How to install modpacks and plugins on your Minecraft server Print

This article explains the basics of installing modpacks and plugins on your PlayNHost Minecraft server using the Game Panel.

1. Understand the difference between plugins and mods

• Plugins usually run on Paper/Spigot/Bukkit servers. They do not require players to install anything extra in their Minecraft client.
• Mods and modpacks require a modded server type (for example, Forge or Fabric) and often a matching modded client or launcher (CurseForge, Prism, etc.).

Make sure you know which type you want before installing anything.

2. Log in to the Game Panel

1. Go to https://panel.playnhost.com.
2. Log in with your panel credentials, or access the panel from the Game Panel link in the Client Area.
3. Select your Minecraft server.

3. Choose the correct server type

4. In the Game Panel, look for a menu such as Server Type, Version or Modpack Installer.
5. For plugins only, choose a server type such as Paper, Spigot or Bukkit in the version you want.
6. For mods or full modpacks, choose the appropriate modded server type (for example: Forge or Fabric) or a prebuilt modpack from the list if your panel offers one-click installations.
7. Apply the change and allow the panel to install the selected server type or modpack. This may reset or replace some files.

Important: Changing the server type or installing a modpack can affect your world compatibility. Always make a backup first.

4. Installing plugins (Paper/Spigot/Bukkit)

8. Make sure your server is set to a plugin-compatible type such as Paper or Spigot.
9. Download the plugin .jar file from a trusted source (for example, the official Spigot or Paper plugin pages).
10. In the Game Panel, open the File Manager for your server.
11. Open the plugins folder.
12. Upload the plugin .jar file into the plugins folder.
13. Restart the server from the dashboard.
14. After restart, check the plugins folder and console to confirm the plugin loaded without errors.

5. Installing mods and modpacks

A) Using a one-click modpack installer (if available)

15. In the Game Panel, look for a section such as Modpacks, One-Click Install or similar.
16. Choose the platform or list (for example, CurseForge, FTB, etc.).
17. Search for the modpack you want and select the desired version.
18. Start the installation. The panel will download and install the modpack for you.
19. Once installation is complete, restart your server.
20. Use the matching modpack launcher/client on your PC to join the server (for example, the same CurseForge pack and version).

B) Installing mods manually

21. Make sure your server type is set to a modded loader (for example, Forge or Fabric) in the correct Minecraft version.
22. Download the mod .jar files to your computer from trusted sources.
23. In the Game Panel, open the File Manager and go to the mods folder.
24. Upload the mod .jar files into the mods folder.
25. Restart the server.
26. Install the same mods and versions in your own Minecraft client/modded launcher, then join using your server IP and port.

6. Always back up before big changes

• Before installing a new modpack or a large number of mods/plugins, create a backup of your server.
• If something goes wrong (crashes, corruption, etc.), you can restore the backup from the Game Panel.

7. Troubleshooting

• Server crashes or will not start after installing a mod/plugin
  Check the console for error messages (for example, wrong Minecraft version, missing dependency, or duplicate mods). Remove or fix the problematic mod/plugin and try again.
• Players cannot join after switching to a modpack
  Make sure they use the same modpack and version in their client as the server is running.
• World issues after switching server type
  Some world types are not fully compatible between server types (for example, moving from pure vanilla to heavy modded). You may need to generate a new world or restore a backup created before the change.

If you are unsure which server type or modpack setup to use, or if your server is stuck in a crash loop, please open a ticket from the Support → Submit a Ticket section and include your server name and a copy of the console errors.