Why Fabric?
Fabric is a modern, modular mod loader. Unlike the extensive Forge, Fabric relies on a lean core plus the Fabric API - which makes it lightweight and very fast to support new Minecraft versions. Server-side performance mods such as Lithium or FerriteCore get noticeably more TPS and lower RAM usage out of it, without players having to install anything.
Fabric is excellent for optimized survival servers, tech and automation packs and smaller, deliberately assembled mod lists. If you want a Forge-based ecosystem instead, choose NeoForge with us; Quilt (a Fabric-compatible loader) can also be used via SFTP.
Fabric server hosting from €2.99 / month
Prepaid without a contract, DDoS protection up to 250 Gbit/s.
View plans & pricesInstall mods
In the panel, you select Fabric mods directly from Modrinth and CurseForge; dependencies such as the Fabric API are installed automatically. Alternatively, you upload JAR files via SFTP or WebFTP into the mods/ folder. The Fabric server launcher is set up correctly during setup so you can get started right away. You edit configurations in the online config editor and schedule restarts in the scheduler.
Why Fabric mods do not run on Forge
The most common misconception for beginners: a mod file is always built for exactly one loader. Fabric and Forge use different entry points and interfaces. A Forge mod in the mods/ folder of a Fabric server is therefore either ignored or aborts the start - and the same applies the other way round. On Modrinth and CurseForge, you filter by loader and Minecraft version before downloading; if you select the mods in the panel, this filter is already set because your server was created as a Fabric server.
Within Fabric, the version also decides: Fabric mods are tightly bound to a specific Minecraft version and are almost always rebuilt after an update. Whoever moves from one version to the next usually replaces every single mod. How a switch runs cleanly is described in Change the Minecraft version; the installation routes in detail are covered in Install plugins and mods.
Plugins are a separate topic again: Bukkit, Spigot and Paper plugins run neither on Fabric nor on Forge. If you need classics such as EssentialsX, LuckPerms or WorldGuard, a Paper server is the right route. Mods and plugins cannot be mixed on the same server - you make this decision at the start, not on the side. If you are unsure, the comparison on our Forge page helps you decide.
Server mods, client mods and the most common error
Not every mod belongs on the server. Pure client mods that improve the frame rate on your own computer do nothing in your server's mods/ folder. Conversely, server-side optimizations such as Lithium or FerriteCore work without your fellow players doing anything: they improve tick rate and memory use and require no installation on the client side. How to cleanly separate server and client mods when putting together your own modpack is described in the corresponding guide.
In between lies the largest group - content mods that bring new blocks, items, machines or dimensions. They must be installed identically on server and client, including the same version. If a single mod does not match, the connection is refused on joining; the typical messages are explained in Fix connection errors. If the server does not start at all, the Fabric API or another dependency is usually missing - the console names the responsible file, see Server does not start.
You switch the loader yourself in the game server panel under server type: Fabric, Forge and NeoForge are available there alongside Vanilla, Paper, Spigot and Purpur. World and server.properties are kept; you choose the Minecraft and loader version anew when switching. When changing the loader, your world stays readable, but the blocks added by mods do not: they are only stored as a reference in the world file and disappear as soon as the matching mod is missing. So take a backup before every rebuild - how that works via SFTP or WebFTP is shown in Create backups yourself. We deliberately do not offer automatic backups, but you have full file access at any time. How much memory your mod list needs is clarified by the RAM guide.
Your benefits with Fabric at MainHoster.de
Lightweight & fast
Lean loader, short start times and low overhead - ideal for optimized servers.
Performance mods
Server-side mods such as Lithium or FerriteCore increase TPS and reduce RAM requirements.
Modrinth & CurseForge
Install mods including dependencies (Fabric API) directly in the panel or upload them via SFTP.
Fast with new versions
Fabric often supports new Minecraft releases earlier than other loaders.
NeoForge & Quilt
Need a different loader? NeoForge is available as a setup and in the server type switcher, Quilt via SFTP.
DDoS protection
DDoS protection up to 250 Gbit/s, located in Germany and unlimited slots included.
Fabric server hosting - from €2.99 / month
All Minecraft plans (S to XL) share the same hardware and features: unlimited slots, a fixed server address (IP:port), console, config editor, WebFTP, restart scheduler and DDoS protection up to 250 Gbit/s. Fabric runs on every plan - the amount of RAM depends on the number of players and the scope of your project. You will find the plans and RAM recommendations on the overview page.
More Minecraft software
- Minecraft server - overview
- Rent a Forge server
- Host Minecraft modpacks
- Rent a Paper server
- Rent a Bedrock server
- Voice chat on the server
Discover more
Frequently asked questions - Fabric