Thursday, March 28, 2024

How to install Minecraft Forge

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Minecraft continues to capture the imagination of gamers over a decade after its initial release. The open-world title offers dozens of unique biomes to explore, hundreds of items to collect, and mobs of Creepers to do battle with. While the game is good fun on its own, what keeps players coming back after all these years is the ability to introduce their own mods.

The process of installing mods is much easier than it has been in the past, all thanks to a piece of software called Forge. In short, Forge lets you quickly install mods to a specific Minecraft profile without having to be a tech-savvy wizard. In a few short steps, you can have mods running in your own game — here’s how it works.

Further Reading

  • What is Minecraft?
  • The best Minecraft mods
  • How to get Minecraft for free

Install Java

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The first thing you’ll want to do is ensure that Java is installed on your computer. If it’s not, head on over to the official Java website and click on the Java Download button. From there, you’ll be prompted to accept a few agreements, and the installation will begin. Then, just follow the straightforward directions to complete the download, and close out of your browser. There’s nothing else you’ll need to do with Java at this point — we’ll circle back to it later.

Run Minecraft

Once Java is installed, go ahead and run Minecraft. We recommend logging in to your account and actually jumping into a procedurally generated world to verify that the game does, in fact, run properly before messing with Forge. Running Minecraft will ensure that all the necessary folder locations have been created on your computer before attempting to install Forge. If you don’t run Minecraft prior to downloading Forge, you’ll encounter various errors when attempting to install mods later on.

Install Forge

Jon Bitner / Digital Trends

You’ve installed Java, you’ve run Minecraft, and now it’s time to start with the setup of Forge. Navigate to its official website, and you’ll be greeted with several options for installation. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

  • From the Recommended Download section, select the Installer option.
  • If you are running any sort of firewall, you may have to bypass its security setting. Rest assured — your computer is safe!
  • Once the download is finished, you should have a new file on your computer with a filename similar to “forge-1.15.2-31.1.0-installer.jar.”
  • Now that Java is installed on your computer, you should be able to click on the file and run it.
  • This will open up the Mod System Installer, which will walk you through the process of setting up Forge on your system.
  • Take note of the file path listed on the installer — you’ll need this later. Then, select Install Client and press OK.
  • Once done, proceed through the prompts, and the Forge Installer should close.

That’s it for installing Forge! However, you’ll want to check to make sure it installed properly — and you still need to add all your mods to it.

Run Minecraft a second time

Jon Bitner / Digital Trends

First, check Minecraft to make sure Forge is running. This is a simple process:

  • Open Minecraft.
  • Navigate to the Installations tab.
  • Along with Latest Release, there should also be an option called Forge.
  • To play Minecraft with your mods, you’ll want to hover over the Forge option and click Play.
  • Then, log in with your regular credentials.

If you’re able to log in with the Forge installation, that means you’re ready to join the wild world of modded Minecraft. If you don’t see the Forge option under Installations, try running the Forge installation again. Remember, you’ll want to select Install Client, not Install Server, and make sure you’re downloading the recommended version of Forge.

Install mods

Jon Bitner / Digital Trends

Once Forge is properly set up, adding mods is a straightforward process. There are numerous websites that offer mods, but not all of them are compatible with Forge — or possibly even your specific version of Minecraft. We highly recommend using Curse Forge, as it is a reputable source that is safe, secure, and — most likely — compatible with all your software. Here’s how to install mods with Forge:

  • Navigate to Curse Forge and browse through the mod listings until you find one that you like.
  • Download the file associated with your current version of Minecraft. When in doubt, start with the most recent file — it’s likely that your game is automatically updated to the latest software.
  • As with Forge, bypass any security features implemented by your firewall in order to complete the download process.
  • You should now have a .jar filetype saved on your computer. This is your new mod!
  • Take this file and move it into the Mods folder you took note of during the installation of Forge. This file path defaults to C: > Users > Username > AppData > Roaming > .minecraft.
  • Note: Some of the above folders are hidden on Windows 10. If you need help accessing hidden files, be sure to check out our in-depth tutorial.

Once your files have been moved into the Mods folder, you’re ready to jump into the new and improved Minecraft! Just make sure you’re playing under the Forge Installation — otherwise, your mods won’t load properly.

Enjoy your newly modded game

Getting mods to run in Minecraft isn’t a difficult process, but it does take some time. The above process also works on operating systems besides Windows 10, although you might have to follow directions specific to your software when it comes to opening and running each file. You’ll also have to carefully track where your files are saved, as it’s likely to be different from PC users.

Forge makes it simple to play Minecraft with mods, but it makes it even easier to deactivate them. If you don’t want to completely delete the mod from your computer, you can simply type “.disabled” at the end of the filename to turn it off. Then, when you’re ready to activate it again, just remove “.disabled” from the filename.

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