Installing Mods and Plugins

Mods and plugins are what make Minecraft servers truly unique. This guide explains the difference between the two, where to find them, and how to install them on your Witchly server.

Mods vs Plugins: What Is the Difference?

Plugins

• Run on Paper, Spigot, or Purpur servers.
• Server-side only. Players do NOT need to install anything on their client.
• Add server functionality: permissions, economy, minigames, anti-cheat, chat management, etc.
• Cannot add new blocks, items, or mobs to the game.
• Examples: EssentialsX, LuckPerms, WorldEdit, Vault, GriefPrevention.

Mods

• Run on Forge, Fabric, or Quilt servers.
• Both server and client must have the mods installed (with some exceptions for server-side-only mods).
• Can add entirely new content: blocks, items, mobs, dimensions, mechanics.
• Can fundamentally change how the game works.
• Examples: Create, Applied Energistics 2, Biomes O’ Plenty, JEI, Sodium.

You cannot mix plugins and mods on the same server (with rare exceptions like hybrid servers, which are not recommended for stability reasons). Choose one approach based on your needs.

Where to Find Plugins

SpigotMC (spigotmc.org)

The largest plugin repository. Most Bukkit and Spigot plugins are published here. Includes both free and premium plugins.

Hangar (hangar.papermc.io)

Paper’s official plugin repository. A modern alternative to SpigotMC with a focus on Paper-compatible plugins.

Modrinth (modrinth.com)

Originally a mod platform, Modrinth now also hosts plugins. Clean interface with good search and filtering.

CurseForge (curseforge.com)

A well-known platform that hosts both mods and plugins (listed under “Bukkit Plugins”).

Where to Find Mods

Modrinth (modrinth.com)

A modern, community-driven platform. Excellent search and filtering. Supports both Forge and Fabric mods.

CurseForge (curseforge.com)

The largest mod repository. Hosts mods for Forge, Fabric, and Quilt. Also has modpacks.

Installing Plugins (Paper/Spigot/Purpur)

Step 1: Download the Plugin

1. Find the plugin you want on SpigotMC, Hangar, Modrinth, or CurseForge.
2. Make sure it supports your server software (Paper, Spigot, or Purpur) and Minecraft version.
3. Download the .jar file.

Step 2: Upload to Your Server

Using the File Manager:

1. Log in to Dashboard and select your server.
2. Go to the File Manager tab.
3. Navigate to the plugins folder.
4. Click Upload and select the .jar file.

Using SFTP:

1. Connect to your server via SFTP on port 2022 using a client like FileZilla.
2. Navigate to the plugins folder.
3. Upload the .jar file.

Step 3: Restart Your Server

Restart your server from the console page. The plugin will be loaded automatically. Check the console output for any errors or confirmation messages.

Step 4: Configure the Plugin

Most plugins generate a configuration folder inside plugins/ with their name. For example, plugins/EssentialsX/config.yml. Edit the configuration files through the File Manager or SFTP, then restart the server for changes to take effect.

Installing Mods (Forge/Fabric/Quilt)

Step 1: Make Sure You Are Running the Right Server Software

Mods require a compatible server software:

• Forge mods need a Forge server.
• Fabric mods need a Fabric server.
• Quilt mods need a Quilt server (usually compatible with Fabric mods too).

If you need to switch, see our Changing Server Version guide.

Step 2: Download the Mod

1. Find the mod on Modrinth or CurseForge.
2. Verify it matches your server’s mod loader (Forge or Fabric) AND Minecraft version.
3. Download the .jar file.
4. Check for any required dependencies. Many mods require library mods (e.g., Fabric API for Fabric mods, or Architectury API for cross-loader mods).

Step 3: Upload to Your Server

Using the File Manager:

1. Log in to Dashboard and select your server.
2. Go to the File Manager tab.
3. Navigate to the mods folder.
4. Click Upload and select the .jar file(s).

Using SFTP:

1. Connect to your server via SFTP on port 2022.
2. Navigate to the mods folder.
3. Upload the .jar file(s).

Step 4: Install on Client

Players also need to install the same mods on their Minecraft client. Use a launcher like Prism Launcher, ATLauncher, or the CurseForge app to manage client-side mods.

Step 5: Restart Your Server

Restart the server and check the console for any errors. Mod conflicts or missing dependencies will be reported in the log.

Removing Mods or Plugins

1. Stop your server.
2. Navigate to the plugins or mods folder in the File Manager.
3. Delete the .jar file for the mod or plugin you want to remove.
4. Optionally, delete the mod or plugin’s configuration folder to remove all associated data.
5. Start your server.

Tips for Success

• Always check version compatibility. A plugin or mod built for 1.20 may not work on 1.21.
• Install one at a time. When adding multiple plugins or mods, install them one by one and test each one. This makes it much easier to identify the cause if something breaks.
• Read the documentation. Most plugins and mods have wiki pages or documentation explaining installation and configuration.
• Check for dependencies. Many mods and plugins require other mods or plugins to function. These dependencies are usually listed on the download page.
• Keep backups. Before installing anything new, back up your server. See World Management.

Need Help?

If a mod or plugin is not working as expected, check the server console for error messages. For further assistance, join our Discord.