How to join a modded Minecraft server

To join a Minecraft server with mods, you install the same modpack the server runs, on the same Minecraft version and mod loader, then launch that modpack and add the server under Multiplayer like normal. The easiest way to get an exact match is a launcher that installs whole modpacks in one click: the CurseForge app, the Modrinth app, or Prism Launcher.

The vanilla Minecraft Launcher can't join a modded server by itself, and it's the number one reason people see "mod rejections." The rest of this guide shows how to find out what a server runs, how to install it with each launcher, and what the mismatch errors mean.

The three things that must match

Step 1: find out exactly what the server runs

Before you install anything, collect three facts: modpack name, modpack version, and Minecraft version.

• Our server page. We show the mod loader and mod count wherever the server reports them to our pinger, plus the version range. Mod count is a great sanity check: if the server says 212 mods and your pack has 180, something's off.
• The server's Discord or website. Modded servers almost always have a #how-to-join or #modpack channel with a link to the exact pack on CurseForge or Modrinth.
• The server list inside Minecraft. On Forge and NeoForge, hovering the server in your list may show its mod information once you're running a modded game.

Step 2: install the modpack

Pick one launcher. All three are free and use your normal Microsoft account.

With the CurseForge app

1. Install the CurseForge app from curseforge.com and pick Minecraft as your game.
2. Search the modpack by name in the modpack browser. Check the author matches the link the server gave you.
3. Pick the right version. Open the pack's versions list and install the one the server uses, not just the latest.
4. Click Play. The first launch downloads Minecraft, the loader and every mod. It can take a while.

With the Modrinth app

1. Install the Modrinth app from modrinth.com and sign in with your Microsoft account.
2. Browse or search modpacks. Modrinth packs install as a single instance with the right loader.
3. Choose the version the server runs, install, and click Play.

With Prism Launcher

1. Install Prism Launcher and add your Microsoft account in its account settings.
2. Click Add Instance. Use the CurseForge or Modrinth section to search the pack, or Import if the server gave you a modpack file (.zip or .mrpack).
3. Select the version the server uses and click OK. Launch the instance.

Prism is handy if you play several modded servers, because each instance keeps its own mods, settings and memory.

Step 3: join from inside the modpack

This trips people up: you have to join from the modded game. Launch the pack, wait for the title screen, then click Multiplayer, Add Server, paste the address, and join. The server list in the vanilla launcher's installation is a separate game and won't have the mods. Our general join guide covers the address and port details.

Mod mismatch errors, decoded

When nothing makes sense, start clean: make a fresh instance of the exact pack version, launch it once to the title screen, and join without adding anything else.

Can I add my own mods on top?

Often yes, if they run on your side only. Performance mods and minimaps generally don't need to be on the server. But:

• Forge and NeoForge servers may reject you over an extra mod that adds a network channel.
• Many servers ban certain client mods, like X-ray, minimaps that show mobs, or auto-clickers. Check the rules first; the server decides, not the mod page.
• Content mods (new blocks, items, mobs) must be on the server too, or you'll be kicked.

What about Bedrock servers with mods?

Bedrock doesn't use Forge or Fabric. Its equivalent is add-ons: behavior packs and resource packs. Bedrock servers that use them send the packs automatically when you join, so there's nothing to install. Accept the download when asked. Java modpacks can't be used from Bedrock, even on crossplay servers.

Modded servers to join

We track 73 modded servers online right now. These have the most players at the moment:

Want something specific? Browse Create mod servers, Cobblemon, Pixelmon, or voice chat servers, many of which use the Simple Voice Chat or Plasmo Voice mods. Voice mods must be installed on your side as well.

Running your own modded server

If you'd rather host, the principle is the same in reverse: the server gets the same pack. Many CurseForge and Modrinth packs publish a separate server pack; use it instead of copying your client mods folder, because it leaves out client-only mods that would crash a server. Pick hosting with enough memory for the pack's size, and share the exact pack link with your players. Once it's up, list it here and we'll show your loader and mod count so players know what to install.

Quick questions