2025 Tutorial: Crafting a Custom Modded Minecraft Server
Minecraft is one of the most popular sandbox games, and a great way to extend its features is by creating a custom modded server. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to build your own custom modded Minecraft server in 2025 , even if you are new to the process. Let’s dive in!
Prerequisites
Before setting up your modded server, ensure that you have the following:
- A Minecraft Java Edition account (modding is primarily supported on this version).
- A computer with at least 8GB of RAM (preferably more for mod-heavy servers).
- A stable internet connection.
- Basic command line knowledge (optional but helpful).
- The Forge mod loader or an alternative like Fabric (depending on the mods you choose).
Tip: If you don’t have a powerful enough computer to host the server, consider using a VPS or dedicated server from a cloud provider for better performance and reliability.
Step 1: Install Java
Minecraft and most mods require Java to run. Make sure you have the latest version of Java installed.
- For Windows and macOS: Download Java from here.
- For Linux: Use the package manager for your distribution (e.g.,
sudo apt install default-jdk
for Ubuntu).
To verify installation, run the following command in your terminal or command prompt:
java -version
If Java is installed correctly, it will display the installed version.
Step 2: Download the Minecraft Server File
Download the official Minecraft server .jar file from the Minecraft website.
Note: Ensure you are downloading the Java Edition server file, as Bedrock Edition does not support mods in the same way.
Place this file in a dedicated folder where you plan to store all server-related files.
Step 3: Install the Forge Mod Loader
Most mods require Forge to run on a Minecraft server. Follow these steps to install Forge:
-
Visit the Forge website and download the version that matches your Minecraft version.
-
Run the Forge installer, and select “Install server”.
-
Choose the folder where you placed the Minecraft server .jar file.
-
Once installed, you’ll see additional files like forge.jar and libraries in your server folder.
Tip: If you’re using a different mod loader like Fabric, follow the corresponding installation instructions.
Step 4: Start the Server for the First Time
To launch your modded server:
-
Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the server folder.
-
Run the following command:
java -Xmx4G -Xms4G -jar forge.jar nogui
This allocates 4GB of RAM to your server. Adjust the memory allocation (-Xmx and -Xms) based on your server’s requirements.
- Accept the EULA: After the first launch, open the generated eula.txt file and change the line:
eula=false
to
eula=true
- Run the server command again.
At this point, the server should start successfully. You can check the console for any errors.
Step 5: Adding Mods
Now for the fun part—adding mods to your server!
-
Download your desired mods from trusted sources like CurseForge.
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Place the .jar files of the mods into the “mods” folder inside your server directory.
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Restart the server to load the mods.
Important: Make sure the mod versions match the version of Minecraft and Forge you’re using. Incompatibilities can cause server crashes.
Step 6: Configuring the Server
You may want to customize the server settings for gameplay. To do this, open the server.properties file in a text editor.
Here are some common settings you can adjust:
- motd=: Set a custom message for your server when players log in.
- max-players=: Change the maximum number of players.
- online-mode=: Set to false if you don’t want the server to verify Minecraft accounts (useful for private servers).
Step 7: Port Forwarding and Server Access
For others to join your server, you’ll need to set up port forwarding on your router.
-
Log in to your router’s web interface.
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Forward port 25565 (the default Minecraft port) to your local computer’s IP address.
-
Share your public IP address with friends so they can join.
Alternatively, if you’re using a cloud server or VPS, share the server’s IP address.
Security Tip: Consider using a firewall to protect your server from unauthorized access. For Linux-based servers, you can use ufw to allow only the necessary ports.
Step 8: Maintaining Your Server
Running a modded server requires regular maintenance:
- Back up your world files frequently to avoid losing progress.
- Keep your mods and Forge up to date to benefit from performance improvements and bug fixes.
- Monitor your server’s performance and adjust RAM allocation if needed.
Conclusion
Setting up a custom modded Minecraft server may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and guidance, you can enjoy a personalized multiplayer experience. Whether you're hosting for friends or creating a large community, following the steps in this tutorial will help you build a stable and fun server. Happy modding!
- Note: If you're experiencing issues, consult the official Minecraft Server Wiki or communities on forums like Reddit and Discord for troubleshooting help.