To run mods on a Minecraft server you need a mod loader, and the two big ones are Forge and Fabric. They're not compatible with each other, so the choice matters: it's decided mostly by which mods and modpack you want. Here's how they compare and how to choose.
Quick answer
Choose Forge or Fabric based on the mods you want, because a mod is built for one loader and they are not compatible. Forge suits big, heavy modpacks and the largest catalogue of long-standing mods. Fabric is lighter, updates to new Minecraft versions faster and has excellent performance mods. Server and players must use the same loader.
Your mods decide it, because a mod is built for one loader. Pick Forge for big, heavy modpacks and the largest catalogue of long-standing mods. Pick Fabric for a lighter, faster setup and the newest performance mods. You can't mix them, so match the loader to the modpack you want.
Forge vs Fabric at a glance
| Forge | Fabric | |
|---|---|---|
| Mod catalogue | Largest, especially big/heavy mods | Growing, strong on performance & newer mods |
| Performance | Heavier | Lighter & faster (great with Lithium/Sodium-style mods) |
| Modpacks | Most large modpacks are Forge | More lightweight/optimised packs |
| Updates | Can lag behind new MC versions | Usually fast to new MC versions |
| Best for | Big kitchen-sink modpacks | Light, fast, performance-focused setups |
Choose Forge if…
- You want a big modpack (most large ones are Forge).
- You need specific long-standing mods that are Forge-only.
- You want the widest catalogue of tech/magic/exploration mods.
Choose Fabric if…
- You want a lighter, faster server, especially with performance mods.
- You want the newest Minecraft version quickly (Fabric usually updates faster).
- Your chosen mods/pack are built for Fabric.
A Forge mod won't run on Fabric and vice versa — they're different systems. So don't pick the loader first and hunt for mods; pick the modpack or mods you want, then run whichever loader they're built for. (NeoForge, a Forge fork, is also common now and works like Forge for this choice.)
Related Minecraft guides
Ready to run mods? See how to make a Minecraft server. Not modding, just plugins? See Paper vs Spigot vs Purpur. And Java vs Bedrock if you haven't picked an edition.