To play a custom CurseForge modpack with friends, first give everyone the same Minecraft version, mod loader, and profile; then set up a multiplayer world separately. Sharing a profile does not host a server. For CurseForge’s hosted server beta, the pack must currently have a matching serverpack. If yours does not, use another compatible host, a friend-hosting mod, or a home-hosted world with the necessary network setup.
1. Share the same custom modpack profile
Start by making sure every player uses an identical pack. In the CurseForge app, open Minecraft, select the profile, open its profile menu, and choose Share Profile. CurseForge generally recommends including the config and mods folders when exporting a pack without a world.
- Export the profile as a ZIP and send it to your friends, or generate a profile code while logged into a CurseForge account.
- Friends open CurseForge and use Import to load the ZIP or enter the shared code.
- Have everyone check that the Minecraft version and mod loader match, then launch the imported profile.
CurseForge says profile codes are valid for seven days. Its import flow accepts ZIPs in the expected CurseForge export structure; it does not import individual mods, worlds, or datapacks. If the import fails, check that the file is a ZIP exported in that structure. See CurseForge’s profile sharing instructions.
2. Choose how to host the multiplayer world
Once the profiles match, choose a way to run the world. The right option depends on whether you need an always-on server, whether the exact pack has a serverpack, and how much setup you want to manage.
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| Option | Best fit | Important requirement or limit |
|---|---|---|
| CurseForge Servers beta | A guided, hosted server for a supported pack | Requires a matching serverpack; beta access is rolling out gradually. |
| Friend-hosting mod | A group where the host can be present while others join | The mod and the whole pack must match the Minecraft version and loader. |
| Home-hosted LAN world | Someone willing to host and manage network access | LAN alone does not make the world reachable over the internet; additional configuration may be needed. |
CurseForge Servers: check serverpack support first
CurseForge announced its Servers service as a beta on September 8, 2026. The service is rolling out gradually, so the Servers tab may not appear for every user. Its setup guide requires a modpack with a matching serverpack and identifies the [filename]_server.zip to deploy; some packs provide multiple server files, so confirm you select the correct one.
The guide reported support for about 9,000 modpacks when it was updated. It describes support for all modpacks, including custom ones, as a future addition—not a current guarantee. Check both the app and your pack’s current listing before choosing this route. If your custom pack is not supported, use a different compatible hosting method for now. The setup guide also identifies Shockbyte as the hosting provider and Tebex as the billing provider and merchant of record. Read CurseForge’s current server setup guide and its beta announcement.
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Friend-hosting mod: the host must be available
A compatible mod can let one player host a world and invite others without setting up a separate dedicated server. One CurseForge-listed example is the Essential Multiplayer pack, listed for Fabric on Minecraft 1.21.3 and 1.20.2. Its listing was last updated November 12, 2024, so verify that it—and every mod in your custom pack—still matches your intended Minecraft version and loader. This listing is an example, not a guarantee of compatibility with another pack.
Home-hosted LAN: internet access takes extra configuration
You can open a world to LAN, but that does not by itself make it accessible to friends over the internet. The Always Multiplayer listing describes configuring router port forwarding or using another mod that exposes a public endpoint. Network setup varies; restrict access, such as with a whitelist, rather than assuming a LAN world is private or internet-ready by default.
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3. Set up and invite friends to a hosted server
If the pack has a matching serverpack and the beta is available to you, the CurseForge app’s server workflow guides you through selecting the pack, choosing a plan and region, entering server details, and purchasing. Follow the guide’s instructions for the exact server ZIP. The owner can then open the server’s options and share a direct link or import code. CurseForge says this adds the server profile, pack, IP, and connection details to a friend’s app, allowing them to import the profile and join the existing server without hosting or paying for that server themselves. Links and codes expire; the sharing dialog displays the expiry date.
The support guide lists these monthly beta plan terms. Prices, allocations, and availability can change, so confirm them in the app before purchasing.
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| Plan | Listed monthly price | Listed resources | Player guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | $12/month | 4 GB RAM, 2 shared CPUs | 1–5 players; light mod count |
| Gold | $24/month | 8 GB RAM, 3 shared CPUs | 6–15 players; multiple mods |
| Diamond | $36/month | 12 GB RAM, 4 shared CPUs | 16–25 players; multiple mods |
These are the guide’s plan descriptions, not a performance guarantee for your particular pack. CurseForge’s blog says memory needs depend on the modpack and player count, and that benchmark-based recommended settings were still being developed. The blog also said plan upgrades and downgrades were not supported during beta. Check the current terms and whether the beta supports your pack before committing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.4. Make sure the server and clients agree
A server must use files compatible with the players’ clients. When the pack offers a serverpack, use it rather than assuming a client profile ZIP is a server installation. Check that everyone has the same Minecraft version and loader, and that the server’s mods and configuration are compatible with the clients. Some mods are client-only or server-side, so the exact pack’s instructions matter.
Quick Recap
- Pack compatibility: Is there a serverpack, and does the selected hosting route support that exact pack, version, and loader?
- Availability: Must the world remain online when its owner is away, or is a host-present session enough?
- Setup effort: A supported hosted server offers a guided setup; a private pack may require another host or network configuration.
- Group needs: Compare current price, region, resources, pack size, and expected players. Generic RAM figures do not guarantee performance for a particular modpack.
- Access: Treat invite links and codes carefully; restrict access on a home-hosted server.
5. Fix common setup problems
- The Servers tab is missing: The beta rollout is gradual. Update the app and check again later.
- Your pack is not listed: The documented hosted workflow requires a matching serverpack. Use profile export/import with a separate compatible host, or a compatible friend-hosting mod, instead.
- Server setup stalls: Check Manage Server for provisioning errors. CurseForge’s guide directs provisioning support to Shockbyte.
- The wrong pack appears on the server: Verify which server ZIP you selected, especially if the pack offers multiple server files.
- A friend sees the server profile as offline: Ask the owner to confirm that the server is running.
- Profile import fails: Confirm the file is a ZIP in CurseForge’s export structure. The profile importer does not accept individual mods or worlds.
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