Minecraft Java
How to Find and Download the Correct Minecraft Mod Version
The most common cause of server crashes is a version mismatch. For a mod to work, it must match two things exactly:
- The Minecraft Version (e.g., 1.20.1 vs 1.20.4)
- The Mod Loader (e.g., Fabric vs NeoForge)
In this guide, you will learn how to identify exactly what your server is running and how to find the matching file on Modrinth.
Step 1: Check Your Server Logs
Don't guess your version! The most accurate way to know what your server is running is to check the startup logs.
- Go to your MintServers Game Panel.
- Click Files on the left sidebar.
- Open the
logsfolder, then click to edit thelatest.logfile. - Look at the first 10-20 lines of text.
Here is what to look for based on your server type:
Fabric Server:
[11:31:09] [main/INFO]: Loading Minecraft 1.20.1 with Fabric Loader 0.17.2
This tells you: Minecraft 1.20.1, Loader: Fabric.
NeoForge Server:
[main/INFO] [cpw.mods.modlauncher.Launcher/MODLAUNCHER]: ModLauncher running: args [--launchTarget, forgeserver, --fml.neoForgeVersion, 21.1.211, --fml.fmlVersion, 4.0.42, --fml.mcVersion, 1.21.1...]
This tells you: Minecraft 1.21.1, Loader: NeoForge 21.1.211.
Forge Server:
[modloading-worker-0/INFO] [net.minecraftforge.common.ForgeMod/FORGEMOD]: Forge mod loading, version 60.0.20, for MC 1.21.10
This tells you: Minecraft 1.21.10, Loader: Forge.
Vanilla/Spigot/Paper:
[Server thread/INFO]: Starting minecraft server version 1.21.10
This tells you: Minecraft 1.21.10 (Plugins only, no mods).
Step 2: Find the Correct Version on Modrinth
Now that you know your version (e.g., Minecraft 1.21.1 on NeoForge), you can find the correct mod file.
- Search for your mod on Modrinth.
- Click on the "Versions" tab.
- Crucial: Use the filters!
- Set Game Version to your server version (e.g., 1.21.1).
- Set Platform to your loader (e.g., NeoForge).
- Download the top result that appears after filtering.
Special Case: Modpack Servers
If you are running a pre-made modpack (like All The Mods 10), do not just download the "latest" version of a mod or loader. You must match the modpack exactly.
Check the modpack's file page on CurseForge or Modrinth:
- Look at the "Game Version" and "Mod Loaders" columns.
- Click the file to view the Changelog. Modpacks often list the specific loader version required (e.g., "NeoForge Version is 21.1.215").
- You must install that specific version, not necessarily the newest one available.