Top 10 Minecraft Modpacks for Multiplayer Servers in 2026

Choosing the right modpack for your multiplayer server determines the experience your community will have for months to come. The best multiplayer modpacks balance engaging content, server performance, and cooperative gameplay that keeps players returning.

This guide ranks the top modpacks specifically for multiplayer servers, considering factors like server performance, player engagement, team progression, and resource requirements.

What Makes a Great Multiplayer Modpack?

Not all modpacks work well on servers. The best multiplayer modpacks share these characteristics:

• Stable performance - Runs smoothly with multiple players online
• Cooperative gameplay - Content that encourages teamwork and collaboration
• Progression systems - Quest books or advancement paths that give long-term goals
• Server-friendly mechanics - No client-only mods that cause sync issues
• Active development - Regular updates fixing bugs and improving balance
• Clear resource requirements - Transparent RAM and CPU needs

1. All The Mods 9 (ATM9)

Best for: Large communities wanting variety and long-term progression

Minecraft Version: 1.20.1 (NeoForge) Mod Count: 400+ Recommended RAM: 10-12GB Player Count: 10-20 players

All The Mods 9 is the ultimate kitchen-sink modpack, featuring every major mod system working together. Players can pursue tech automation, magic mastery, exploration, or building - all within the same world.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Quest book provides structured progression for new players
• Multiple mod systems let players specialize (tech expert, magic user, builder)
• Team bases benefit from different players focusing on different mods
• FTB Chunks system enables chunk loading for automation
• Extensive endgame content keeps experienced players engaged

Multiplayer considerations:

• High RAM requirements (10GB minimum, 12-14GB recommended)
• Server lag can occur with extensive automation from multiple players
• Pre-generating world chunks with Chunky is essential
• Regular restarts help maintain performance

See our complete ATM9 server setup guide

2. Vault Hunters

Best for: Communities that want structured progression and replayability

Minecraft Version: 1.18.2 (Forge) Mod Count: 100+ Recommended RAM: 6-8GB Player Count: 5-15 players

Vault Hunters is a unique progression-focused modpack built around running procedurally generated vault dungeons for loot and knowledge points. Players build bases, optimize gear, and tackle increasingly difficult vaults.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Clear progression system with vault levels and objectives
• Cooperative vault runs reward teamwork
• Base building between runs creates downtime for community interaction
• Leaderboards and statistics add competitive elements
• Regular content updates from developers

Multiplayer considerations:

• Moderate server requirements make hosting affordable
• Vault instances are separate dimensions, reducing server load
• Some vaults designed specifically for co-op gameplay
• Economy systems work well with player trading

3. RLCraft

Best for: Hardcore survival communities seeking a challenge

Minecraft Version: 1.12.2 (Forge) Mod Count: 180+ Recommended RAM: 6-8GB Player Count: 5-10 players

RLCraft transforms Minecraft into a brutal survival experience with dangerous mobs, realistic mechanics, and harsh environmental challenges. Survival requires knowledge, preparation, and often cooperation.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Difficulty encourages players to team up for safety
• Shared bases provide security and resource pooling
• Dragon hunting and boss fights designed for groups
• High-stakes gameplay creates memorable moments
• Simple enough for most players to understand

Multiplayer considerations:

• Player death drops create opportunities for griefing (use claim plugins)
• Some players may find difficulty frustrating - set expectations early
• Chunk loading can cause dragon spawns, pre-generate with Chunky
• Consider difficulty adjustments for larger groups

See our RLCraft server hosting guide

4. Create: Above and Beyond

Best for: Engineering-focused communities that love automation

Minecraft Version: 1.16.5 (Forge) Mod Count: 250+ Recommended RAM: 6-8GB Player Count: 5-15 players

