Modded Minecraft server hosting with Fabric and Forge
A modded server only works when the server and every player run the same loader, the same Minecraft version and matching mods. This page covers choosing a loader, sizing RAM, and setting up a Fabric or Forge server on EclipsiumX.
Fabric or Forge?
The loader is decided by your mods, not the other way round. Check which loader the mods or modpack you want are built for, and on which Minecraft version. Mods for one loader do not run on the other.
| Fabric | Forge | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light, starts fast | Heavier, slower start |
| New Minecraft versions | Usually supported soon after release | Support tends to follow later |
| Typical mods | Performance, quality of life, technical mods | Large content mods and big modpacks |
| Common dependency | Most mods need Fabric API | Built into Forge |
| Bukkit/Paper plugins | No | No |
Match the client and the server
Most failed modded servers come down to a mismatch. Before you start, check these four things:
- Same Minecraft version on the server and every client, down to the last number (1.20.1 is not 1.20.4).
- Same loader, and a close loader version. Very old or very new loader builds can refuse some mods.
- Same version of every mod that adds blocks, items or mobs. Players get a mismatch error if theirs differ.
- No client-only mods on the server. Shader loaders, minimaps and HUD mods belong on the player's side; on the server they do nothing or crash it on start.
How much RAM modded Minecraft needs
Mods load their content into memory before a single player joins, so modded servers need more RAM than Paper servers with the same number of players. As a rough guide: a light Fabric setup with 20–40 mods runs well on 4 GB, a medium Forge pack on 6–8 GB, and large packs with 150+ mods need 10–12 GB.
The Modpack plan gives you 12 GB for exactly that. The player numbers on our plans are guidance for Paper and Vanilla; with mods, plan one size up.
Plans
| Plan | What you get | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | 2 GB RAM · 1–5 players | €4.49/mo |
| Survival | 4 GB RAM · ≤ 15 players | €7.49/mo |
| Community | 6 GB RAM · ≤ 25 players | €10.99/mo |
| Network | 8 GB RAM · ≤ 40 players | €13.99/mo |
| Modpack | 12 GB RAM · 60+ players | €19.99/mo |
Prices per month. Billed monthly, no long contract.
See all plansSet up a modded server on EclipsiumX
- Request a planPick a plan and send the order form on the Minecraft page. We reply by email.
- Install the loaderChoose Fabric or Forge and the exact Minecraft version your mods need. The server is installed and started for you.
- Add modsThe Add-ons page searches Modrinth for mods that match your loader and version, and installs required dependencies with them. You can also upload your own .jar files.
- Or upload a modpack's server filesMany modpacks publish a separate server pack. Upload its mods and config folders with the file manager.
- Start once, then invite playersThe first start creates the world and config files. Check the live console for errors before you share the address.
Keep a modded server stable
- Pre-generate chunks before launch. Chunky exists for both Fabric and Forge, and modded world generation is heavy.
- Add server-side performance mods. Lithium (Fabric) and FerriteCore (Fabric and Forge) reduce tick time and memory use without changing gameplay.
- Take a backup before updating mods, and update a few at a time.
- When the server crashes, read the crash report in the crash-reports folder. The mod named near the top is usually the cause.