How to Create a Minecraft Mod

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

If you also want to test your mod making skills, we are here to help.

In this guide, we'll cover how to create custom Minecraft mods with or without coding. Additionally, we will 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 creating new mods is Minecraft Forge. Keep in mind that this method requires extensive programming knowledge. Here's how to install Forge and configure it before you start coding:

1. Head to the official Forge place and select a build that matches your Minecraft build.
   
2. Select "MDK" when the "Recommended Download" window appears. Download the installer file and run it.
   
3. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
4. Open the "forge-[version]-mdk" and copy the following from the folder:
   the “src” folder, the “gradle” folder, the “gradlew” file, the “gradlew.bat” file and the “build.gradle” file.
   
5. Create a new folder with the name of your choice in your documents. Paste the copied items into the folder.
   
6. Install the IDEA IntelliJ Software. Then launch it.
   
7. You will 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 on the “genIntellijRuns” entry in the “fg_runs” folder. This will create new run configurations for your future mod.
   

The coding of a mod is far too long and complicated to describe 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 like LearnToMod. It's much easier to use for beginners, even if 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 creating a mod:

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

The next steps differ depending on the method chosen. Fortunately, the site provides a step-by-step guide to creating mods with the block editor. For JS code, you will need to learn some programming.

How to Make a Minecraft Modpack

Modpacks allow you to combine selected mods without lag. Creating one does not require deep technical knowledge. Here's how:

1. Download the Application CurseForge installer file version appropriate for your operating system. Launch the file and follow the on-screen installation instructions.
   
2. Once the app is installed, open it and go to the “Minecraft” tab.
   
3. Click on “Create a personalized 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.
   
7. Once the pack is created, click "Play" next to its name to start playing with the selected mods.
   

How to Create a Modified Minecraft Server

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

1. Head to the official Minecraft Forge place and click on the three stripes icon in the upper left corner to expand the sidebar menu.
   
2. Select the Forge version corresponding to your Minecraft version in the sidebar. Then click "Install".
   
3. Find the Forge installer file on your computer and double-click it.
   
4. Follow the 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 drop-down menu under "Version" and select "publish [version] forger." »
   
7. Return to the main Minecraft Launcher page and click an arrow next to the "Play" button. When the game launches, you should see a "Mods" button in the start menu.
   

Then accept the EULA changes by adjusting the Forge file code. It sounds complicated, but in practice it is relatively simple. Here's how:

1. Go to your Minecraft "Server" folder and find the "forge [version] universal.jar file". Launch it. The “logs”, “mods” and “eula.txt” folders should appear in the “Servers” folder.
   
2. Open the “eula.txt” file and replace the “false” line with “true”. Press Ctrl + S to save changes and exit the file.
   
3. Run the “forge [version] universal.jar” again. You will see more files appear in the “Servers” folder.
   
4. Wait for a "Minecraft Server" window to appear. Close the window.
   

Congratulations, you now have a modded Minecraft server. Now it's time to add 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 on the main "Server" folder and select "New", then "Text Document". Name it "Server Launcher".
   
4. Paste the following line in the document: "java -Xmx2048M -Xms2048M -jar forge-1.12.2-14.23.5.2838-universal.jar -o true nogui". The "2048" part represents the amount of RAM the server will use, two gigabytes. Change it to "4096" to allow the server to use four gigabytes of RAM. This will help reduce lag on your server.
   
5. Save the file as "Server Launcher.bat". Double-click this file each time you want 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. This can be done using dedicated software, such as MCcreator, available for Mac, Windows and Linux.

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

Moreover, MCreator has a built-in code editor that allows you to test your programming knowledge if you wish. Minecraft and Minecraft Forge codes are already downloaded in the editor. If you are interested, MCreator official site provides detailed guides on creating various mod items.

Does Minecraft Bedrock support mods?

Minecraft Bedrock does not officially or unofficially support mods. It's related to the universal code base it uses. Currently, the only way to change things up in the Bedrock Edition is to get texture packs, skins, and other add-ons from the Minecraft Marketplace.

Support the community

Now that you know how Minecraft mods are created, you can get started with coding for the community or start learning the basics. Modding requires a lot of time, effort and knowledge, so the community deserves the utmost respect for giving us new experiences. And yet, players share their creations completely for free. So be sure to say "thank you!" to other modders whenever you get the chance.

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