Introduction
Running mods is one of the best ways to enhance your Minecraft experience — whether you’re adding new biomes, machines, or gameplay mechanics. This guide will walk you through how to prepare your BananaServers Minecraft server for mod support, including installing Forge or Fabric, uploading mods, and configuring your setup properly in the Peel Panel.
Step 1: Log Into the Peel Panel
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Head to https://peel.bananaservers.ca.
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Log in using the same email and password you used when purchasing your BananaServers hosting plan.
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Select your Minecraft server from the dashboard to open the Server Console.
Step 2: Install a Mod-Compatible Version
To run mods, your server needs to use a modded loader, such as Forge or Fabric. These loaders allow Minecraft to run custom modifications.
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In the Version Changer tab, select either:
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Forge (recommended for most modpacks and mods), or
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Fabric (lightweight and ideal for performance-focused or modern mods).
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Choose the version of Minecraft that matches your mods.
Example: If your mods are for Minecraft 1.20.1, select Forge 1.20.1. -
Click Install.
The panel will automatically install all required files and prepare your server environment. -
Once complete, check the Startup tab to confirm that the correct Java version is selected:
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Java 17+ is recommended for newer Minecraft versions (1.18 and above).
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Java 8 can be used for older mod versions.
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Step 3: Upload Your Mods
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Navigate to the Files tab in your server panel.
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Open the
/modsfolder — this is where all your.jarmod files go. -
Click Upload in the top-right corner and select your mod files from your computer.
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You can upload multiple mods at once.
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Make sure the mods are compatible with your Minecraft and loader version.
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Once uploaded, verify that all
.jarfiles appear inside the/modsfolder.
Tip: If you have a large collection of mods, compress them into a
.zipfile first, upload it, then right-click → Unarchive inside the panel.
Step 4: Configure Your Server Settings
Before starting your server, ensure your settings match your mods’ requirements.
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In the Startup tab, double-check that the correct server JAR file (Forge or Fabric) is selected.
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Open the server.properties file (found in the Files tab) and configure key options such as:
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Save changes after editing.
If any of your mods require configuration, they’ll usually create their own config files after the first startup in the /config folder.
Step 5: Start and Verify Your Server
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Return to the Console tab.
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Click Start to launch your modded server.
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Watch the console output — you should see Forge or Fabric initializing mods.
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Once the server finishes loading, join it using the same Minecraft version and mod list installed on your client.
If you see any errors about missing mods or mismatched versions, make sure your client mods exactly match those on the server.
Troubleshooting & FAQs
My server crashes on startup!
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Ensure all mods are for the correct Minecraft and mod loader version.
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Remove recently added mods to identify any that may be incompatible.
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Check the console for specific mod errors.
My mods aren’t loading.
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Double-check that you installed a modded loader (Forge/Fabric), not a vanilla server.
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Verify that all
.jarmod files are placed in the/modsfolder.
Can I use modpacks instead?
Yes! You can easily install popular modpacks from the Modpacks tab in the Peel Panel. This automatically installs Forge and all required mods.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a modded Minecraft server takes a few steps, but once done, you’ll have access to limitless custom content and gameplay possibilities. Whether you’re hosting a tech-based adventure or exploring new worlds with friends, BananaServers makes it easy to run and manage your modded server.
Ready to host your own modded Minecraft world?
Get started with BananaServers today!
