Install any modpack on your server: the general method

Install any modpack on your server: the general method

No one‑click button? No problem. You can install almost any Forge or Fabric modpack on HostChicken using a reliable, repeatable process. This guide shows the general method that works across CurseForge, Modrinth, and custom packs—so you can go from ZIP file to a live server in minutes.

Before you start

• Confirm the pack’s Minecraft version (e.g., 1.20.1) and loader (Forge or Fabric).

• Check the pack creator’s page for a dedicated “server pack.” If available, use it—it removes client‑only mods for you.

• If only a client pack exists, you’ll convert it to a server install manually.

Method A: Use a provided server pack (easiest)

1. Download the server pack `.zip` from CurseForge/Modrinth or the creator’s site.

2. Extract the archive locally.

3. Review included files: `mods/`, `config/`, sometimes `libraries/`, and a start script.

4. In HostChicken, stop your server and take a manual backup.

5. Upload the server pack contents to your server’s files (usually into the root or per instructions).

6. Ensure the correct loader jar is present (Forge `forge-...-server.jar` or Fabric with a launcher script).

7. Start the server and watch logs. The first start may download libraries and take a while.

If it boots cleanly, you’re done. Share the address with your friends using the matching client pack.

Method B: Convert a client pack into a server install

When there’s no server pack, do this:

1. Download the client pack (`.zip` or `.mrpack`).

2. Extract or import it into a launcher (Prism Launcher is great) so you can see the `mods/` and `config/` folders.

3. Identify client‑only mods (map, HUD, shaders, visual tweaks) and remove them from the server upload list. Examples: `Xaero’s Minimap`, `OptiFine/Sodium`, shader loaders.

4. Ensure you have the right server loader:

• Forge: Download the matching Forge installer and run the server install to produce the correct `forge-...-server.jar` and libraries.

• Fabric: Use the Fabric installer to create a server launch jar for the same Minecraft version.

5. Upload the cleaned `mods/` and `config/` folders plus the loader files to HostChicken.

6. Start the server and resolve any missing dependencies reported in logs.

Tip: Keep a text file listing which mods you removed as client‑only for future updates.

Method C: Packwiz/Modrinth advanced workflow

Power users and teams love Packwiz because it defines your pack in code (TOML files) and can generate both client and server installs consistently.

Workflow:

1. Clone or create a Packwiz project.

2. Pin exact mod versions and mark client‑only mods appropriately.

3. Generate a server pack from the project.

4. Upload to HostChicken and run.

This approach ensures everyone has the exact same mod set and versions, and updates are painless.

Memory and JVM flags

Modpacks need more memory than vanilla. Use the pack author’s recommended RAM; as a baseline:

• Light Fabric packs: 2–4 GB

• Medium packs: 4–6 GB

• Heavy Forge packs: 6–8 GB+

Avoid cranking RAM endlessly—it can hide memory leaks. Combine sensible RAM with nightly restarts and performance tuning (lower simulation distance, avoid mega hopper arrays).

First boot checklist

• [ ] Stop the server and back up

• [ ] Upload `mods/`, `config/`, and the correct loader jar

• [ ] Remove client‑only mods

• [ ] Start the server and watch for errors for 3–5 minutes

• [ ] Login test with the exact same client pack

Common errors and fixes

• Missing mod or dependency: The log will name it. Add the exact version.

• Wrong loader or version: Reinstall the right Forge/Fabric for the pack’s MC version.

• Crash on class mixin: Usually a Fabric mismatch—update loader or the implicated mod.

• Dimension/ID conflicts: Seen in custom mixes—pull back the last mod added.

• Cannot keep up! messages: Lower view/simulation distances; profile with timings or Spark.

Safe update routine

1. Clone your server or use a staging server.

2. Take a backup.

3. Update the pack according to the author’s notes.

4. Start and test for 15–30 minutes.

5. Roll updates to the live server during a maintenance window.

Make it friendly for your group

• Share a simple document with the pack name, version, and download links.

• Include your server address (custom domain helps!) and any special join notes.

• Offer help for first‑timers to install the pack—screenshots go a long way.

When things still won’t boot

Don’t panic—modded logs look noisy. Search for the first “Caused by” entry and the mod name. Remove that mod and try again. If you need it, check for the correct version or an alternative. Worst case, restore your backup and retry later.

Once you’ve installed one pack manually, the rest feel easy. You’ll be able to take any cool client pack your friends find and bring it to life on HostChicken.