Knowledgebase

When running a Minecraft server—especially modded versions like Forge or Fabric—it’s important to configure the correct server jar file and versions for your setup. Below are the key settings you can adjust in your server startup environment variables.

1. Server Jar File (SERVER_JARFILE)

• What it is: The filename of the server jar used to start your Minecraft server, especially for Forge versions below 1.17.

• Default: server.jar

• Usage: This variable is referenced in the startup command, so changing it will tell the server which jar to run.

2. Minecraft Version (MC_VERSION)

• What it is: Specifies which Minecraft version you want to install and run.

• Default: latest (will install the latest recommended version)

• Usage: Use this to pick a specific Minecraft release version.

• Note: Leaving this as latest ensures you always get the current recommended release.

3. Build Type (BUILD_TYPE)

• What it is: Determines whether to use the "recommended" or "latest" build of Forge for your server.

• Valid values: recommended (default) or latest

• Usage: recommended is usually the more stable release; latest might have newer features but can be less stable.

4. Forge Version (FORGE_VERSION)

• What it is: The full, exact version number of the Forge server jar you want to run.

• Example: 1.15.2-31.2.4

• Overrides: This setting overrides MC_VERSION and BUILD_TYPE.

• Important: If the specified Forge version cannot be downloaded, the installation will fail.

5. Fabric Version (FABRIC_VERSION)

• What it is: The full, exact version number of the Fabric server you want to run.

• Example: 0.15.2-1.19.2-1.0.1

• Overrides: Overrides MC_VERSION, BUILD_TYPE, and FORGE_VERSION.

• Important: Like Forge, if the Fabric version is not available for download, installation will fail.

How to Use These Settings

1. Log into your server dashboard.

2. Go to the Startup Settings or Environment Variables section.

3. Set or edit these variables according to the modded server you want to run:

   • Set MC_VERSION if you want to choose the Minecraft base version.

   • Set BUILD_TYPE if you want the recommended or latest Forge build.

   • Use FORGE_VERSION if you want to specify an exact Forge build.

   • Use FABRIC_VERSION if running Fabric instead of Forge.

4. Adjust the SERVER_JARFILE if your modded server uses a custom jar filename.

5. Save your changes and restart the server to apply.

Tips and Best Practices

• Always verify compatibility of your mods with the Minecraft and Forge/Fabric versions you choose.

• Use recommended build types for better stability unless you need features from the latest builds.

• When specifying exact Forge or Fabric versions, make sure the version exists and is supported.

• Changing the SERVER_JARFILE is mostly needed for older Forge versions (pre-1.17).