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How to Install Modpacks on Your Server

A complete walkthrough for installing modpacks on your Lodgichost Minecraft server.

By Lodgichost Team · Last updated: August 19, 2026

A modpack bundles hundreds of mods, configuration files, and resource packs into one ready-to-run package that transforms Minecraft from a survival sandbox into a full-blown adventure. Whether you want the technical progression of GregTech, the exploration of Better Minecraft, or endless quests from All the Mods, the whole experience installs as one unit. Hosting a modpack is different from hosting vanilla though: it needs more RAM, the right mod loader, and version-accurate files. This guide walks you through every path — from the one-click portal install to manual SFTP uploads — so you can get playing fast and keep the server stable.

Understanding Mod Loaders

Almost every modpack is built on a mod loader that defines which mods it can run and how they are loaded. You do not need to install the loader yourself when using the portal, but knowing which one your pack uses helps you troubleshoot and update:

Forge — The most established loader with the widest mod library and the largest packs.
Fabric — A lighter, faster loader popular for performance-focused packs and QoL mods.
NeoForge — The newer community-maintained continuation of Forge, used by many current packs.

Choosing the Right Plan

Modpacks require significantly more RAM than vanilla Minecraft. We recommend at least 4 GB of RAM for light modpacks and 8 GB or more for heavy packs like FTB Academy, All the Mods, or GregTech. If you are unsure, our pricing page lists recommended configurations for each tier.

Method 1: One-Click Install via Portal

The easiest way to install a modpack is through the Lodgichost portal. When creating or reinstalling your server, select the "Modpack" option from the software menu. Browse the available modpacks, select your desired pack, and the system will automatically download and configure it. Supported sources include CurseForge, FTB, and Technic. Your server will be ready with the modpack installed in under 2 minutes.

Method 2: Manual Installation via SFTP

For advanced users who want full control, you can install modpacks manually.

sftp your-username@your-server-ip
Password: [your-portal-password]
sftp> cd /home/minecraft

Connect to your server via SFTP using the credentials from the portal.
Navigate to /home/minecraft/ and locate the mods folder.
Download your desired modpack files to your computer and extract them.
Upload the extracted files to the mods folder on your server.
Restart your server from the portal to apply the changes.

# Example forge server.properties
level-type=default
max-tick-time=-1
network-compression-threshold=256

After the server restarts, verify that the modpack is loaded correctly by checking the server console.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Check that the modpack version matches your server version.
Ensure you have allocated enough RAM for the modpack.
Verify that all required dependencies are installed.
Review the server logs for specific error messages.

Recommended Modpacks by Category

All the Mods 9 — A massive general-purpose pack with thousands of quests.
FTB Academy — Perfect for beginners learning modded Minecraft.
GregTech: New Horizons — Expert-level tech and progression pack.
Better Minecraft — A vanilla-plus experience with quality-of-life improvements.
RLcraft — A hardcore survival and exploration pack.

Quick Tips

Use the one-click installer when possible — it handles all compatibility automatically.
For manual installs, always back up your world before making changes.
Start with a smaller modpack if you are unsure about RAM requirements.

Updating Your Modpack

Modpacks receive regular updates that fix bugs, add features, and rebalance gameplay, but network worlds rarely survive a pack update untouched. Before upgrading, back up both your world folder and your server.properties, then note the exact pack and Minecraft version you run. Update only within the same pack's branch (for example 1.20.1 to the newest 1.20.1 build) for the smoothest transition, and check each pack's changelog for whether an update breaks existing saves. If a major update is incompatible, keep the old version running and plan a migration rather than overwriting a community you have invested weeks into.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much RAM does a modpack server really need?

It depends on the pack's size and your player count. Light packs run on 4 GB, mid packs on 6–8 GB, and heavy packs like All the Mods or GregTech need 8–12 GB plus more as players join. Watch your server's memory graphs and upgrade before players start to stutter.

Can I switch which mod loader a pack uses?

No — a pack is built for a specific loader (Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge). To change loaders you must switch to a different version or fork of that pack that targets the loader you want.

Do all players need the same modpack installed?

Yes. Everyone must run the exact same pack and version as the server, using the same client launcher (CurseForge, FTB, or Technic) that matches how you installed it. Version mismatches cause connection errors.

Why does my modded server crash on start or run out of memory?

Pack crashes usually come from a RAM allocation lower than the pack requires, a leftover world generated by a different pack, or incompatible mods. Check the crash report in your logs, allocate at least the recommended RAM, and make sure no mods from a previous pack remain.

Where can I find help for a specific modpack?

Start with the pack's official CurseForge or Discord page and its FAQ, then check server-side performance guides. For Lodgichost-specific setup questions, contact our support with your server details and the pack version.

Related Guides

Optimising Server Performance — tune your modded server for smooth gameplay
Automated Backups and Restores — protect your modded world data
Import an Existing World — import a world for your modpack