Create: Above and Beyond centers entirely around the Create mod, offering a tech progression experience that emphasizes mechanical engineering over traditional magic mods.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Quest-driven progression provides clear objectives
• Create mod's mechanical systems are visually impressive for shared builds
• Automation projects benefit from multiple players contributing
• Slower progression pace suits casual play sessions
• Extremely stable and well-optimized for servers

Multiplayer considerations:

• Large Create contraptions can impact TPS - monitor with performance plugins
• Shared bases allow collaborative mega-projects
• Recipe changes from expert mode create trading opportunities
• Generally lighter on server resources than kitchen-sink packs

5. Pixelmon Reforged

Best for: Pokémon fans wanting adventure and collecting

Minecraft Version: 1.16.5 / 1.20.1 (Forge) Mod Count: Pixelmon + 20-30 supporting mods Recommended RAM: 6-8GB Player Count: 10-30 players

Pixelmon brings the Pokémon experience to Minecraft with 900+ Pokémon, full battle mechanics, gyms, breeding, and trading systems integrated into the Minecraft world.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Player battles and trading create natural social interactions
• Gym leader roles let players run content for others
• Pokémon hunting and shiny collecting provide endless goals
• Economy systems work naturally (Pokémon shops, services)
• Broad appeal attracts diverse player demographics

Multiplayer considerations:

• Spawning 900+ Pokémon can impact performance - adjust spawn rates
• Large player counts increase entity load
• PVP battle areas need protection from griefing
• Regular server events (tournaments, gym challenges) boost engagement

See our Pixelmon server setup guide

6. Enigmatica 6: Expert

Best for: Experienced players wanting a guided expert-mode challenge

Minecraft Version: 1.16.5 (Forge) Mod Count: 280+ Recommended RAM: 8-10GB Player Count: 5-15 players

Enigmatica 6: Expert is a heavily modified expert-mode pack that rebalances recipes to create intricate progression chains requiring multiple mod systems working together.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Expert recipes encourage specialization and trading
• Quest book provides hundreds of hours of guided content
• Complex automation projects benefit from team collaboration
• Well-balanced difficulty curve maintains engagement
• Active community provides support and shared knowledge

Multiplayer considerations:

• Higher difficulty assumes players are experienced with modded Minecraft
• Complex automation can impact server performance
• Progression gates prevent players from rushing content
• Plan for longer playtime commitment (100+ hours to endgame)

7. FTB Skies

Best for: Skyblock fans wanting modern mods with guided progression

Minecraft Version: 1.19.2 (Forge) Mod Count: 200+ Recommended RAM: 6-8GB Player Count: 5-15 players

FTB Skies brings the classic skyblock experience to modern Minecraft, combining resource scarcity with modern mod systems and a comprehensive quest book.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Skyblock format naturally encourages cooperative resource gathering
• Limited space makes shared island management important
• Quest progression provides clear objectives for groups
• Trading between islands creates server economy
• Lighter world generation load reduces server requirements

Multiplayer considerations:

• Island claiming prevents griefing
• Smaller world size means better server performance
• Resource limitations create natural trading opportunities
• Multiple islands allow team competition

8. Better Minecraft

Best for: Players wanting vanilla+ experience with performance improvements

Minecraft Version: 1.20.1 (Fabric/Forge) Mod Count: 250+ Recommended RAM: 6-8GB Player Count: 10-25 players

Better Minecraft enhances vanilla gameplay with performance mods, improved world generation, new structures, mobs, and biomes while maintaining a vanilla-like feel.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Vanilla-adjacent gameplay is accessible to new players
• Performance-optimized for larger player counts
• Beautiful world generation encourages exploration together
• Simpler mechanics reduce server load compared to tech packs
• Regular updates keep content fresh

Multiplayer considerations:

• Lower technical complexity makes administration easier
• Suitable for mixed experience levels
• World generation mods benefit from pre-generation
• Performance mods help maintain TPS with many players

