How to Install a Forge Server (and NeoForge)

To install a Forge server, download the installer for your Minecraft version from files.minecraftforge.net, run java -jar forge-<version>-installer.jar --installServer in an empty folder, accept the EULA, set your RAM in user_jvm_args.txt and start it with run.sh or run.bat. NeoForge works the same way with its own installer from neoforged.net. On TheGameHosting you can skip the installer: choose Forge or NeoForge in the Version Changer.

Forge is the oldest big mod loader for Minecraft: Java Edition, and NeoForge is a newer project that split from it during 1.20.1. Many recent mods and modpacks are built for NeoForge, while older packs stay on Forge. A mod made for one usually does not load on the other, so check the mod page before you choose.

Forge or NeoForge: which one to install

If your modpack names a loader, use that one. If you only want light performance mods, Fabric may suit you better: see our guide to install a Fabric server.

How to install a Forge server on TheGameHosting

1. Open your server in the panel. If it already has a world, go to Backups and create a backup.
2. Stop the server from the Console.
3. Open Version and choose Forge or NeoForge, then the Minecraft version and loader build your mods need.
4. Confirm and wait for the install to finish. The panel runs the installer for you.
5. Start the server once so it creates the mods folder, then stop it.
6. Upload your mod JARs to mods in Files, or by SFTP for many files at once, or add them from Modrinth in the Mods tab.
7. Start the server and check the Console for errors.

For a complete pack, the Modpacks tab installs Modrinth modpacks in one click. If your pack is somewhere else, use its server files and follow how to make a Minecraft modpack server.

How to install a Forge server manually

Use this on your own PC or a VPS.

1. Make an empty folder and download the Installer for your Minecraft version from files.minecraftforge.net (or the NeoForge installer from neoforged.net).
2. Open a terminal in that folder and run:

java -jar forge-1.20.1-47.x.x-installer.jar --installServer

1. The installer downloads the Minecraft server and libraries. Since Minecraft 1.17 it also creates run.sh, run.bat and user_jvm_args.txt.
2. Start the server with ./run.sh (Linux and macOS) or run.bat (Windows). It creates eula.txt and stops.
3. Change eula=false to eula=true in eula.txt.
4. Start it again. Stop it, put your mods in mods and start once more.

To give the server more memory, edit user_jvm_args.txt and add a line like this:

-Xmx6G

On older versions such as 1.12.2 and 1.16.5 there is no run.sh. The installer leaves a forge-<version>.jar that you start with java -Xmx4G -jar forge-<version>.jar nogui, and those versions need Java 8.

Which Java version Forge needs

Forge and NeoForge use the same Java as the Minecraft version they run. Minecraft 1.12 to 1.16.5 needs Java 8, 1.17 needs Java 16, 1.18 to 1.20.4 needs Java 17, and 1.20.5 to 1.21.11 needs Java 21. Our guide on how to change the Java version on a Minecraft server has the full table and the panel steps.

Common Forge server errors and fixes

1. "Missing or unsupported mandatory dependencies": a mod needs a library or a newer loader build. The log names it; add it or update Forge.
2. Server crashes and writes a file in crash-reports: open the newest report. The first mod named in the stack trace is often the cause. Remove it, start again and test.
3. "Unsupported class file major version": wrong Java version. Switch it and restart.
4. Client mod on the server: mods such as minimaps or shader loaders can crash a server. Remove mods marked client side.
5. Out of memory during start: big packs need more RAM. Raise -Xmx within your plan, or see how much RAM a Minecraft server needs.
6. Players are kicked with a mod mismatch message: their client must use the same loader, the same mods and the same versions as the server.

General mod tips, like where to find mods and how to update them safely, are in how to install mods on a Minecraft server.

Host your Forge server on TheGameHosting

Big Forge packs want strong single-core speed and fast disks, and that is what our nodes have: AMD 9950X or 7950X3D CPUs at up to 5.7 GHz, DDR5 and NVMe in Dallas and Amsterdam. Forge and NeoForge install from the Version Changer, mods upload through Files or SFTP, and the Backups tab saves a copy before every big change. You can also set Schedules to restart the server automatically. DDoS protection is included on every plan and there is no charge per player.

Plans start at $1.90 USD per month on Minecraft server hosting; most modded servers feel better on 6 to 8 GB or more. Compare every size on the game server plans page and use code FULL2026 for 15% off for life. Pick a plan on Pricing and your server is ready in about 60 seconds.

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