Deploy a Modrinth modpack to HostChicken

Deploy a Modrinth modpack to HostChicken

Modrinth packs are fast, modern, and easy to manage—especially with Prism Launcher or Packwiz. This guide covers installing a Modrinth pack on your HostChicken server using the server pack (when provided) or converting the .mrpack client file into a server install.

What is a .mrpack?

.mrpack files are manifests that describe which mods to download and their versions. Launchers like Prism read the manifest and fetch the right files automatically. For servers, you’ll usually need a server pack or a conversion step to remove client‑only mods.

Option A: Use a provided server pack

1. Download the server pack

• On the Modrinth project, open the Versions tab.
• Filter for Server files if available and download the zip for your target version.

2. Extract and review

• Ensure it includes mods/, config/, and a server start method for the correct loader (Forge/Fabric).

3. Upload and start

• Stop your server, take a backup, upload the pack contents, and start.
• Watch logs for missing dependencies.

Option B: Convert a .mrpack client file

1. Import to Prism Launcher

• In Prism, click Add Instance → Import and select the .mrpack file.
• Prism downloads mods to create a local client instance.

2. Gather server‑safe files

• Open the instance folder → mods/ and config/.
• Remove client‑only mods (minimaps, UI tweaks, shader loaders).

3. Prepare the server loader

• Forge: Run the Forge installer for the pack’s MC version and produce a forge-...-server.jar plus libraries/.
• Fabric: Use the Fabric server installer for the exact MC version.

4. Upload to HostChicken

• Stop the server, back up, upload mods/, config/, and the server loader jar (and libraries for Forge).

5. Start and validate

• Start the server. Fix any missing dependency errors named in the log.

Advanced: Packwiz for reproducible servers

If the pack uses Packwiz or you want a reproducible workflow:

• Use packwiz modrinth export or packwiz cf export to generate consistent manifests.
• Maintain a single source of truth for mods and versions, then generate both client and server packs.
• This makes updates and rollbacks painless and keeps everyone synced.

Performance notes

• Fabric packs often run lighter; start with view distance 8–10 and simulation 5–6.
• Add server‑side performance mods if the author recommends them.
• Schedule restarts for long‑running worlds.

Updating safely

1. Stage updates on a clone.
2. Replace mods/ and config/ per release notes.
3. Boot, test, and only then update the live server.

Troubleshooting

• Missing mod: The log names it—add the exact version.
• Loader mismatch: Ensure Forge/Fabric and MC versions are identical across client and server.
• Crash during mixins: Often a Fabric loader vs mod mismatch; update the loader or mod.

Checklist

• Use server pack if available; otherwise import .mrpack into Prism
• Remove client‑only mods for the server
• Prepare correct Fabric/Forge server jar
• Start, watch logs, and resolve missing deps

With a consistent process, Modrinth packs deploy quickly to HostChicken. Once your group has the routine down, you can explore new packs confidently without fear of breakage.