Minecraft Forge allows you to run modded Minecraft Java servers using Forge-compatible mods and modpacks.

This guide explains how to prepare and install Forge on a Down Side Hosting Minecraft Java server, add mods, and troubleshoot common startup problems.

Before installing Forge, decide which Minecraft version you want to run.

You should know:

• Your Minecraft version
• The Forge version required by your mods or modpack
• The Java version required by that Minecraft/Forge version
• How much RAM your modpack requires
• Whether you are starting a new world or using an existing one

Important: Your Minecraft version, Forge version, mods, and Java version need to be compatible with each other.

Forge primarily uses:

mods/

rather than the Bukkit-style:

plugins/

folder used by Paper, Purpur, and Spigot.

A normal Forge server should not be expected to run standard Bukkit or Spigot plugins.

If you want a plugin-based server instead, see:

Paper vs Purpur vs Spigot: Which Minecraft Server Should You Use?

If this is an existing Minecraft server, create a backup before changing server software.

Back up important files including:

• Worlds
• Server configuration
• Player data
• Mods
• Mod configuration files
• Any other important server files

Switching between Vanilla, Paper-family software, Forge, or other server types can change how the server operates.

Open your Down Side Hosting server panel.

Select your Minecraft server and click:

Stop

Wait until the server has completely stopped before changing the server software or files.

Your Forge version must match the Minecraft version used by your mods.

For example, a mod made for one Minecraft version usually will not work correctly on a completely different Minecraft version.

When downloading or selecting Forge, verify:

Minecraft Version
Forge Version
Mod Version

Do not automatically choose the newest Forge version if your modpack requires a specific version.

The official Forge website is:

Minecraft Forge Downloads

The exact installation method can depend on the server configuration available in your Down Side Hosting panel.

If your server provides a Forge installation option, select the Minecraft and Forge version required by your modpack and allow the installation to complete.

If you are using a custom Forge installation, the Forge installer normally creates the server files required to launch Forge.

Modern Forge installations may use generated startup files rather than a single traditional server JAR.

Do not rename or delete Forge-generated libraries or startup files unless you know they are not required.

After the first installation or startup attempt, you may see:

eula.txt

Open it and change:

eula=false

to:

eula=true

Save the file.

By changing this setting, you are confirming acceptance of the Minecraft End User License Agreement.

Start the server and watch the console.

The first successful Forge startup may create additional files and folders.

These can include:

mods/
config/
defaultconfigs/
logs/
world/

After Forge finishes starting successfully, stop the server again before installing your mods.

Open the Files section of your Down Side Hosting server panel.

Navigate to:

mods/

Upload your Forge mod JAR files into that folder.

For example:

mods/
    ExampleMod.jar
    AnotherMod.jar
    LibraryMod.jar

Do not extract normal mod JAR files.

Many Forge mods require additional library mods.

A mod download page may list dependencies such as:

<code> Required library Required API Required core mod