Create a server with Fabric and mods

What is Fabric?

Fabric is a lightweight modding platform for Minecraft. It's known for fast updates to new Minecraft versions, better performance than Forge, and a growing mod ecosystem.

Step 1: Install Fabric server

1. Go to panel.baires.host → select your server
2. In the Startup tab, change server type to Fabric
3. Select your desired Minecraft version
4. Click Reinstall Server

Or install manually:

# Download Fabric installer
wget https://meta.fabricmc.net/v2/versions/installer
# Run installer
java -jar fabric-installer.jar server -mcversion 1.21.4 -downloadMinecraft

Step 2: Install Fabric API

Fabric API is required by almost all Fabric mods:

1. Download Fabric API from modrinth.com/mod/fabric-api
2. Upload the .jar to the mods/ folder via the panel

Important: Match the Fabric API version to your Minecraft version.

Step 3: Add mods

Download server-compatible mods from Modrinth or CurseForge:

1. Go to Files → mods/ folder
2. Upload each mod .jar file
3. Restart the server

Essential performance mods

mods/
├── fabric-api.jar
├── lithium.jar          # Server optimization
├── krypton.jar          # Network optimization
├── starlight.jar        # Lighting engine optimization
└── ferrite-core.jar     # Memory optimization

Step 4: Verify mods loaded

Check the server console on startup:

[main/INFO]: Loading X mods
[main/INFO]: Loaded mod 'lithium' (lithium)
[main/INFO]: Loaded mod 'krypton' (krypton)

Mod compatibility

Fabric mods must be:

• Built for the same Minecraft version as your server
• Built for Fabric (not Forge — they're incompatible)
• Server-side compatible (some mods are client-only)

Check the mod page for "Environment: Server" or "Environment: Both".

Configuration

Most Fabric mods create config files in the config/ folder:

config/
├── lithium.properties
├── krypton.toml
└── your-mod-config.json

Edit these files and restart to apply changes.

Fabric vs Forge

Tips

• Start with performance mods (Lithium, Krypton, Starlight) for a better base
• Add gameplay mods one at a time and test between each
• Keep all mods on the same Minecraft version
• Fabric mods update faster to new MC versions than Forge mods
• Use Modrinth for the best Fabric mod discovery experience
• Back up your mods/ and config/ folders before updating