9. Medieval Minecraft

Best for: Roleplaying communities and medieval-themed servers

Minecraft Version: 1.20.1 (Forge/Fabric) Mod Count: 200+ Recommended RAM: 6-8GB Player Count: 10-30 players

Medieval Minecraft focuses on medieval-themed mods, removing modern tech in favor of historical building, farming, and combat systems.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Thematic consistency creates immersive roleplay environment
• Town-building mechanics encourage community projects
• Combat overhaul makes PVP more strategic
• Medieval economy systems (blacksmithing, farming) create natural roles
• Visual cohesion makes shared builds look professional

Multiplayer considerations:

• Roleplaying servers benefit from themed modpack
• Town management plugins complement medieval gameplay
• No overpowered tech prevents balance issues
• Building-focused gameplay means less automation lag

10. Prominence 2 RPG

Best for: Adventure-focused groups wanting combat and exploration

Minecraft Version: 1.20.1 (Forge) Mod Count: 300+ Recommended RAM: 8-10GB Player Count: 5-15 players

Prominence 2 is an RPG-focused modpack featuring custom mobs, bosses, dungeons, skill systems, and classes that transform Minecraft into an action RPG experience.

Why it's great for multiplayer:

• Class systems let players fill different party roles
• Boss fights designed for group combat
• Dungeon crawling rewards teamwork and strategy
• Progression systems provide long-term character development
• Loot-based gameplay creates trading opportunities

Multiplayer considerations:

• Combat-focused design requires stable server TPS
• Boss entities can impact performance - limit simultaneous fights
• Group dungeons encourage scheduled play sessions
• Custom mobs increase entity count - monitor server load

Modpack Comparison Chart

How to Choose the Right Modpack

Consider these factors when selecting a modpack for your server:

1. Community Size

• Small (2-5 players): Any modpack works - choose based on preferences
• Medium (5-15 players): Most modpacks handle this well with adequate resources
• Large (15+ players): Choose optimized packs like Better Minecraft or Pixelmon

2. Player Experience Level

• Beginners: Better Minecraft, Medieval Minecraft, Pixelmon
• Intermediate: All The Mods 9, Vault Hunters, RLCraft
• Expert: Enigmatica 6: Expert, Create: Above and Beyond

3. Playstyle Preferences

• Combat/Adventure: RLCraft, Prominence 2 RPG, Pixelmon
• Building/Creation: Better Minecraft, Medieval Minecraft
• Tech/Automation: All The Mods 9, Create: Above and Beyond
• Progression/Goals: Vault Hunters, FTB Skies, Enigmatica 6

4. Server Resources

Match modpack requirements to your hosting plan:

• Budget servers (4-6GB RAM): Better Minecraft, Medieval Minecraft
• Standard servers (6-8GB RAM): Most modpacks, including RLCraft, Pixelmon, Vault Hunters
• Performance servers (10-16GB RAM): All The Mods 9, Enigmatica 6: Expert, heavy automation packs

5. Time Commitment

• Casual (few hours/week): Better Minecraft, Pixelmon, Medieval Minecraft
• Regular (10+ hours/week): Vault Hunters, Create: Above and Beyond
• Dedicated (20+ hours/week): All The Mods 9, Enigmatica 6: Expert

Server Performance Tips for Modpacks

Regardless of which modpack you choose, follow these optimization practices:

Pre-Generate Your World

Use the Chunky plugin to pre-generate chunks before players join:

/chunky radius 5000
/chunky start

This prevents lag spikes during exploration.

Allocate Adequate RAM

Always allocate at least the recommended RAM for your modpack. Insufficient memory causes garbage collection lag and crashes.

