How to install a server

How to make a server:
1. On your PC
2. On a server host
3. Using lan & port forwarding


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1. On your PC.
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===== CAN YOU RUN IT? =====
First you need to know if your PC can handle running a server as well as playing the game.

RAM
Check how much RAM your PC has.
Windows: press Ctrl + Shift + ESC to open task manager. Click the Performance tab. Where it says Memory is your RAM.
Mac: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Now it's time to do some math. The client will typically require 6GB of RAM to run modpacks. A Server will usually require 4GB. Your operating system will require 2GB left available.
Client = 6
Server = 4
OS = 2
That means the minimum RAM you need is about 12GB, while the maximum may be much higher depending on the pack you choose. Bigger packs will require more RAM.

CPU
How well a server runs depends greatly on the single core performance of your CPU.
To check your CPU;
Windows: press Ctrl + Shift + ESC to open task manager. Click the Performance tab. You will be on the CPU information. Look at where it says Base Speed.
Mac: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Anything under 2.4GHZ = Bad
2.4 to 3.6GHz is acceptable.
More than 3.6GHz is great!


===== PORT FORWARDING =====
So you have the RAM, now it's time to learn how to port forward.

Unfortunately every router is different so it is impossible to give step by step instructions. You will need to google your router model to find instructions for it. You need to set your PCs local IP to port forward port 25565 on TCP/IP. To find your local IP;
Windows: press Windows Key + R, type CMD and press OK, type ipconfig and look for your IPv4 Address
Mac: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

To find your public IP use: https://www.ipchicken.com/
To check if your port is open use: https://www.canyouseeme.org/


===== INSTALLING FORGE =====
RAM is good and we're port forwarded. Time to get things installed.

If the mods you wish to make a server for came as a modpack, there may already be server files for it. Check the pack's page on the website to see if there are any. If there are, they usually come with instructions. READ THOSE FIRST!

If the pack is one you've made or does not have server files then you will need to start with installing a forge server.
Check what forge version the pack is using first, then go to the forge website and grab the forge installer for that version http://files.minecraftforge.net/
Install the server files with the forge installer. (DO NOT install the server to your desktop, or anywhere that is affected by cloud saving like onedrive)
Now you will need to make a .bat file to start the server.
Open a notepad and paste the following:
java -Xmx4G -Xms1G -jar xxxxxxxxxxxxx.jar

Change the xxxxxxxxxxxxx to whatever your forge.jar is named.
File, Save As, name it: run.bat
Now close the notepad and double click the run.bat to start the server.
Installation will stop and mention the EULA. Close the server window.
Go to the EULA.txt and change FALSE to TRUE.
Open the run.bat once again. If a world is created then you are almost done!
Close the server window.


===== INSTALLING YOUR PACK =====
Final step!

Open up your instance folder. Select your mods folder. Also select your config folder and any other folders you've made changes to that may be needed on the server. Some mods come with folders you may need. If you are unsure just select it.
Copy & paste these folders into your server folder.
Delete the world that was made in the previous step.
Now start your run.bat once again. If the server loads properly it is time to play!


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2. On a server host
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Unfortunately this choice is too varied to give any kind of guide. Each host should provide you with instructions on how to set up a server. Most important is to make sure you get enough RAM to run the pack you want.


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3. Using lan & port forwarding
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This method is a bit annoying because the port that needs to be forwarded changes every time you open the game.

Start up your modpack normally.
Open to LAN.
In chat you will see the port being used, you will need to go into your router settings and forward that port, or if you've already got one forwarded simply change it to the new number.
People will use your public IP along with this port to connect.

To find your public IP use: https://www.ipchicken.com/