Help CenterAt first, building a Minecraft modpack in CurseForge can seem a bit overwhelming, but once you understand how everything works, it becomes an easy process. The CurseForge app makes it simple to find, add, and organize mods all in one place without any manual setup or uploading.
In this guide, we will take you through every part of creating your own modpack from beginning to end. You will learn how to set up a new profile, explore and install mods and shaders, manage updates, and discover helpful tips to keep your modpack running smoothly.
Step 1: Install the CurseForge App
Before we start creating your modpack, we need to install and set up the CurseForge app. This program is what you will use to manage your mods and create your own modpack profile for Minecraft. The CurseForge app keeps everything neat and simple by automatically handling mod updates, compatibility checks, and any required files, so you do not have to worry about those details yourself.
1. To get started, visit the official CurseForge download page. Choose the version that matches your computer’s operating system, and select the standalone option, as it is the easiest to install and use.
2. After the download is complete, open the file to start the installation. When the installation finishes, launch the CurseForge app.
3. The first time you open the app, click the plus icon (+) in the top left corner and select Minecraft: Java Edition from the list of available games. If the game does not appear automatically, you may need to locate it on your computer.
4. In the popup window, leave the Standard option selected and click continue. You will then be taken to the My Modpacks tab, where you can begin creating and managing your modpack, as shown in the example below.
Step 2: Creating a Modpack Profile
Before you can start adding mods, you need to create a modpack profile. This profile sets the foundation for your modpack by determining which Minecraft version, mod loader, and general setup you will be using.
If you are not sure what mods you want to use, a good first step is to explore the available mods. Click on the Browse section in the CurseForge app, filter by Mods, and take some time to look around for ones that catch your interest.
When you find a mod you want to include, make a note of its name in a text document so you can reference it later. To check the mod details, click on the mod to open its page, then select the Versions tab. This will show you the available mod loader and game versions for that mod, which is important information to ensure it works correctly in your modpack.
While browsing, make sure to note which mod loader each mod uses too, such as Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric. This detail is very important because your modpack must use the same mod loader in order for those mods to work properly when you launch your game.
Once you know which Minecraft version and mod loader you want to use, you can start creating your modpack profile.
1. In the My Modpacks tab, click the + Create button. A new window will appear.
2. Fill in the profile details:
- Modpack Name – Choose any name you like for your modpack profile.
- Minecraft Version – Select the version of Minecraft that your mods require, for example 1.21.8.
- Mod Loader – Pick the mod loader your mods use, such as Forge, NeoForge, or Fabric.
- Mod Loader Version – Select the version of the mod loader that matches your mods. If you are unsure, the default option is usually safe.
Our example modpack profile is named My New Modpack. It is set to use Minecraft version 1.21.8 with NeoForge as the selected mod loader. For this setup, we are using the most recent version of NeoForge available at the time, which is neoforge-21.8.47.
3. Click Create and wait a few moments while the app generates your new modpack profile.
You now have a blank modpack profile ready for installing your chosen mods.
Step 3: Adding Mods
1. Open your modpack profile and click the Add Content button in the top right corner.
2. Set the filter to show Mods only.
3. Use the search bar or browse through the library to find the mods you want to include in your modpack. Only mods that are compatible with your selected game version and mod loader will appear.
4. When you find a mod you want to add, click the orange Install button next to it. The mod will automatically install to your modpack profile. It is quick and simple.
5. To return to your modpack screen, click the back arrow at the top of the app.
6. Repeat this process for each mod you plan to include. Once finished, go back to your modpack profile by clicking either the back button or the Minecraft logo on the left side of the app, then select your profile to open it.
You will now see that all your selected mods have been added. You may notice a few extra mods installed as well, these are dependency mods. They are required for certain mods to function properly, and without them, your modpack might not launch or could have errors.
After confirming that all your chosen mods are installed correctly, you are ready to move on to the next step, where we will add shaders and resource packs to complete your setup.
Step 4: Adding Shaders & Resource Packs (optional)
Before adding them to your modpack, it is helpful to understand what resource packs and shaders do and how they differ.
A resource pack changes how Minecraft looks and sounds. It can modify block and item textures, the game’s menus, fonts, and even the sounds or music you hear while playing. Resource packs do not change how the game works or runs; they simply give Minecraft a fresh visual or audio style. You can install and use them directly through the game’s settings without needing any additional mods.
A shader changes how lighting, shadows, reflections, and other visual effects appear in Minecraft. Shaders can make the game look more natural or cinematic by adding features such as realistic lighting, soft shadows, and shimmering water. Unlike resource packs, shaders require a mod such as OptiFine or Iris to function. Keep in mind that shaders can affect game performance depending on your computer’s hardware.
Installing Shaders
Let’s start by adding a few shaders so you can choose the one that fits your style best. From your modpack profile, click the Add Content button, just like you did earlier when adding mods.
1. Use the filter on the left side of the screen to show Shaders only.
2. Scroll through the available options and look for shaders that interest you.
3. When you find one you would like to try, click the orange Install button to add it to your modpack.
4. After installing, click the back button to return to the shader list.
5. Repeat this process for each shader you want to include. Remember, only one shader can be active at a time, but you can switch between them whenever you like. Once you are finished, go back to your modpack profile by clicking the back button or selecting the Minecraft logo on the left side of the app, then open your profile to continue.
You will now see your installed shaders listed in the Shaders section of your modpack profile. You can click the Shaders tab to view which ones are available. The same applies to the other tabs, where you can check what is installed under categories such as Mods, Resource Packs, or Worlds if you have any of those added.
Now that you have shaders installed, you will need an additional mod or set of mods to enable and use them in the game. These mods also improve the overall visual quality by enhancing lighting, shadows, reflections, and water effects.
