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How to Host an FTB Skies 2 Aero Modpack Server

A complete guide to hosting FTB Skies 2: Aero: select the matching release, run the official Server Installer, use Java 21 and 8 GB recommended RAM, then configure networking, backups and process supervision.
Length12 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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To host FTB Skies 2: Aero, download the official Server Installer for pack ID 134, choose the same release your players will install, and run the generated run.bat (Windows) or run.sh (macOS/Linux). Aero runs on Minecraft 1.21.1 and requires Java 21. Feed The Beast lists 6 GB RAM as the minimum and 8 GB as recommended; allocate 8 GB for a small private server while reserving memory for the operating system.

What FTB Skies 2: Aero requires

FTB Skies 2: Aero is a Minecraft 1.21.1 modpack. The official pack information specifies Java 21, at least 6 GB of RAM, and 8 GB recommended. These are pack requirements, not a guaranteed player-capacity rating. Feed The Beast does not publish a fixed CPU, storage, bandwidth, or player-count target for Aero, so your world size, view distance, automation, and number of simultaneous players will determine how much headroom you need.

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Requirement What the official information establishes Practical interpretation
Minecraft version 1.21.1 Every player should install the Aero release that targets the same Minecraft version as the server.
Java Java 21 The Server Installer can download the required Java runtime. A manually managed runtime must still be compatible with Java 21.
Memory 6 GB minimum; 8 GB recommended Use 8 GB as the starting allocation for a small private server, but do not give the machine’s entire memory to Minecraft.
CPU, disk, bandwidth, player count Not stated by Feed The Beast Choose hardware based on your workload and monitor it rather than relying on an unsupported player limit.

Physical memory and machine headroom

If you are upgrading a computer, an 8GB RAM module is the clearest starting point, but compatibility comes first. Check the motherboard or laptop documentation for DDR generation, module form factor, maximum capacity, available slots, channel configuration, and whether ECC memory is required. Installing an incompatible module will not solve a server memory shortage.

“8 GB recommended” refers to the server allocation, not necessarily the total installed memory. The operating system, Java process overhead, file cache, backups, and any other services also need memory. A machine with only 8 GB total RAM may need a smaller allocation or may swap under load; a host with more installed memory can reserve 8 GB for the server and leave a safety margin.

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Choose one Aero release and keep everyone synchronized

Modpack clients and servers must use the same pack release. A client that is newer than the server can fail during the handshake, report missing or mismatched mods, or connect and behave unpredictably. Treat the release number as part of the server’s identity.

  1. Open Feed The Beast’s official server-files listing.
  2. Select FTB Skies 2: Aero, pack ID 134.
  3. Select the exact release your group intends to use. At the time of the current listing, the newest displayed release was 1.13.0, version ID 100527, alongside earlier releases.
  4. Write the selected pack version and installer version in your server notes before downloading. The listing can change as new releases are published.
  5. Tell every player to install that same Aero release. Do not ask players to use “the latest” unless you have confirmed that the server was updated to it.

The version ID is useful for repeatable deployments because it identifies the release independently of a friendly name. Recheck the pack page immediately before installation: version IDs, requirements, and available releases can change.

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How the FTB Server Installer works

Feed The Beast distributes an executable Server Installer rather than a conventional modpack ZIP. The single binary downloads and extracts the selected pack files and can obtain the Java runtime and modloader components needed by that release. Keep the downloaded filename unchanged; FTB’s instructions use the filename to identify the pack and version.

The installer creates the actual server directory, including the launch script. You do not need to assemble a Forge or Fabric directory by hand, and you should not substitute a client installation for the files produced by the server installer.

Install on Windows

1. Create a dedicated directory

Create a folder used only by this server, for example:

C:MinecraftFTB-Skies-2-Aero

A dedicated path keeps world data, configuration, logs, backups, and update files together. Avoid placing the server inside a cloud-synchronised folder; synchronisation tools can lock or partially copy live world files.

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2. Download the correct Windows installer

From the official server-files listing, download the Windows AMD64 installer for the selected Aero release. Use an ARM build only when the Windows machine actually uses a compatible ARM platform. Verify that the download corresponds to pack ID 134 and your recorded version ID.

3. Put the executable in the target folder

Move the installer into C:MinecraftFTB-Skies-2-Aero without renaming it. Renaming can remove the pack and version information that the installer expects.

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4. Run the installer

Double-click the executable and answer its prompts. It downloads the pack files, Java runtime, and modloader components. The amount of time and disk space required depends on the release and your connection; do not close the installer while it is extracting files.

5. Start the generated server

When installation finishes, the directory contains a generated run.bat. Launch it from that directory. On first startup, Minecraft creates configuration and world files and may stop while waiting for the EULA decision.

