How to Create a Minecraft Mod

Minecraft is famous for its wide array of mods. You can find mods for just about anything, from improving graphics to adding new biomes or mobs. It should come as no surprise since Minecraft’s player community is one of the largest and most dedicated in the entire gaming industry.

If you would also like to try your skills at creating mods, we’re here to help.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to make custom Minecraft mods with or without coding. Additionally, we’ll provide instructions on creating Minecraft mod packs and modded servers. Read on to contribute to the game’s modding community.

How to Create a Minecraft Mod

Minecraft mods can be created using different methods. Perhaps, the most popular software for making new mods is Minecraft Forge. Bear in mind that this method requires extensive programming knowledge. Here’s how to install the Forge and set it up before you start coding:

1. Head to Forge’s official site and select a version corresponding with your Minecraft version.
   
2. Select “MDK” when the “Download Recommended” window appears. Download the installation file and run it.
   
3. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
4. Open the “forge-[version]-mdk” folder and copy the following items from the folder:
   the “src” folder, the “gradle” folder, “gradlew” file, “gradlew.bat” file, and “build.gradle” file.
   
5. Create a new folder with a name of your choice in your Documents. Paste the copied items into the folder.
   
6. Install the IntelliJ IDEA software. Then, launch it.
   
7. You’ll be asked to choose a file to import. Select the “build.gradle” file from the folder created in Step 5, then click “Ok.”
   
8. Launch the Gradle panel and double-click the “genIntellijRuns” entry in the “fg_runs” folder. This will create new run configurations for your future mod.
   

Coding a mod is far too long and complicated to be described in a single article. You can find endless tutorials for coding specific items and commands on the web.

Alternatively, you can code a mod online using tools such as LearnToMod. It’s much easier to use for beginners, though you need a subscription. You can either code a mod using JavaScript or use a drag-and-drop editor. After purchasing a subscription, follow the steps below to start making a mod:

1. On the main page, click “Start Server.” Wait five to 10 minutes while the server loads.
   
2. Once the server loads, you’ll see its IP address on your screen. Copy it.
   
3. Launch Minecraft Java and go to “Multiplayer,” then “Direct Connect.”
   
4. Paste the server IP address into a dedicated field and click “Join Server.”
   
5. Click “Play,” then “Mods” from the top navigation menu.
   
6. Click “Code.”
   
7. Give your mod a name and click “Blocky” or “JS” to create a mod in a drag-and-drop editor or code it in JavaScript.
   

The next steps differ depending on your chosen method. Thankfully, the site provides a detailed guide for creating mods with the blocky editor. For the JS code, you’ll need to learn some programming.

How to Make a Minecraft Modpack

Modpacks allow you to combine selected mods without lag. Creating one doesn’t require extensive tech knowledge. Here’s how to do that:

1. Download the CurseForge app installation file version suitable for your operating system. Launch the file and follow on-screen installation instructions.
   
2. When the app is installed, open it and navigate to the “Minecraft” tab.
   
3. Click “Create Custom Profile.”
   
4. Enter your profile name and select your Minecraft Version, then click “Create.”
   
5. Click “Add More Content” on the page that appears.
   
6. Select the desired mods from the Forge catalog and click “Install” next to each one.
   
7. Once the pack is created, click “Play” next to its name to start playing with the selected mods.
   
   

How to Create a Minecraft Modded Server

The first step in creating a modded Minecraft server is downloading Minecraft Forge. Follow the instructions below to install this essential app:

1. Head to Minecraft Forge’s official site and click the three-stripe icon at the top left corner to expand the sidebar menu.
   
2. Select the Forge version corresponding with your Minecraft version from the sidebar. Then, click “Install.”
   
3. Find the Forge installation file on your computer and double-click it.
   
4. Follow on-screen installation instructions. Select “Install Server” when prompted.
   
5. Open Minecraft Launcher and head to “Launch Options.”
   
6. Click “Add New,” then expand the dropdown menu under “Version” and select “release [version] forge.”
   
7. Go back to Minecraft Launcher main page and click an arrow next to the “Play” button. When the game launches, you should see a “Mods” button in the starting menu.
   

Next, accept EULA changes by adjusting the Forge file code. It sounds complicated, but in practice, it’s relatively straightforward. Here’s how to do that:

1. Navigate to your Minecraft “Server” folder and find the “forge [version] universal.jar” file. Launch it. Folders “logs,” “mods,” and “eula.txt” should appear in the “Servers” folder.
   
2. Open the “eula.txt” file and change the “false” line to “true”. Press Ctrl + S to save changes and exit the file.
   
3. Launch the “forge [version] universal.jar” once again. You’ll see more files appear in the “Servers” folder.
   
4. Wait until a “Minecraft server” window appears. Close the window.
   

Congratulations, you now have a modded Minecraft server. Now, it’s time to add some mods to it and configure the server’s RAM usage settings. Follow the steps below:

1. Download the desired mods from the Forge mod database.
   
2. Paste the downloaded mods .jar files into your modded server folder.
   
3. Right-click the main “Server” folder and select “New,” then “Text Document.” Name it “Server Launcher.”
   
4. Paste the following line into the document: “java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar forge-1.12.2-14.23.5.2838-universal.jar -o true nogui”. The “2048” part stands for the amount of RAM the server will be using, two gigabytes. Replace it with “4096” to allow the server to use four gigabytes of RAM. This will help to reduce the lag on your server.
   
5. Save the file as “Server Launcher.bat.” Double-click this file every time you wish to start the server.
   

How to Create a Minecraft Mod Without Coding Experience

You don’t necessarily need to have coding experience to create Minecraft mods. It can be done using dedicated software, such as MCreator, available for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

With it, you can create armor, biomes, add animated textures or mobs with custom AI. This software features user-friendly tools such as an animation editor, mob animation wizard, and sound manager. Your mod can be tested during the development process, too. Think of it as of drag-and-drop website editor like Wix.

Furthermore, MCreator features an integrated code editor that lets you test your programming knowledge if you wish. Minecraft and Minecraft Forge codes are already uploaded into the editor. If you’re interested, the MCreator’s official site provides detailed guides on creating various mod elements.

Does Minecraft Bedrock support mods?

Minecraft Bedrock doesn’t support mods officially or unofficially. That’s related to the universal codebase it uses. Currently, the only way to change things up in the Bedrock edition is to get texture packs, skins, and other add-ons vis the Minecraft Marketplace.

Support the Community

Now that you know how Minecraft mods are created, you can get your hands on coding for the community or start learning its basics. Modding requires a lot of time, effort, and knowledge, so the community deserves major respect for providing us with fresh experiences. And still, gamers share their creations completely for free. So, make sure to say “thanks!” to fellow modders whenever you get a chance.

What are your favorite Minecraft mods? Share your top picks in the comments section below.