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How To Install Minecraft Modpacks Manually

Last modified on May 19, 2023 in control panel

mc head By ApexHosting

Overview

Adding mods to Minecraft is a common occurrence when running your own server. Whether this is to bring smaller quality of life improvements or completely revamp the game, there are tons of options at your disposal. This is brought to the next level with modpacks, which are large collections of mods that often fit a theme or overall purpose. While we provide many modpacks to choose from, there may be a separate version or pack you wish to use that is not already available. When this occurs, it will be necessary to download and install the pack manually to your server files. This may be confusing for unfamiliar players, as the process differs depending on the modpack platform. With this in mind, we have created this Apex Hosting tutorial to show you how to get started.
 

How to Download a Server Modpack

While most modpacks can be installed on a computer and played, these same packs cannot be used on the server a majority of the time. In order to achieve this, modpacks will include a separate Server Pack download. These remove unnecessary client mods and files for a smooth server installation.
 

CurseForge

  1. Navigate to the CurseForge Modpacks page, then find the desired pack.
  2. At the top of the page, press Files, then scroll down to see all versions.
  3. Find and click the desired version that includes a Server Pack.
    Manual Modpacks Server Pack
  4. On the next page, scroll down to Additional Files and press Download.
    Manual Modpacks Download
  5. Save the file to a safe location, as it will be needed later.

 

Technic

  1. Visit the Technic website, then press Browse Modpacks.
    Manual Modpacks Browse Modpacks
  2. Locate your desired modpack, then click to open it.
  3. Towards the right-hand side of the page, press Server Download.
    Manual Modpacks Server Download
  4. Like before, save the file to a safe location.

 

ATLauncher

  1. Before proceeding, download and configure ATLauncher.
  2. Once opened, enter the Packs tab, then find your desired modpack.
  3. Press the Create Server button, then follow the prompts to create your server.
    Manual Modpacks Create Server
  4. Afterwards, visit the Folders tab and click Open Folder under your new server.
    Manual Modpacks Open Folder
  5. Keep this folder open, as it will be needed in the below section.

 

VoidLauncher

  1. Access the VoidsWrath modpacks website, then find your desired pack.
  2. Scroll down the page and click the Download the Server Pack button.
    Manual Modpacks Download Pack
  3. Move the .zip file to an easily accessible location.

 

How to Make a Modpack

In some cases, you will need to compile the necessary modpack files before they can be uploaded to the server. This is necessary for ATLauncher packs or modpacks that are not found online.

  1. Access the location of your modpack files.
  2. Highlight the mods and config, as well as any important modpacks files (if included).
    Manual Modpacks Mods Configs
  3. Using a program like 7-ZIP, zip the folders with an easily-identifiable name.
  4. Keep this .zip file nearby, as it is needed in just a moment.

 

Server Preparation

Before you can proceed, you must make sure the server is set up correctly. This includes setting the correct version on the server, otherwise the mods cannot load properly.

  1. Navigate to your Apex server panel, then stop the server.
  2. Scroll down to the Game File section, then make note of the version.
    Manual Modpacks Game File
  3. Ensure the server is running the version of Forge or Fabric to match the modpack.
  4. When prompted, choose to generate a new world, but do not restart yet.
    Manual Modpacks Restart Later
  5. Afterwards, enter the FTP File Access on the left-hand side, then log in.
  6. Here, delete any existing mods or config folders, if present.
    Manual Modpacks Submit

 

Uploading the Files

In order to upload your modpack’s .zip file, you will need to make use of either our panel’s web FTP File Access or a third-party program like Filezilla. For more information on this, visit our full tutorial here.
 

Web FTP

  1. Enter the FTP File Access from your server panel and log in like before.
  2. In your main server directory, press Upload in the top-left.
    Manual Modpacks Upload
  3. Drag + drop your modpack .zip file into the right-hand side.
  4. Once at 100% complete, press Back to return to the main server directory.

 

External FTP

  1. Connect to your server using your preferred external FTP program.
  2. Once connected, enter your necessary server profile folder, if present.
    FTP Profile
  3. Drag + drop the modpack .zip file into this directory to begin uploading.
  4. Once complete, log into your panel and proceed to the FTP File Access from before.

 

Unzipping the Pack

  1. Within the FTP File Access, locate your modpack .zip file, then select it.
  2. Press the Unzip button in the top-right of the page.
    Manual Modpacks Unzip
  3. After this, click Submit to begin the unzipping process.

 

Manual Modpacks Server Files

Once this is done, you will want to return to the main server directory and make note of the folders that are present. If done correctly, the mods, config, and any other applicable folders should now be found. This means you are ready to exit the FTP File Access and restart the server.

 

(Optional) World Adjustments

Manual Modpacks Level Type
Manual Modpacks New World

Depending on the mods installed, you may also need to adjust the level type. This can be done by entering the Config Files tab, followed by Server Settings. Change the Level Type field to anything you require, then return to the main panel once again. Simply scroll down to the Change World button, then follow the prompts to create a new world.
 

Common Issues

I have problems using the web FTP uploader:
When using the web FTP uploader, we recommend only uploading small files. Once you begin uploading a large modpack .zip, you may encounter freezing or slow uploads. If this occurs, we highly recommend using an external FTP program for both stability and upload speed. Our full guide on this process can be found here.

The server crashes upon startup:
While there are many reasons why your server may crash, this is often caused by either client-only mods or an incorrect server version. Verify that the server is running both the modloader and version to match your modpack. If your pack is running Forge 1.12.2, running Fabric or any other version will cause a crash to occur. If client-only mods are present, delete them from the server mods, then restart the server.

No mods load on the server:
If you can join the server but no mods are present, this is generally an issue with either the modloader or the location of the mod files. First, ensure you have set the server to run the necessary version of Forge or Fabric to match the pack. Additionally, verify that the mod .jar files are located directly inside of the mods folder. If they are inside of another folder or located elsewhere, the server cannot detect and load them. Once these changes are made, restart the server and try again.
 

Helpful Links

How to Connect with FTP
How to Install Custom Modpacks (Client-Side)

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