Modpack Catalog

How to install a Minecraft modpack

A launcher does the work: it downloads the pack, the mod loader and every mod, then keeps them in a separate instance so your other worlds stay untouched.

Before you start

  • Own Minecraft: Java Edition and sign in to the launcher with your Microsoft account.
  • Check which source the pack is published on. Each pack page on this site names it and links to the official page.
  • Pick the exact Minecraft version and loader the pack page lists. A different version is a different pack build.

The Modrinth App

  1. Install the Modrinth App from modrinth.com/app and sign in.
  2. Open the Discover tab, switch to Modpacks and search for the pack name.
  3. Click Install and choose the version that matches the Minecraft release and loader you want.
  4. Wait for the download to finish, then press Play.

Prism Launcher

  1. Choose Add Instance.
  2. Pick Modrinth or CurseForge in the left column, depending on where the pack is published.
  3. Search for the pack, select the version and confirm.

Prism creates one instance per pack, which makes it easy to keep several packs side by side.

ATLauncher

  1. Open the Packs tab.
  2. Select the Modrinth, CurseForge or FTB source.
  3. Search for the pack, choose a version and click New Instance.

The CurseForge app

  1. Install the CurseForge app and add Minecraft as a game.
  2. Open the modpack browser and search for the pack.
  3. Click Install, choose the version if you want something other than the newest, then Play.

The FTB App

  1. Install the FTB App from feed-the-beast.com and sign in.
  2. Search the modpack list, or browse the CurseForge tab for packs hosted there.
  3. Click Install and Play.

How to set allocated memory

Modpacks usually need more than the launcher's default memory. Each launcher has the setting in the instance's options, often under Java or Memory:

  • Modrinth App: open the instance, then Settings, then Java and memory, and set the maximum memory.
  • Prism Launcher: right-click the instance, choose Edit, then Settings, Java, and set the maximum memory allocation.
  • ATLauncher: open the instance's Settings and the Java/Minecraft tab, and set the maximum memory.
  • CurseForge app: open the profile's settings and use the memory slider.
  • FTB App: open the instance settings and change the RAM allocation.

Leave a few GB free for the operating system and other programs. As a rule of thumb, on a 16 GB computer do not allocate more than about 10 to 12 GB. Allocating far more than a pack needs can make the game stutter during garbage collection. The figure on each pack page is either the authors' own recommendation, attributed as such, or our estimate from the mod count, labelled as an estimate.

If a pack will not start

  • Confirm the launcher is using the Java version the Minecraft release needs; most launchers pick it automatically.
  • Make sure the loader and Minecraft version in the instance match the pack version you chose.
  • Raise the memory allocation a little if the game closes while loading.
  • Check the pack's official page or Discord for known issues with that version.

Running the pack for other people? See the modpack server guide. Ready to choose? Browse all modpacks.