How to install Forge on a Minecraft server

Hostd installs Forge for you. Pick it when you order, or switch an existing server from Settings.

The short version

Pick Forge (or NeoForge) as the server software and your Minecraft version when you order, or switch an existing server from Settings, General, Server software. Hostd installs the recommended Forge build for that version, or the newest NeoForge release, and pins it. Once it boots, put your mod jars in /data/mods and restart. Every player needs the same mods and the same Forge version.

Hostd installs Forge for you. You do not need to download the Forge installer, run it, edit run.bat, or chase the right Java version. Pick Forge at order time or switch an existing server, and the loader is ready on first boot.

#When you order

On the Configure page for Minecraft Java, skip the modpack and, under Server software, pick Forge (or NeoForge, the maintained fork) and the Minecraft version your mods are built for. The pricing page can suggest a plan too: pick Forge under "What are you running" and tell it roughly how many mods. Finish checkout and the server provisions with Forge already on it; drop mods into Files → /data/mods and restart.

#On an existing server

Dashboard → your server → Settings → General → Server software. Pick Forge and the Minecraft version, press Switch software and type the server name to confirm. The switch installs Forge on a fresh server, so the current world and files are erased. A backup is taken first, and you can restore it from the Backups tab.

#Which Forge build you get

You pick the Minecraft version. Hostd installs Forge's recommended build for that version, or the latest build where Forge has not marked one recommended, and pins it. Restarts and updates never swap the Forge build under your mods. A mod's CurseForge or Modrinth page lists the Minecraft version and loader it targets, so match the version to your mods.

NeoForge is the community fork that took over active maintenance after the 1.20 era. If you are installing mods for 1.20.2 or later, NeoForge is almost certainly what they use; both are in the software list. NeoForge is offered from 1.20.2, with its newest release build pinned. For 1.20.1 pick Forge.

#Mods folder

Drop .jar files into Files → /data/mods. Restart the server to load them. If a mod is for a different loader (Fabric mod on a Forge server) or a different Minecraft version, it will fail to load and you will see it called out in the console; remove or rename the file to .jar.disabled and restart.

#Memory

Forge needs more memory than vanilla. Even a light Forge install on the 3 GB plan will struggle; the 6 GB plan is the practical floor. Heavy packs (ATM, FTB Skies, RLCraft) want the 10 GB plan. See allocating more RAM for the upgrade flow.

#Where to go next

#Frequently asked questions

Which Forge version should I pick?

Pick the Minecraft version your mods target, from each mod's download page. Hostd picks the Forge build for it and pins it. Mods built for a different Minecraft version will not load.

Where do I upload Forge mods?

Open Files and put the jars in /data/mods, then restart. Server-side and universal mods belong there; client-only mods will crash the server on boot, so check each mod's page before uploading it.

Is Forge or NeoForge the right choice?

For Minecraft 1.20.1 and earlier, Forge. For 1.20.2 and later, most active packs and mods have moved to NeoForge. Pick whichever loader the mods you want are actually published for.

Written and maintained by the Hostd engineering team. Last updated 2026-09-24. Notice a mistake? Tell us.

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