1What a Better MC server needs
| Pack version | v31, released 10 Jun 2025 |
|---|---|
| Minecraft | 1.21.1 |
| Loader |  NeoForge 21.1.176 |
| Java | 21 |
| Memory | 6 GB, as Playkeeper suggests it |
| Mods on the server | 268 |
| Download | 360 MB |
| Server files | None: servers are built from the pack itself |
| From | Modrinth, by Luna Pixel Studios, 305k downloads |
| Checked | 28 Sep 2026, on Modrinth and with Playkeeper 0.4.2's install plan |
Version v31 came out on 10 Jun 2025 and was still the newest on 28 Sep 2026, so a server set up now won't need an update soon.
2Which Better MC edition to host
Better MC comes in three editions. Host the one your friends play, at the same version.
| Edition | Loader | Minecraft | Downloads on Modrinth |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMC5 | NeoForge | 1.21.1 | 305k |
| BMC4 | Forge | 1.20.1 | 2.2M |
| BMC2 | Fabric | 1.20.1 | 3.5M |
Downloads checked 28 Sep 2026. Playkeeper installs packs for Minecraft 1.21 and newer, so it runs BMC5; BMC4 and BMC2 need another way.
3New land keeps it busy
BMC5 adds dimensions, biomes and bosses, from The Aether and Oh The Biomes We've Gone to L_Ender's Cataclysm, the three biggest mods in it. Each new chunk costs more than in plain Minecraft, so:
- Pre-generate the world before friends explore. In Playkeeper it's on the World tab.
- Pick a VPS with fast cores: the sizing guide starts big modpacks at 4 cores.
4The one-click way
Playkeeper runs your server on a VPS you rent. Install it with one command:
curl -fsSL https://playkeeper.io/install | sudo sh
Search New server › A modpack
It's BMC5 v31. Your dashboard shows what it installs before anything happens.
Create and start it
Playkeeper downloads 360 MB of mods, checks each against Modrinth's hash and adds the ones the pack carries itself.
Send friends the pack
Share with friends on the Mods tab gives them the pack and their launcher's steps.
5By hand, from the pack
18 of its mods come inside the pack rather than from Modrinth. The itzg Docker image, which Playkeeper runs servers in too, and mrpack-install both copy them.
# Better MC v31 on Java 21: 6 GB in all, 3.4 GB of it Java's heap
docker run -d --name better-mc-neoforge-bmc5 -p 25565:25565 \
--memory 6G --memory-swap 6G \
-e EULA=TRUE -e MEMORY=3512M -e USE_AIKAR_FLAGS=TRUE \
-e TYPE=MODRINTH -e MODRINTH_MODPACK=better-mc-neoforge-bmc5 -e MODRINTH_VERSION=v31 \
-v better-mc-neoforge-bmc5-data:/data itzg/minecraft-server:java21
# Writes the server, NeoForge and the mods into ./better-mc-neoforge-bmc5 mrpack-install better-mc-neoforge-bmc5 v31 --server-dir better-mc-neoforge-bmc5 # Then start it with Java 21 and accept the EULA in eula.txt
Open TCP 25565 in your provider's firewall.
6Friends join with the same edition
Players install BMC5 v31 in the Modrinth App or Prism Launcher, then join your server's address. BMC4 or BMC2 won't connect to it.
In Playkeeper, Share with friends on the Mods tab makes a page with the pack and their launcher's steps.
Questions
How much RAM does a Better MC server need?
6 GB, what Playkeeper suggests for its 268 mods, or 8 GB for up to four friends, what the sizing guide gives a modpack.
Which Better MC edition should I host?
BMC5, on NeoForge and Minecraft 1.21.1, if your friends play it. BMC4 and BMC2 are on Minecraft 1.20.1, which Playkeeper doesn't run packs for.
Is Better MC Forge or Fabric?
Each edition has its own loader: BMC5 NeoForge, BMC4 Forge and BMC2 Fabric.
Why is the server slow when we explore?
BMC5 generates a lot per chunk. Pre-generate the world before you play, and keep the view distance moderate.
