What is a Forge server?
A Forge server is a Minecraft Java server that runs the Forge mod loader, the oldest one, which has loaded mods since 2011. Forge has the biggest back catalogue, and many famous modpacks live on it, on versions such as 1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2 and 1.20.1. Forge still releases for new Minecraft versions, but for 1.20.2 and newer most large mods moved to NeoForge. If you want an older pack or a classic set of big tech and magic mods, Forge is usually the answer.
How to make a Forge server
To make a Forge server, match the Minecraft version of your modpack first and let the panel do the rest:
- Find the version your pack or mods need. The pack page on CurseForge names the Minecraft version and often the Forge build.
- Order with Forge as the server software, on that Minecraft version, or switch an existing server in the panel. Lodehost takes a backup first when you switch.
- Install the pack or your mods from the panel. Lodehost reads the Forge build from the pack itself and installs the server pack its author published on CurseForge, configs included.
- Start the server, give the first boot a few minutes, and share the address with players who have the same pack version.
Forge server versions: 1.20.1, 1.16.5 and 1.12.2
The Forge versions most servers run are 1.20.1, 1.16.5 and 1.12.2, because most classic modpacks sit on them. Lodehost lists exactly these three as classic modpack versions when you order, next to the current releases:
| Minecraft version | What you find there | Java |
|---|---|---|
| 1.12.2 | Many classic Forge modpacks, such as RLCraft and SkyFactory 4 | Java 8 |
| 1.16.5 | Many classic Forge modpacks | Java 8 |
| 1.20.1 | The last version where Forge and NeoForge mods stayed largely compatible, with many packs still on it | Java 17 |
| 1.21.1 and newer | Forge still releases, but most large mods moved to NeoForge | Java 21, or Java 25 from 26.1 |
A few packs stay on even older versions. GregTech New Horizons runs on Forge 1.7.10 with Java 8 or Java 17 and newer; its setup is on GTNH server hosting.
Forge vs NeoForge: which one for your server?
Run the loader your pack or mods were built for: Forge for packs on 1.12.2, 1.16.5 and 1.20.1, and NeoForge for most large packs on 1.21.1 and newer. In July 2023 most of the Forge team started NeoForge. On 1.20.1 mods for the two stayed largely compatible, and from 1.20.2 on they went separate ways, so a Forge mod for a recent version does not load on NeoForge. The pack page usually says which one it uses. More on the newer loader is on NeoForge server hosting.
How much RAM does a Forge server need?
A Forge server needs about 8 GB of RAM for five players with a hand-picked set of mods, and about 11 GB with a light modpack of around a hundred mods. With ten players, that is about 10 GB and 16 GB. Large packs with 300 mods or more need about 13 GB for five players and 18 GB for ten. The table below is for a light modpack; the pack page on CurseForge often lists a recommended amount as well, and you should use whichever is higher.
| Players online | RAM needed | Plan size | Lowest price for that size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 5 | 11 GB | 12 GB | CheapestMinecraftHosting Builder, €9.60 a month in Poland (Warsaw) |
| 6 to 10 | 16 GB | 16 GB | CheapestMinecraftHosting Pro, €12.80 a month in Poland (Warsaw) |
| 11 to 20 | 26 GB | 32 GB | CheapestMinecraftHosting Guild, €25.60 a month in Poland (Warsaw) |
Which Java version does a Forge server need?
A Forge server needs Java 8 for Minecraft 1.12.2 and 1.16.5, Java 17 for 1.18 to 1.20.4 and Java 21 for 1.20.5 to 1.21.x. The three hosts we compare pick the Java version from the Minecraft version you set, so a 1.12.2 pack does not fail on a Java that is too new. If you run a server yourself, a wrong Java version is the most common reason a Forge server stops right after it starts.
Best Forge server hosting plans
The best Forge server hosting for a modpack with five players is a 12 GB plan, and 16 GB for a large pack.
For 2 to 5 players with a light modpack of about 100 mods on Java in Poland (Warsaw), the finder recommends Astroworld Hosting Standard Performance: 12 GB, AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, DDR5, for €23.95 a month when you pay monthly. As a new customer you pay €9.58 a month for the first 3 months, 60% off. The best plans at the other two hosts are Lodehost Standard at €23.95 and CheapestMinecraftHosting Builder at €9.60.
| If you want | Host and plan | Memory | Processor | Location | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lowest price | CheapestMinecraftHosting Builder | 12 GB | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, DDR5 | Poland (Warsaw) | €9.60 |
| Balanced | Astroworld Standard Performance | 12 GB | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, DDR5 | Poland (Warsaw) | €23.95 (€20.95 on 24 mo) New customers: €9.58 a month for the first 3 months, 60% off |
| More performance | Astroworld Standard Performance | 12 GB | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X, DDR5 | Poland (Warsaw) | €23.95 (€20.95 on 24 mo) New customers: €9.58 a month for the first 3 months, 60% off |
For a Forge modpack with up to five players, a 12 GB plan fits: CheapestMinecraftHosting Builder costs €9.60 a month, Lodehost Standard €16.95 and Astroworld Standard Performance with reserved Ryzen 9 threads €23.95. Big tech packs with many machines often run out of processor time before memory, which is where the Performance line helps. Popular Forge packs have their own pages, such as RLCraft, Vault Hunters and SkyFactory.