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6. Accept the EULA, then restart cleanly

Accept the Minecraft EULA when prompted, or use the installer’s documented -accept-eula option during an automated install. Start the server again after acceptance. Let the world finish creating, stop the server using its console command rather than closing the window, and restart once before inviting players. This gives you a clean point at which to edit configuration and confirm that the files persist.

Install on macOS or Linux

1. Create and enter the server directory

mkdir -p /srv/ftb-aero
cd /srv/ftb-aero

Choose a path appropriate to your operating system and backup plan. Ensure the account that will run the server can read and write this directory.

2. Download the matching installer

Download the macOS or Linux installer for pack 134 and the exact release selected earlier. The filename shown on the download page is authoritative; the example below uses the current research listing’s installer name.

3. Mark the file executable

chmod +x serverinstaller_134_100527

Replace the example with the actual filename. If you downloaded a macOS build, use that file’s name instead.

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4. Run the installer

./serverinstaller_134_100527

Answer the prompts. The installer downloads and extracts the server files and can obtain Java. When it completes, it creates a run.sh launch script.

5. Start and initialise the server

./run.sh

Accept the EULA when requested, or perform an automated install with -accept-eula. Allow the first world creation to finish, stop the process cleanly, make your configuration changes, and start it again.

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Installer flags for repeatable deployments

The installer supports command-line flags that are useful for scripted or repeatable setups. Use the exact numeric release you recorded rather than relying on a moving “latest” selection when reproducibility matters.

Flag Purpose Example or caution
-pack Selects the pack ID. -pack 134 selects FTB Skies 2: Aero.
-version Selects a specific pack version ID. -version 100527 pins the release shown in the current listing.
-dir Sets the installation directory. -dir /srv/ftb-aero.
-auto Runs the installer in an automated mode. Use it only after confirming the options and destination.
-latest Chooses the latest stable release. The README says the latest stable release is selected when a version is not set; this is convenient but can change the server on a later deployment.
-validate Validates the installation files. Useful in maintenance or scripted checks.
-threads Controls installer work threads. Adjust it only when you understand the host’s CPU and I/O limits.
-no-java Prevents the installer from obtaining Java. Use only when a compatible Java runtime is already installed and available to the process.
-accept-eula Records EULA acceptance during installation. Use only after the administrator has agreed to the Minecraft EULA.

For example, a scripted Linux installation could pin the pack, version, and directory while accepting the EULA:

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./serverinstaller_134_100527 -pack 134 -version 100527 -dir /srv/ftb-aero -accept-eula

Keep the installer and the command used in your deployment notes. If you later switch to -latest, record the newly selected version before allowing players to update.

Complete the first server configuration

Use the generated scripts

Start with the generated run.bat or run.sh rather than inventing a launch command. The installer knows which modloader components and runtime arrangement the pack expects. If you later change memory settings, retain a copy of the original script so you can reverse the change.

Set server properties after the first clean start

After the initial world exists, stop the server and edit server.properties. Set the server name, difficulty, game mode, view and simulation distances, whitelist policy, and server port according to your group and network. Restart after saving and confirm that the console reports the expected values.

Grant operator access sparingly

Use the server console to grant operator permissions only to trusted administrators. A whitelist is appropriate for a private server; add players deliberately and remove accounts that should no longer connect. Do not publish the server address together with administrative credentials.

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Networking: what you still have to configure

FTB’s installer creates the modpack files; it does not configure your network, firewall, backups, or uptime. Perform these steps separately.

Test locally first

Run the server on the host and connect from a Minecraft client on the same machine or local network using the host’s local address. Confirm that the client and server use the identical Aero release. A local test separates pack or Java problems from router and Internet problems.

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Allow the server through the host firewall

Create an inbound firewall rule for the port configured in server.properties, limited to the network scope you actually need. On a private LAN, allow local addresses first; expose an Internet rule only after the local connection works. Keep the operating system and Java installation updated.

Forward the port only when necessary

For a home-hosted public server, forward the configured Minecraft port from the router to the host’s local address. Reserve a DHCP address or configure a static local address so the forwarding rule does not break after a reboot. A managed network, carrier-grade NAT, or restrictive ISP may prevent inbound forwarding; in that case, self-hosting may require a different network arrangement or a hosted server.

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Protect the endpoint

  • Use a whitelist for a private group.
  • Keep the server process under a dedicated operating-system account where practical.
  • Do not run unrelated services from the same account or directory.
  • Limit administrative access to the machine and router.
  • Monitor logs for repeated authentication failures, crashes, or unexpected restarts.

Backups, updates, and keeping the process running

Back up offline or to a separate host

Stop the server before copying the world for a simple, consistent backup, or use a backup method that is explicitly safe for a live Minecraft world. Keep multiple dated generations and at least one copy outside the server machine. Test restoring a backup on a separate directory; a backup that has never been restored is only an assumption.

