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Knowledge base

Make a Minecraft modpack server

Install a Modrinth modpack yourself in SparkPanel and play it with friends.

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Updated 1 November 2026

Want to play a modpack with your friends, like a tech, adventure or Pokémon pack? At ServerSpark you install a modpack from Modrinth yourself, in a few clicks. You don't need to upload files or know anything technical.

1. Pick the right plan

Modpacks use a lot more memory than a normal server. A light modpack (up to about 100 mods) runs well on 6 GB; a big pack with hundreds of mods or many players needs 8 GB. Not sure? See How much RAM does a Minecraft server need?

The modpack's page on Modrinth often says how much memory its makers recommend. Better a bit too much than too little: a server without enough memory freezes.

2. Find the modpack on Modrinth

Go to modrinth.com/modpacks and pick a pack. Check two things:

  • The pack must have a server version. Packs made only for your own PC (for example packs that only improve graphics) don't work on a server.
  • Note which Minecraft version the pack uses. You'll need it if you want an older version.

Copy the link from your address bar, for example https://modrinth.com/modpack/adrenaserver.

3. Install the pack in SparkPanel

  1. Open your server in SparkPanel and click Stop. The server must be off.
  2. Go to Settings. Under Server software, choose Modrinth modpack.
  3. Paste the link into the Modrinth modpack link field.
  4. Leave the version field on latest for the newest version of the pack. For a specific Minecraft version, enter for example 1.20.1: you then get the newest pack version for that Minecraft version.
  5. Under World, choose start a fresh world (old one kept). An existing world usually doesn't open properly with a modpack.
  6. Tick I understand the server will be reinstalled and click Switch.

The pack and all its mods are now downloaded and installed. This usually takes a few minutes. Then start your server; the first start of a big pack can take a few minutes, because the world is being created. The console shows Done when it's ready.

Your old world and your old mods folder are not deleted, they get a new name such as world-before-modrinth-20261021-0724. Want to go back? Switch the server back to Paper and rename that folder to world in Files. To be safe, make a backup first under Backups.

4. Install the same pack on your own PC

With a modpack, every player needs the same pack in the same version on their own computer. The easiest way is the free Modrinth App:

  1. Install the Modrinth App and search for the same modpack.
  2. Choose the same version as on your server and click Install.
  3. Launch the pack and choose Multiplayer → Add Server. Enter your server's address (in SparkPanel under Network).

Does a friend get a message that the mods don't match? Then they have a different version of the pack. Have them install the same version as the server.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a CurseForge modpack? Yes, but for now we set those up for you. Email the pack's link to info@serverspark.nl and we do it for free.

Can Bedrock players (phone, console) join? Usually not with a modpack: Bedrock can't show the blocks and items that mods add. For Bedrock players, a normal server with Geyser is the best choice.

Can I add extra mods? Yes: put them in the mods folder under Files and restart the server. They must match the mod loader (Fabric, Forge or NeoForge) and Minecraft version, and your players need them too.

I'd rather choose my own mods. Switch the server to Fabric, Forge or NeoForge under Server software and put your mods in the mods folder. Plans and steps: Minecraft server with mods. Playing Create? See Create mod server.