Date Published: May 5th 2025
Author: Shane Gunnerson
This is a guide on how to setup Minecraft Java Edition with mods as well as how to setup a modded Minecraft server for Free. A link to the video tutorial is provided below if you prefer to watch the tutorial instead. This guide is assuming you are using Windows. If you are using Mac or Linux, you can still follow this guide, with the exception that your directory paths may be slightly different. This tutorial is perfect for anyone looking for free Minecraft server hosting with a smooth gaming experience.
To begin, in order to install mods for Minecraft Java Edition, you must first purchase a copy of the game. The only part of this tutorial that is not free is the actual Minecraft game. Go to the Official Minecraft Website. Once you click the link, scroll down and hit Buy Now. I recommend buying the Standard Edition for $30.00. Once you’ve purchased and installed Minecraft, you can manage your server easily through the control panel of your chosen host.
Now that Minecraft Java Edition is installed, we must install Forge. We need Forge to use mods with Minecraft. Forge allows you to add new features using custom content. While there are other mod loaders, Forge is the most widely supported and gives the best compatibility with plugins mods.
The link below provides Forge version 1.20.1 - 47.4.0, which we will be using. You are free to use any Forge version, just make sure it’s consistent throughout your setup. For maximum stability and a lag free server running experience, we recommend sticking with Forge 1.20.1 for this tutorial.
To install Forge, go to the Forge Installation Page and click install. When redirected to the ad page, wait 6 seconds and click the SKIP button. This ensures you’re not redirected to a third-party site. Close Minecraft and its launcher before installing Forge. This will help prevent installation issues and ensure your modded server setup goes smoothly.
Open the Forge installer, select Install client, and ensure the install path is set to (C:\Users\(YourUsername)\AppData\Roaming\.minecraft). Correcting the path is vital for Forge to install correctly and get your modded server up and running. This path also ensures your file manager can easily locate the mods later.
Next, we will create our server using Aternos, a platform for free Minecraft server hosting. Visit the Aternos Website, sign up, and follow the prompts. You can use the same email as your Minecraft account. Aternos provides free services supported by ads, along with options like DDOS protection and basic control panel features.
After signing up, click “Create a server.” Choose Java Edition and optionally customize your server address or leave it as is. Once your server is ready, hit the Skip button to bypass backup prompts. At this point, your server is created and ready to begin setup.
Now we’ll set the correct server software. On the server page, under Software, click Change, and select Forge version 1.20.1 - 47.4.0. Choose either Recommended or Latest, then click Reinstall. This ensures that your server is ready for real time mod support and will run without compatibility issues.
With Forge installed on the server, you can now create your world. You can use Aternos’s generator or upload a prebuilt one from Minecraft. Uploading your own world gives more control over terrain, structures, and overall gaming experience. Choose the method that suits you best and proceed.
Open Minecraft Launcher, select the Forge version, and click play. After the game opens, create your world as desired. This step is crucial because the world file will be uploaded later, which will be accessible in your server's file manager.
Once the world is created and saved, navigate to your world’s save folder, usually in .minecraft/saves. Upload the world folder to your server using the red Upload button under the Worlds tab. This will replace the existing world and ensure your server is running your custom world properly.
Now we’ll install mods. Visit the Mods tab on your Aternos dashboard. Here you can add mods to your server to enhance your gameplay and add new features. For this tutorial, we’ll install Twilight Forest, JEI, and a furniture mod to demonstrate handling dependencies.
Search for "Twilight Forest" and ensure it’s the CurseForge version. Install the correct version for Forge 1.20.1. This mod adds new features and biomes for an immersive gaming experience. Download the same version to your local machine to avoid mismatches.
Next, install the JEI mod from CurseForge for Forge 1.20.1. This mod helps players look up recipes and crafting combinations for all in-game items. It’s a must-have mod for managing your inventory and crafting in real time.
Now we’ll install MrCrayfish’s Furniture Mod, which includes dependencies. Install the mod and its required framework dependency as indicated. A well-configured modded server ensures all plugins mods work together seamlessly without errors.
After downloading all necessary mods, navigate to your .minecraft folder and open or create a mods folder. Paste all downloaded mod files here. This ensures your Minecraft client matches your server, giving you a lag free and stable experience.
Start your server via the Aternos control panel and click Okay when prompted. While it boots, launch Minecraft using the correct Forge version. Add the server address to Multiplayer and join. If configured correctly, your server should be running smoothly with all installed mods.
This guide works for any compatible mod client. Just be sure to keep your versions consistent across Forge, server, and mods. If anything goes wrong, Aternos has a support team available to help troubleshoot issues with plugins mods or software setup.