Mods and plugins
Mods and plugins adds software to server types that can load it. The right source and file type depend on the game software you chose when creating the server.
What each server type can load
Vanilla
No mods or plugins. Use Vanilla for a clean Minecraft server.
Paper and Spigot-style servers
Plugin servers load plugins built for the matching Minecraft version.
Fabric and Forge-style servers
Modded servers load mods that match the loader and Minecraft version.
Curated modpacks
Curated packs come with their own expected mod list. Extra add-ons can break them.
Find add-ons
Search filters for compatibility with your server's Minecraft version. Modrinth is the default source, and CurseForge appears where it is enabled for the server type.
Install, update, or remove
- Open Mods and plugins from the server cockpit.
- Search for the add-on you want.
- Install it, then wait for the progress state to finish.
- Restart the server so Minecraft loads the new files.
The same screen can remove an add-on, retry a failed install, check for updates, and apply an update. Files installed outside this screen may appear as unmanaged.
Curated modpacks are fragile by design.
Adding extra mods to a curated pack can cause crashes, missing recipes, or client mismatch errors. Make a backup first and keep a note of what changed.
Custom modpacks
A custom CurseForge modpack starts as a request, not an instant checkout. See Create a server for the request flow and review limits.