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2024 Tutorial: Crafting a Custom Modded Minecraft Server

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By LightNode ·

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 2024, 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:

  1. Visit the Forge website and download the version that matches your Minecraft version.

  2. Run the Forge installer, and select “Install server”.

  3. Choose the folder where you placed the Minecraft server .jar file.

  4. 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:

  1. Open a terminal or command prompt and navigate to the server folder.

  2. 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.

  1. Accept the EULA: After the first launch, open the generated eula.txt file and change the line:
eula=false

to

eula=true
  1. 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!

  1. Download your desired mods from trusted sources like CurseForge.

  2. Place the .jar files of the mods into the “mods” folder inside your server directory.

  3. 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.

  1. Log in to your router’s web interface.

  2. Forward port 25565 (the default Minecraft port) to your local computer’s IP address.

  3. 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.
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