How to Host a Modded Game Server (Any Game, 2026)

To host a modded game server, you install the game's mod loader or framework on the server, add the mods to the right folder or config line, make sure every player has matching versions of any client side mods, and give the server enough RAM for the extra content. The details differ by game: Rust plugins run only on the server, while Valheim and Minecraft modpacks need the same mods on every player's game. This guide covers the general process and a per game cheat sheet.

Short answer

1. Back up the world before adding anything.
2. Install the mod loader your game uses (Paper, Fabric, Forge, BepInEx, tModLoader, Oxide or Carbon, and so on).
3. Add mods to the server's mods or plugins folder, or list their Workshop or CurseForge IDs in the config.
4. Match versions: the game version, the loader version and each mod must line up, on the server and on players.
5. Give it enough RAM. Mods can double memory use, and big modpacks need 8 GB or more.
6. Restart, check the console for errors, then test with one friend before inviting everyone.

Server side vs client side mods

The most important thing to understand before modding a server:

• Server side only: the mod runs on the server and players join with a normal game. Rust plugins, Minecraft Paper plugins, most Factorio mods (which sync automatically), and many admin tools work this way. These are the easiest for a friend group.
• Both sides: the mod adds content the player's game has to know about, like new blocks, creatures or items. Everyone needs the same mods and versions. Minecraft Forge and Fabric modpacks, Valheim BepInEx mods and Terraria tModLoader mods work this way.
• Client only: things like minimaps, shaders or UI tweaks that each player installs for themselves. The server does not need them, and adding some of them to a server can crash it.

If players get kicked with "mod mismatch", "missing mods" or a version error, it is almost always a both sides mod that does not match.

Mods on each game

Enshrouded and RuneScape: Dragonwilds do not have official server mod support at the moment.

Per game setup guides go deeper, for example how to make a Minecraft server, how to make a Valheim server and how to make a Rust server. For Minecraft ideas, see the best Minecraft modpacks and best Minecraft server plugins.

Step by step: adding mods to a server

These steps apply to almost any game.

1. Back up first

Mods can change the world in ways you cannot undo. Removing a mod that added blocks or creatures can delete them from the world. Take a backup and keep it until you are sure the modded world is stable.

2. Pick versions that line up

Check the game version the server runs, then choose the loader version for it, then choose mod versions made for that loader. Minecraft is the strictest here: a mod for 1.21.1 will not load on a different version. After a big game update, wait for your mods to update before updating the server.

3. Install the loader

On a home server this is usually an installer or a zip you extract into the server folder. On GamezServers you can pick Minecraft server types like Paper, Fabric or Forge from the panel and the right files are installed for you. For other games, upload the loader files through the file manager or SFTP.

4. Upload the mods

Small mods can go up through the browser file manager. For modpacks with hundreds of files, use SFTP with FileZilla or WinSCP. Put files in the exact folder the loader expects. For Workshop or CurseForge based games, add the IDs to the config instead of uploading files.

5. Restart and read the console

Start the server and watch the console for errors. Common ones:

• A mod that needs another mod (a dependency) that is missing.
• A mod for the wrong game or loader version.
• A client only mod that crashes the server.
• Out of memory errors, such as java.lang.OutOfMemoryError on Minecraft.

Fix one problem at a time and restart.

6. Share the modpack with players

For both sides mods, give friends the exact list. The easiest way for Minecraft is a CurseForge or Modrinth modpack everyone installs through a launcher. For Valheim, a shared Thunderstore profile code in r2modman or the Thunderstore app does the same.

How much RAM mods need

Mods are one of the biggest drivers of memory use. Rough guide:

More in how much RAM a game server needs. If you add mods and the server starts to lag or crash, a bigger plan is often the fix. Why is my game server lagging helps you tell RAM problems from others.

Hosting a modded server on GamezServers

Modding is where a hosted server with full access pays off. You get:

• A file manager and SFTP for uploading mods and modpacks of any size.
• A live console to read errors and run any command.
• One click backups before every change.
• Plan changes in Settings when your modpack needs more memory, applied after a restart.
• No port forwarding, so friends just paste the address.

Mods and plugins are supported wherever the game supports them. Each game page lists how mods work for that game. Pricing is about 2.50 USD per GB a month, so an 8 GB modded Minecraft server is 19.99 USD, or about 5.00 USD each split between 5 friends with Split with friends at checkout.

FAQ

Can you add mods to a dedicated server?

Yes, in most games. The method depends on the game: a loader and a mods folder, a plugin framework, or Workshop IDs in the config.

Do my friends need the same mods as the server?

Only for mods that add content to the game, like new items or creatures. Server side plugins, such as Rust or Paper plugins, need nothing on the player's side.

Why do my friends get "mod mismatch" when joining?

Their mods or mod versions do not match the server. Share the exact mod list or a modpack so everyone installs the same versions.

Can I add mods to an existing world?

Usually yes. Back up first. Adding content mods is normally safe, but removing them later can delete what they added.

Mod without the hassle

Pick a game on the games page, upload your mods through the file manager or SFTP, and restart. The control panel docs show where everything is.