Carl S.
If you’ve ever watched Minecraft YouTubers playing epic worlds filled with Pokemon, advanced machines, or realistic graphics and wondered, “How do I get that?”, the answer is modpacks.
These prebuilt collections of mods transform vanilla Minecraft into something entirely new, whether it’s catching Pokemon in Cobblemon, exploring sky islands in SkyFactory, or boosting FPS with an optimization pack like Performium.
But here’s the tricky part: installing modpacks isn’t as simple as dragging a mod into your folder. It requires the right launcher, the correct file type, and a few setup steps that most players get wrong. That’s why this guide will walk you through exactly how to install any Minecraft modpack, no matter if you’re on Windows, Mac, or Linux the easy way.
What Are Minecraft Modpacks?
A modpack is a curated collection of Minecraft mods, settings, and configurations bundled together for a specific theme or gameplay experience. Instead of manually downloading dozens of mods, you get them pre-packaged and ready to play.
💡 Example:
- Cobblemon – Combines Pokémon-style gameplay with Minecraft’s world.
- Performium Optimization Pack – Designed for smoother FPS and less lag.
Each modpack includes mods from different developers. That’s why installing a modpack isn’t as simple as dragging mods into your folder, it requires a launcher that manages dependencies automatically.
Why You Need a Modpack Launcher
Minecraft’s default launcher doesn’t support modpack installations. To play modpacks, you’ll need a custom launcher that can read .mrpack (Modrinth) or .zip (CurseForge) files and automatically download all required mods.
Popular Modpack Launchers
| Launcher | Supports | OS Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modrinth App | .mrpack files |
Windows, macOS, Linux | Lightweight, open-source, modern UI |
| CurseForge Launcher | CurseForge modpacks | Windows, macOS | User-friendly, large mod library |
| Prism Launcher | Modrinth & CurseForge | Windows, macOS, Linux | Advanced customization |
| ATLauncher | Multiple modpack sources | Windows, macOS, Linux | Good for older modpacks |
Step-by-Step: How to Install Modpacks (Modrinth Example)
Step 1: Download Modrinth App
- Go to modrinth.com/app.
- Click “Get Modrinth App” in the top-right corner.
- Choose your OS (Windows, Mac, or Linux) and install the launcher.
Step 2: Browse and Find a Modpack
- Open the Modrinth App.
- Click “Discover Content” in the top-left menu.
- Select the “Modpacks” tab.
- Search for your desired modpack (e.g., Performium or Cobblemon).
- Click the modpack to view details, screenshots, and version info.
Step 3: Install the Modpack
- On the modpack’s page, click “Install”.
- The app automatically downloads all included mods and dependencies.
- Wait for the installation to complete. This might take a few minutes depending on the modpack size.
Once done, go to Library → You’ll see your modpack listed and ready to launch.
- Enjoy and play with your modpack.
How to Edit or Customize Your Modpack
Sometimes you’ll want to add or remove specific mods from a pack (e.g., adding Sodium or OptiFine).
- Select your installed modpack.
- Go to Instance Settings (gear icon) → Installation → Unlink Instance (allows modification).
- Click “Install Content” to install new mods.
- Search for and install the mod you want (e.g., ModernFix).
- Relaunch the game and your modpack now includes the new mod.
Alternative Methods (CurseForge & Prism Launcher)
If your favorite modpack isn’t on Modrinth, use CurseForge or Prism Launcher.
CurseForge Launcher
- Download from curseforge.com/download/app.
- Browse modpacks → Click Install → Launch.
Prism Launcher
- Download from prismlauncher.org.
- Import modpack
.zipor.mrpackfile. - Configure RAM and Java settings before launch.
Common Modpack Issues (and Fixes)
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Game crashes on startup | Missing dependency | Reinstall the modpack or update Java |
| Mods not showing up | Wrong instance or profile | Double-check launcher instance settings |
| Lag or low FPS | Heavy modpack | Use OptiFine, Sodium, or Fabulously Optimized |
| Version mismatch | Minecraft version conflict | Match modpack and game versions (e.g., 1.20.1) |
Hosting Your Modpack on a Server
If you want to play your modpack with friends, you’ll need a server that supports modded Minecraft.
Hosting a modded Minecraft server can be tricky, especially when dealing with dozens of mods, dependencies, and performance settings. That’s where WiseHosting shines, which simplifies the process with 1-click modpack support for Modrinth, CurseForge, and custom packs.
WiseHosting is the world’s highest-rated Minecraft server hosting and one of the few that exclusively focuses on Minecraft hosting only. Started by YouTuber Shulkercraft (2.4m subscribers), WiseHosting has quickly become a go-to way to host a modded Minecraft server.
Install Modpacks with One Click
Instead of manually uploading mod files or trying to install modpacks for your server, WiseHosting automatically installs your chosen modpack with just one click.
It automatically handles version matching, so you don’t waste any time on updating or fixing things yourself.
High Performance Hardware
When it comes to raw server performance, WiseHosting easily stands out. Every plan runs on AMD Ryzen processors, DDR5 memory, and NVMe SSD storage, delivering the kind of speed modded Minecraft truly demands.
Deep Minecraft Expertise (24/7 Support)
WiseHosting is known for their deep expertise with Minecraft servers. Their support team is ran by server admins and active system administrators who know ins and outs of running a modded Minecraft server.
You get 24/7 support from real hosting experts who understand Minecraft. Whether you have issues with installing a modpack or fixing performance issues, you are one message away from incredibly fast support.
