach out to our team — we’re happy to help!