Startup flags example:

java -Xms8G -Xmx8G -XX:+UseG1GC -XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled \
  -XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=200 -XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions \
  -XX:+DisableExplicitGC -XX:G1NewSizePercent=30 \
  -XX:G1MaxNewSizePercent=40 -XX:G1HeapRegionSize=8M \
  -jar server.jar nogui

Monitor Server Performance

Install performance monitoring tools:

• Spark - Profiling plugin to identify lag sources
• Tab - TPS monitoring visible to players
• LagGoggles (for modded) - Visual lag source identification

Set Reasonable Limits

Configure limits to prevent performance issues:

• Entity limits per chunk (max entities before culling)
• Hopper optimization (reduce check frequency)
• Mob spawning limits (adjust spawn caps)
• Automation limits (restrict massive farms)

Regular Maintenance

• Restart schedule - Daily restarts clear memory leaks
• Backup frequency - Daily backups prevent data loss
• Update modpacks - Keep packs updated for bug fixes
• Remove unused chunks - Trim old world data periodically

Installing Modpacks on Your Server

Most modpacks can be installed through launcher downloads or hosting platform one-click installers.

Manual Installation

1. Download server files from CurseForge or modpack website
2. Extract files to server directory
3. Install required Java version (check modpack requirements)
4. Allocate recommended RAM in startup script
5. Accept EULA in eula.txt
6. Start server and wait for world generation
7. Configure server.properties for your needs

One-Click Installation (Recommended)

Hosting platforms like ChunkPod offer one-click modpack installation:

• Browse available modpacks
• Select version and server plan
• Deploy instantly with optimized settings
• Automatic updates when new versions release

This eliminates manual setup and ensures optimal configuration.

Community Management for Modded Servers

Running a successful modded server requires more than just choosing the right pack.

Set Clear Rules

Establish rules covering:

• Griefing and PVP policies
• Automation limits (lag-causing machines)
• Claim systems and land protection
• Behavior expectations and consequences

Create Progression Goals

Keep players engaged with:

• Server-wide projects (spawn building, community farms)
• Events and competitions (building contests, boss fights)
• Milestone celebrations (first dragon kill, first creative item)
• Leaderboards for achievements

Foster Communication

Use external communication platforms:

• Discord server for announcements and chat
• Wiki or documentation for server-specific guides
• Voting systems for community decisions
• Regular feedback sessions with players

Prevent Burnout

Modpack fatigue is real. Combat it with:

• Seasonal servers (restart with new pack every 3-6 months)
• Multiple servers (main progression + creative/testing server)
• Content updates (add new mods or reset dimensions)
• Break periods (scheduled downtime between packs)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I run multiple modpacks on one server?

No. Each server installation runs a single modpack. You can run multiple servers on the same machine with different ports, but each needs separate resources.

How often should I update my modpack?

Update when major bugfixes or content additions release. Avoid frequent updates mid-playthrough as they can break worlds. Plan updates during seasonal resets.

Can players use different modpack versions?

No. Client and server modpack versions must match exactly. Players need the same mod versions to connect.

What if my modpack lags with multiple players?

• Increase allocated RAM
• Upgrade to better CPU (higher single-thread performance)
• Use performance profiling tools (Spark) to identify specific lag sources
• Reduce render distance and simulation distance
• Limit automation systems causing lag

Are there modpacks specifically for PVP?

Yes, though less common. RLCraft works well for PVP due to combat difficulty. Consider PVP-focused packs like "Craft of War" or configure any pack with PVP rules and arena plugins.

Can I add mods to an existing modpack?

Technically yes, but not recommended. Adding mods can cause conflicts, balance issues, and requires all players to manually add the same mods. Use modpacks as designed or create custom packs from scratch.

Conclusion

The best multiplayer modpack depends on your community's preferences, experience level, and resources. For large communities wanting variety, All The Mods 9 offers unmatched content. For structured progression, Vault Hunters excels. For hardcore survival, RLCraft delivers challenge and teamwork.

Start with adequate server resources, pre-generate your world, and establish clear community guidelines. With the right modpack and proper server management, you'll create memorable experiences that keep players engaged for months.

Ready to start your modded server? Choose your modpack, allocate proper resources, and build a thriving community around cooperative gameplay.