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To play a CurseForge modpack with friends, make sure everyone has the same pack release, Minecraft version, and modloader, then choose a multiplayer method: open a world to LAN if everyone is on the same home network, or use a dedicated server for remote or persistent play. You can run a server yourself from the pack’s server files or, for eligible packs, create one through CurseForge Servers.
Choose a multiplayer method
The right option depends on where your friends are, whether the host can stay online, how much server setup you want to handle, and whether you want to pay a recurring fee.
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| Method | Best for | Host availability | Cost and setup |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAN | Players on the same local network | The host must keep the world open | Free and simple; no dedicated server setup |
| Self-hosted dedicated server | Remote friends, control over the server, or avoiding a hosting subscription | The server computer must stay online | Requires setup and server administration |
| CurseForge Servers | Remote or persistent play with less manual server administration | The hosted server can run independently of the player who created it | Paid monthly; eligible packs need a matching server pack |
| LAN+ mod | Groups seeking a relay option for a singleplayer world | The host still runs the world | Third-party mod; online features depend on its external backend |
Make sure everyone has a compatible modpack
Before anyone joins, have each player install the same CurseForge modpack release. Match the Minecraft version and modloader as well as the pack: mods and game versions are not universally compatible, and a mismatch can prevent a client from connecting or cause errors. CurseForge explains these compatibility basics in its Minecraft – Getting Started and Installing Minecraft Mods and Modpacks guides.
Play together on the same home network with LAN
LAN is the easiest option when everyone is connected to the same local network. It does not create an always-on server: the host must be in the world and keep it open while friends play.
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
- Start the modpack from CurseForge and load the singleplayer world you want to share.
- Open the pause menu and choose the option to open the world to LAN.
- Have friends start the same modpack, open Minecraft’s Multiplayer screen, and join the LAN world.
If the world does not appear in Multiplayer, the host can give friends the local IP address and LAN port shown for the opened world so they can try a direct connection. The official How to Play Minecraft Java with Friends guide covers LAN and server options.
Host a dedicated server yourself
For friends connecting over the internet, or a world that should be available without its owner playing, look for a server pack made for the modpack. It is usually safer than trying to turn the client installation into a server manually.
Rank #2
- Explore randomly-generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in Creative Mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armour to fend off the dangerous mobs
Find and prepare the server pack
- Open the modpack’s page on CurseForge, select Files, and choose the release you want to run.
- Check that release’s Additional Files for a server pack. If there is none, the pack author has not provided one.
- Download and extract the server pack, then follow its included setup instructions and run its start file.
- When prompted, review and accept the Minecraft EULA as instructed before launching the server again.
For a manually configured Forge or NeoForge server, the first launch may generate setup files and then stop. Review the generated files, configure the EULA as instructed, and start the server again. Keep the server process running while friends connect. These steps and the server-pack location are described in CurseForge’s Java multiplayer guide.
Keep the server and clients compatible
Use compatible Minecraft, modloader, and mod files on both the server and every client. Do not copy client-only mods onto a dedicated server indiscriminately; they can stop it from starting. If the server will be reachable publicly, review settings such as online-mode and the whitelist rather than leaving access controls to chance. The server owner is responsible for keeping the server process and its configuration available to the group.
Rank #3
Use CurseForge Servers for supported modpacks
CurseForge’s in-app server service is a paid option for modpacks with a matching server pack. Its support guide, modified September 8, 2026, describes selecting a modpack, plan, region, and server details in the CurseForge app, then purchasing the server. Friends can import the same modpack profile and connection information from a generated link or code; they do not need to buy or create a second server. The link or code expires, and the app displays its expiration. See CurseForge Servers FAQ.
The guide lists these monthly plan details. Player counts are the provider’s suggested ranges, not independently tested performance guarantees; CurseForge warns that large modpacks may need more resources even with fewer players.
Rank #4
- Create and shape an infinite world, explore varied biomes filled with creatures and surprises, and go on thrilling adventures to perilous places and face mysterious foes.
- Play with friends across devices or in local multiplayer.
- Connect with millions of players on community servers, or subscribe to Realms Plus to play with up to 10 friends on your own private server.
- Get creator-made add-ons, thrilling worlds, and stylish cosmetics on Minecraft Marketplace; subscribe to Marketplace Pass (or Realms Plus) to access 150+ worlds, skin & textures packs, and more—refreshed monthly.
| Plan | Listed monthly price | Memory | Shared CPUs | Listed player range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron | $12/month | 4 GB | 2 | 1–5 players |
| Gold | $24/month | 8 GB | 3 | 6–15 players |
| Diamond | $36/month | 12 GB | 4 | 16–25 players |
The same guide says server creation is available only for game versions above 1.20.1. Prices, plans, eligible versions, pack availability, and regions can change, so check the current details in the app before choosing. CurseForge’s announcement describes the rollout as a beta and says the hosting is powered by Shockbyte; the support guide identifies Tebex as the seller or merchant of record for billing. See the CurseForge Servers announcement.
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LAN+ is a third-party mod that describes an internet relay and invitations for joining a singleplayer world without port forwarding. Its project page says friends without LAN+ can also join with an address, while its online functions rely on an external backend. It is not CurseForge’s official hosting service. Check that the mod supports your specific Minecraft version and loader before using it, and understand that play depends on the mod and its backend being available. See the LAN+ project page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DELUXE COLLECTION — Includes the base game, three add-ons (Celebration Food, Rescue Dogs, and Plenty O’ Blocks), three exclusive Character Creator items, and 700 Minecoins.
- CREATE — Build whatever you can imagine in your own infinite world that’s unique in every playthrough.
- EXPLORE — Discover biomes, resources, and mobs, and craft your way through a world filled with surprises in the ultimate sandbox game.
- SURVIVE — Experience unforgettable adventures as you face mysterious foes, traverse exciting landscapes, and travel to perilous dimensions.
- PLAY TOGETHER — Have a blast with friends, whether you’re sitting on the same couch in split screen or miles apart in cross-platform play for console, mobile, and PC.
Troubleshoot connection problems
- A friend cannot join or gets a version error: compare the exact modpack release, Minecraft version, and modloader on the server and every client.
- The LAN world is missing: confirm both players are on the same local network and the host has opened the world to LAN. If it still does not appear, try connecting with the host’s local IP and LAN port.
- The dedicated server stops during setup: check its setup instructions and generated files, including the EULA prompt, then start it again after completing the required configuration.
- The server will not start after adding mods: check for client-only mods and remove any that are not intended to run on a dedicated server.
- A CurseForge hosted server cannot be created for the pack: check whether that modpack release has a matching server pack and whether its game version meets the service’s current eligibility rules.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