Update deliberately

Before changing Aero releases, record the current version, stop the server, back up the world and configuration, and install the new release in a separate directory or controlled maintenance window. Have every player update their client to the same release before reconnecting. Do not overwrite the only working installation while experimenting with a new version.

Use process supervision

A server launched from a desktop window stops when the session closes. On Linux, run run.sh under a service manager or a terminal multiplexer and configure restart behavior only after checking that repeated crashes will not create a restart loop. On Windows, use an equivalent service or scheduled-task arrangement that starts after reboot and writes logs to a known location. Whichever method you choose, verify that a deliberate stop remains deliberate and that the process does not run twice.

Watch the signals that matter

  • Available system memory and swap activity.
  • CPU saturation during world generation and busy periods.
  • Free disk space, especially in the world, logs, and backup directories.
  • Server tick warnings, Java errors, and unexpected exits in the console log.
  • Backup age and whether the latest backup completed successfully.

Is 6 GB enough, or should you use 8 GB?

Six gigabytes is the official minimum, so it is a valid lower boundary for a test instance or a lightly used private server. It leaves less room for world generation, large automated bases, additional players, and the operating system. Eight gigabytes is the official recommendation and the better starting point for a normal small private server.

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Neither figure promises a particular number of players. If the server approaches its memory limit, first inspect logs and workload, reduce unnecessary view or simulation distance, and check whether another process is consuming memory. Increase the allocation only when the host has spare physical memory; allocating more than the machine can provide causes swapping or instability rather than faster gameplay.

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Self-hosting versus managed hosting

Consideration Self-hosting Managed server
Control Direct control over files, release timing, configuration, and backups. Provider controls the underlying machine and supplies a management panel or support process.
Administration You handle Java, scripts, firewall rules, port forwarding, permissions, monitoring, and recovery. The provider handles much of the operating-system and network administration; modpack-specific support varies.
Cost model Uses hardware, electricity, and your time; existing hardware may reduce cash cost. Recurring hosting cost; current prices and terms must be checked with the provider.
Uptime Depends on your home connection, power, router, and maintenance. Usually designed for continuous operation, subject to the provider’s service terms and location.
Best fit Administrators who want control and are comfortable with terminal and network work. Groups that need a reachable server without maintaining the host themselves.

Feed The Beast identifies BisectHosting as its partner for readers who prefer hosted Minecraft servers. Check the current plan’s RAM allocation, location, backup policy, Aero installation support, player-slot policy, cancellation terms, and price before ordering; commercial terms can change. A managed server is preferable when you cannot maintain a terminal-based process, configure port forwarding, or provide reliable uptime at home.

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Troubleshooting common setup failures

The installer downloads the wrong release

Stop and compare the pack ID and version ID in your notes with the installer you downloaded. Do not try to repair a mismatched directory by copying mods from another release. Download the installer for the intended version, install it in a clean directory, and have clients select that same release.

Permission denied on macOS or Linux

Run chmod +x against the actual installer filename, then invoke it with ./. Confirm that the directory is writable by the account running the installer. If the file was downloaded to a different directory, change to that directory or use the correct path.

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Java is missing or the wrong version is used

Normally, let the Server Installer obtain Java. If you used -no-java, verify that the runtime available to the server is Java 21 and that the service account can execute it. Remove -no-java and reinstall or rerun the installer when you do not have a deliberate reason to manage Java yourself.

The server stops at the EULA

Accept the EULA through the prompt or the documented -accept-eula installer option, then start the generated script again. Do not repeatedly delete files: the EULA decision is expected during first setup.

Players cannot connect

Confirm that the server is running, the client release matches exactly, and the configured port is allowed by the host firewall. Test from the same machine or LAN first. If local access works but Internet access does not, check the router’s forwarding target, reserved local address, public address, and any ISP or carrier-grade NAT limitation.

The server runs out of memory or becomes unstable

Check available physical memory, swap activity, logs, and the number of other services on the host. Ensure the allocation is not larger than the machine can sustain. Start with the recommended 8 GB only when the host has enough total memory, and reduce workload settings or move to a larger machine when monitoring shows sustained pressure.

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A reproducible launch checklist

  • Pack: FTB Skies 2: Aero, ID 134.
  • Release: one recorded version ID, with every client on that release.
  • Minecraft: 1.21.1.
  • Java: 21, supplied by the installer or deliberately managed by you.
  • Memory: 6 GB minimum; 8 GB recommended, with operating-system headroom.
  • Files: installer kept unchanged, generated launch script retained, configuration backed up.
  • Access: local connection tested before firewall exposure or router forwarding.
  • Operations: whitelist and operator permissions reviewed, backups tested, logs monitored, and a restart plan documented.

Following that sequence gives you a server built from the same release your players install, while making clear which parts the FTB installer handles and which parts remain ordinary Minecraft administration.

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