The specific mods you will need depend on your chosen mod loader and Minecraft version. Here are the recommended options:
- NeoForge and Fabric: Use Iris Shaders along with Sodium
- Forge: Use Oculus with Embeddium or Rubidium, or use OptiFine on its own
To install these mods, click the Add Content button from your modpack profile. Set the filter to Mods and either type the mod name into the search bar or browse until you find it.
When you locate the mod you want, click the orange Install button, and it will be added directly to your modpack profile. That’s all you need to do.
After installing the shader support mods, your shaders will be ready to use in the game.
Installing Resource Packs
When you are ready to add resource packs, the process works just like installing shaders or mods. From your modpack profile.
1. Click the Add Content button and set the filter to Resource Packs.
2. Browse or search for the resource packs you want to use, then click the orange Install button to add one to your modpack. After it finishes installing, click the back arrow to return to your modpack profile.
3. You can repeat this process for as many resource packs as you like. Once finished, your chosen resource packs will be available to use in game.
To make sure your resource pack was installed correctly, click on the Resource Packs tab in your modpack profile, just like you did earlier with shaders. There, you will see a list of all the resource packs currently added to your modpack.
Step 4: Adding Worlds & Data Packs (optional)
To finish setting up your modpack profile, you can add a few optional extras to make your experience even more customized, such as adding worlds or data packs.
Adding Worlds
You can add a pre made world from CurseForge, such as OneBlock, if you would like to start with a specific type of map.
1. Open your modpack profile and click the Add Content button.
2. Set the filter to Worlds.
3. Browse the list and click Install on any world you would like to add, just like you did for shaders or mods.
If you want to add your own custom world, follow these steps:
1. Click the three dots next to the Play button on your modpack profile.
2. Select Open Folder.
3. Open the saves folder.
4. Copy and paste your world folder into the saves folder. Your custom world will now appear in game under Singleplayer.
Adding Data Packs
A data pack in Minecraft is a file that changes or adds gameplay features, such as new crafting recipes, loot tables, or custom rules. It does not require any mods but can enhance gameplay or support certain mods.
1. Click the Add Content button.
2. Set the filter to Data Packs.
3. Browse the available options and click Install on the ones you want.
4. Once installed, your data packs will automatically load when you play your world.
Step 5: Launching Your Modpack
Once you have all of your mods, shaders, and other additions set up for your modpack profile, you are ready to play.
1. From your modpack profile, click the orange Play button.
2. The Minecraft launcher will appear, depending on your CurseForge settings. Click Play again and wait for the game to load.
3. From the main menu, you can confirm that your mods are loaded by looking at the bottom left of the screen or by going to the Mods folder option on the main menu and checking that they are listed there.
4. Click Singleplayer, create a new world, and wait for it to load.
When you load into the world, your mods should be active. If a shader is not working, press the O key in game to bring up the shader menu or go to Settings, then Video Settings, and toggle or enable your shader depending on the shader support mods you are using.
You can enter Creative mode to check that any mods that added blocks or items are present in the game. This is a good way to confirm that the mods are installed correctly.
Another way to test is simply by playing and exploring the world.
You now know how to create and launch your own modpack on CurseForge. If you run into any issues, double check the steps above or refer to the troubleshooting section below.
Updating Your Mods
Over time, as bugs are fixed and new versions of Minecraft are released, updated versions of the mods you are using may become available. While updating is not required, doing so can resolve potential issues with the versions currently installed.
Be aware that updating mods can sometimes cause problems. It is important to make a backup of your profile before making any changes to ensure you can revert unwanted changes. You can also create a copy of your modpack profile and use it as a testing profile for updating or managing mods. To make a backup, do this:
1. From the My Modpacks screen, right click your modpack profile.
2. Select Duplicate Profile.
3. Make sure you are editing the correct profile you intend to update.
To update your mods, follow these steps:
1. Ensure you have the Allow Content Management option enabled. Click the three dots at the top right of your profile, select Profile Options, and check Allow Content Management if it is not already enabled. Save the changes.
2. From your modpack profile, click the Content button in the middle of the screen. Make sure Mods is selected and visible.
3. Any mod with an available update will show an indication under the Action column. You have two options:
- Click Update All to update all available mods.
- Click Update on each individual mod you want to update.
4. After updating, launch your modpack profile, load into your world, and confirm that everything is working correctly.
Troubleshooting
Game Crashes on Startup
Crashes at startup usually mean that a required dependency is missing or a mod is not compatible with your selected Minecraft version. Check the mod’s page for version and dependency requirements. If you cannot find a compatible version, try looking for an alternative mod or removing mods to test things out.
Sometimes crashes happen because the game does not have enough RAM allocated. Increasing the amount of RAM allocated to the CurseForge app can help. For detailed instructions on adjusting RAM, see our guide here.
Mods Do Not Appear in Game
Ensure that the mods were installed in the correct modpack profile and that the appropriate mod loader (Forge, Fabric, or NeoForge) is selected. Also confirm that you launched the correct modpack profile.
Some mods require a new world to function properly. For example, the Biomes o Plenty mod needs a new world to generate the new biomes it adds. Create a new world to see if the mods appear correctly.
Performance Issues
Some mods can be resource intensive and may cause lag or stuttering. Installing optimization mods such as Sodium, Lithium, or OptiFine can help improve performance. Increasing the amount of RAM allocated to the CurseForge app can also help. For detailed instructions on adjusting RAM, see our guide here.
Issues After Updating Mods
Updating mods can resolve bugs and compatibility issues, but it can also cause new problems if a mod update is not fully compatible with your profile. Always make a backup of your modpack profile before updating mods. You can also create a duplicate profile to use as a test environment for updates.
If you encounter issues after updating, check the mod’s page for version requirements or conflicts and consider reverting to your backup. .