Forge Server Hosting

The original mod loader for Minecraft Java Edition. Forge gives you access to the largest library of mods and modpacks in the entire Minecraft ecosystem.

What Is Forge?

Minecraft Forge has been the backbone of the Minecraft modding community since 2011. It provides a standardized framework that mod developers use to modify the game at a deep level, adding new blocks, items, dimensions, mobs, crafting systems, energy networks, and entire gameplay overhauls that go far beyond what plugins can do.

Unlike plugin-based servers like Paper, Forge modifies Minecraft's core code. This means mods can change things that are normally hardcoded: world generation algorithms, rendering systems, physics behavior, mob AI, and the crafting system itself. The tradeoff is that Forge servers require more resources and take longer to update to new Minecraft versions, but the depth of what mods can achieve is unmatched.

Forge supports a modding API that handles mod loading, dependency management, version checking, and compatibility between different mods. When you install a Forge modpack, the Forge loader manages which mods load in what order and resolves conflicts automatically. This system is what makes it possible for packs with 200+ mods to function at all.

The Mod Ecosystem

Forge's mod library is massive. CurseForge alone hosts tens of thousands of Forge mods, and Modrinth has grown into a popular alternative with its own catalog. You will find mods for virtually anything you can imagine: tech mods that add machinery and automation (Mekanism, Thermal Expansion, Applied Energistics), magic mods with spell systems and rituals (Ars Nouveau, Botania, Blood Magic), adventure mods that add dungeons and bosses (Twilight Forest, The Aether, Alex's Mobs), and quality-of-life improvements like JEI, Waystones, and Journeymap.

Most players experience Forge through modpacks, curated collections of mods that are tested to work together. Platforms like CurseForge and Modrinth host thousands of modpacks, and server hosting with Astroworld makes it straightforward to get them running. Check out our modpack installation guide for step-by-step instructions.

Popular Forge Modpacks

Some modpacks have become almost as well-known as Minecraft itself. Here are a few of the most popular Forge packs that players run on Astroworld:

• RLCraft , A brutal survival overhaul with thirst, temperature, and significantly tougher mobs. Known for its difficulty and the dragons that can one-shot unprepared players.
• All The Mods (ATM) , A kitchen-sink pack that includes a wide selection of tech, magic, and exploration mods. ATM packs are updated frequently and typically run the latest Minecraft versions.
• Create , An engineering-focused mod that adds gears, conveyor belts, trains, and mechanical contraptions. Create has its own dedicated modpacks like Create: Above and Beyond.
• Pixelmon , Adds hundreds of Pokemon to Minecraft with catching, battling, breeding, and a full Pokedex system. One of the most unique Minecraft modding experiences available.

Hardware Requirements

Forge servers are heavier than Vanilla or Paper servers. Mods add new content to memory, every new block, item, entity, and dimension takes up RAM. A light Forge setup with 20-30 mods might run fine on 4-6 GB of RAM, but large modpacks with 150+ mods regularly need 8-12 GB or more.

CPU matters too. Modded servers run more complex tick logic than Vanilla because mods add machines, automated farms, and custom mob behavior that all need processing time. NVMe storage helps as well — modded worlds tend to be larger on disk because of custom world generation and additional block data, so fast read/write speeds reduce load times and chunk saving delays.

Our RAM guide breaks down how much memory different types of servers typically need. For most Forge modpacks, we recommend starting with the Performance plan or higher.

Forge vs. Fabric

The Forge vs. Fabric debate comes down to what mods you want to run. Forge has the larger mod library and most major modpacks still target Forge. Fabric updates to new Minecraft versions faster and has less overhead, but its mod selection is smaller, particularly for large content mods.

If the modpack you want to play is on Forge, use Forge. If it is on Fabric, use Fabric. Do not try to convert between them, mods are built for one loader or the other. Some popular mods like Create have ports for both, but this is the exception rather than the rule.

See all server types or explore our modpack guides for specific setup instructions.