How to Install Plugins and Mods on Your Minecraft Server
Learn the difference between Minecraft plugins and mods and how to find, filter, and install them on your game server using the panel's built-in browser.
The game panel has a built-in browser for adding plugins and mods to your Minecraft server — search, filter, and install them in a couple of clicks, no manual file uploads required. This guide explains the difference between the two and walks you through installing either one.
[!NOTE] First you must learn how to access our game hosting panel: https://curtcreation.net/kb/game-hosting-panel/how-to-access-your-game-server
Plugins vs Mods — What's the Difference?
A plugin runs only on the server. It adds features or tools (like world editing or voice chat) without changing the base game, and players can usually join without installing anything extra. Plugins need server software that supports them, such as Paper or Spigot.
A mod changes the game itself. Mods often need a mod loader (like Fabric or Forge), and many also have to be installed by each player on their own computer to connect.
Which one you can use depends on the software your server runs. If you're not sure, see How to Change Your Server's Egg (Server Application) to check or switch your server type.
[!CAUTION] A server set up for plugins can't run mods, and vice versa. Installing the wrong type — or one that doesn't match your Minecraft version or loader — can fail to load or crash your server.
Step 1: Open the Plugins or Mods Page
In your server's left sidebar, under MANAGEMENT, click Plugins to browse plugins, or Mods to browse mods.
Both pages work the same way: a Search tab for finding new add-ons and an Installed tab showing what you already have.
Step 2: Filter to Match Your Server
Use the dropdowns at the top to narrow the results so you only see compatible add-ons:
PLATFORM — the library to search (e.g., Modrinth).
MINECRAFT VERSION — set this to your server's version instead of All Versions.
LOADER — set this to your server's loader (e.g., Paper for plugins, or Fabric for mods) instead of All Loaders.
Type a name or keyword in the Search box to find something specific.
Step 3: Find, Install, and Manage Add-ons
Browse the result cards. Each shows the add-on's name, author, a short description, and its total downloads — a high download count is a good sign it's popular and trusted.
Click the small link icon on a card to open its full details page in a new tab if you want to read more first.
Click Install to add it to your server.
Switch to the Installed tab at the top to see everything you've added and remove anything you no longer want.
That's it — your plugins or mods are installed. Restart your server from the Console or Dashboard so they load. If your server won't start after adding something, open the Console to find which add-on caused it, then remove it from the Installed tab.
[!NOTE] It's worth taking a backup before adding several add-ons at once, so you can roll back quickly if one causes problems.