Fabric and mods

Use Fabric to play with Fabric mods or a Fabric modpack. This guide covers adding mods to your server and getting your friends ready to join.

Note: on the staging site, creating servers is turned off until launch. You can explore the shared demo, but it does not run a real Fabric server.

1. Create a Fabric server#

  1. In the dashboard, choose + New server and select Fabric as the server software.
  2. Choose the Minecraft version your mods support. Check each mod's download page before choosing.
  3. Name the server, choose your plan, agree to the Minecraft EULA and create it.
  4. Watch the Console for download or startup errors. Leave Settings → Java on Automatic.

Already have a server? Download a copy of anything you need to keep before changing software in Settings. Switching software does not make existing plugins or mods compatible with Fabric.

2. Add mods#

  1. Open your Fabric server's Mods tab and choose Browse mods.
  2. Search for a mod. The browser filters Modrinth results for your server software and Minecraft version.
  3. Read the mod's requirements. Install its required dependencies, such as Fabric API, as well as the mod itself.
  4. Restart the server to load the changes, then check the Console for errors.

To upload a mod yourself, download its Fabric .jar for the right Minecraft version, then drag it onto the Mods tab's upload area or click browse. Restart afterwards. Use files from the mod author's official page.

Important: Fabric Loader and Fabric API are different things. Tree Host sets up the loader; install the Fabric API mod when a mod requires it. Bukkit/Paper plugins and Forge or NeoForge mods do not run on Fabric.

Check whether a mod belongs on the server, on players' computers, or both. Keep client-only mods off the server. Install required dependencies even when the browser finds the main mod.

3. Set up Minecraft on your computer#

For mods that require a matching client, every player needs the same Minecraft version and compatible Fabric Loader, mods and dependencies. Installing a mod on Tree Host does not install it on your friends' computers.

  1. Follow the official Fabric installation guide.
  2. Follow the Fabric mod installation guide to put the required client mods in your game's mods folder. Use the versions required by your server's mods.
  3. Launch that Fabric profile and join using the Join address at the top of your Tree Host server page.

Some server-only mods allow an ordinary Minecraft client. Check the mod author's instructions before asking players to install anything.

Install a modpack instead#

For a ready-made setup, choose + New server → Install a modpack instead. Search for a modpack from Modrinth or CurseForge, choose its version and your plan, then create the server. Tree Host installs the server pack's Minecraft version, Fabric Loader and server files. Watch the console while it installs.

Players should install the same modpack release in their launcher. Check the pack's memory requirements before choosing a plan. The built-in installer also handles Forge and NeoForge packs, and picks the right loader for you.

Fix common problems#

  • Missing dependency or incompatible mods: read the first relevant error in the Console. Install the named dependency or replace the mod with a Fabric build for your Minecraft and loader versions.
  • The server crashes after adding a mod: stop it, disable the new mod in Mods, then start again. Check whether it is client-only. Removing content mods can affect a world, so keep a copy before changing them.
  • Friends cannot join: compare the Minecraft version and required mod versions on the server and client. Share the exact pack release when using a modpack.
  • Ran out of memory: check the pack's requirements, reduce heavy mods or view distance, or choose a suitable plan.

See Troubleshooting for more checks, or contact support@treehost.online with the error and what changed. Keep passwords and account tokens out of logs you share.