Forge or NeoForge?

Forge and NeoForge both run mods, but a mod built for one usually won't load on the other. This guide helps you choose and set up the right one.

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 Forge or NeoForge server.

Which one do I need?#

Let your mods decide. Check the download page of the mods you want most, and pick what they support.

You wantChoose
Mods or a pack for Minecraft 1.21 or newerUsually NeoForge, if your mods offer it
Mods or a pack for Minecraft 1.20.1Usually Forge, where most mods for that version are
Older mods, from Minecraft 1.12.2 to 1.19Forge
Mods that say FabricFabric: see Fabric and mods
A ready-made packDon't choose a loader: see Install a modpack. The pack picks it for you.

Tree Host runs Forge from Minecraft 1.12.2 and NeoForge from Minecraft 1.20.2. Plugins for Paper or Spigot don't run on either of them.

1. Create the server#

  1. In the dashboard, choose + New server and select Forge or NeoForge.
  2. Choose the Minecraft version your mods support.
  3. Leave the loader version on the newest one unless a mod asks for a specific version.
  4. Name the server, choose your plan, agree to the Minecraft EULA and create it.

The first start takes a few minutes, because the installer downloads Minecraft and its libraries. The Console shows its progress. Later starts skip this.

2. Add mods#

  1. Open your server's Mods tab and choose Browse mods. The browser only shows Modrinth mods for your loader and Minecraft version.
  2. Install each mod's required dependencies as well as the mod itself.
  3. Restart the server to load the changes, then check the Console for errors.

To upload a mod yourself, download the .jar for your loader and Minecraft version, then drag it onto the Mods tab's upload area. Restart afterwards. Use files from the mod author's official page.

3. Set up Minecraft on your computer#

Most mods also have to be installed by every player. Each player needs the same Minecraft version, the same loader and the same mods.

  1. Install the loader: Forge or NeoForge.
  2. Put the mods in your game's mods folder, or use a launcher that does this for you.
  3. Launch that profile and join with the Join address at the top of your Tree Host server page.

Fix common problems#

  • The server crashes while starting and mentions a "client" class or "invalid dist": one of your mods only works on players' computers. The crash report names it. Disable it in the Mods tab, then start again.
  • Missing dependency: read the first error in the Console. Install the mod it names, in a version for your loader and Minecraft version.
  • Friends get "mod rejections" or can't join: compare their Minecraft version, loader and mods with the server's.
  • Ran out of memory: check what your mods need, remove heavy ones, or choose a bigger plan. Big packs often need 6 to 8 GB.

See Troubleshooting for more checks, or contact support@treehost.online with the error and what changed.