How to Install Minecraft Mods on Pc and Mac
The basic steps involved in installing Minecraft mods, if you’re playing the original Java version on a PC or Mac, are:
How to Install Minecraft Mods on Other Platforms
If you’re playing Minecraft on a different platform, like Xbox One, then mods, skins, map packs and other additions are all referred to as add-ons. On these platforms, the process is even easier:
What Are Mods for Minecraft?
Mod is short for modification, so a Minecraft mod is basically just something that alters anything in Minecraft from its original state to a different state. Mods can add new recipes to craft, add or change creatures in the game, and change the way the game plays in even more drastic ways. Other mods work behind the scenes to make the game run better, look better, or even add new features like virtual reality support. While it’s possible to play without any mods, installing mods can breath new life into the game and and make it a lot more fun to play. Before you go looking for a mod to install, it’s important to understand that there are two different versions of Minecraft, and each version handles mods in its own way. The original version is now called Minecraft: Java Edition, and you can play it on Windows, Mac and Linux PCs. Mods are widely available and free, so finding and installing good ones can be complicated. The newer version is simply called Minecraft. It’s available on Windows 10, Xbox One, mobile phones and tablets, and other platforms. This version of the game lets you play with people on different platforms. For instance, you could play on your Xbox while a friend plays on their iPhone. Mods that were designed for the Java version will not work with this newer version.
How Do You Choose a Minecraft Mod to Use?
Choosing a minecraft mod is a matter of personal preference, since it really depends on what you want to change about Minecraft. If you’re totally new to modding, then the best place to start is checking out a list of the best available Minecraft mods, or visiting a reputable source for mods. The best way to figure out what Minecraft mod to download and install is to ask yourself a few questions:
What would you like to add or change about Minecraft?Are you interested in purely cosmetic changes, or do you want major gameplay changes?Do you just want new recipes to craft, or do you want to experience a brand new adventure or world?
Since the pool of mods to choose from is so massive, there’s a good chance that if you think of something you’d like to do with Minecraft, you’ll be able to find a mod that can help. Another great way to choose a Minecraft mod is to check out YouTube videos. There are a ton of popular Minecraft YouTubers that test out different mods, so this is an easy way to see what looks like fun. The only thing you need to remember when choosing a Minecraft mod is that when Minecraft is updated, it can break older mods. So make sure to choose a mod that is compatible with the version of Minecraft that you have installed.
How to Download Minecraft Mods
Downloading Minecraft mods is extremely easy, and there are a number of relatively safe sources to find mods. Some modders have webpages where you can download a mod directly from the source, but it can be tough to tell whether or not a personal site like that is safe. The safest way to download Minecraft mods is to go to a source like The Minecraft Forum where mod creators upload their mods. The flip side of that is that you should avoid locations where people have uploaded mods that they didn’t create, since there’s no way to tell if the files have been altered. Downloading a Minecraft mod is as simple as locating a mod you want on one of these sources and downloading the mod file. The mod will then be saved to your computer, and you’ll be able to install it.
How to Install Minecraft Mods
There are a lot of different ways to install Minecraft mods, but the most popular one is a program called Forge. This method requires you to download and install Forge, and it isn’t compatible with all mods, but it is extremely easy. Once you have Forge installed, here how to use it to install a Minecraft mod:
Minecraft Mods for Platforms Other Than PC
Mods for the non-Java version of Minecraft are called add-ons, and they aren’t free. You buy them from the Minecraft store, which you can access from inside the game.
On Windows: Choose Run from the start menu, paste %appdata%.minecraft\ into the blank field, and click Run.On Mac: Open finder, hold down your Alt key, then click Go > Library on the top menu bar. Then open Application Support and look for Minecraft there.
There aren’t as many add-ons available as there are mods for the original Java version of Minecraft, but you can find skin packs, texture packs, worlds, and what microsoft calls “mashups” in the store. If these terms are unfamiliar, they’re actually pretty easy to understand:
Skins: change the appearance of your character.Textures: change the appearance of the world by making blocks and creatures look different.Worlds: add custom worlds to play in and can also change gameplay like a real mod.Mashups: include a mixture of skins, textures, and worlds in a themed package.
Since the add-on ecosystem is closed, the process of getting add-ons is a lot simpler, and safer, than getting mods for the Java version. It isn’t free, but it is all done from right inside Minecraft itself.
Safety Concerns About Minecraft Mods, Textures, Skins and Modpacks
While Minecraft mods are usually pretty safe, there are always risks involved with downloading and installing files that you find on the Internet. Some of the most important concerns are:
The mod itself might contain malware, spyware, or a virus.The site you download a mod from might be infected or could be a malicious site that intentionally infects your computer.The mod could contain inappropriate content or not work as advertised.The mod could potentially mess up your Minecraft game through some unforeseen interaction between the game files.
Most of these potential problems can be avoided by only downloading Minecraft mods from reputable sources. If a mod is well known, and the creator of the mod has an official site, then that’s always the safest place to download from. If you’re not sure whether or not a mod is safe, then looking at a site like The Minecraft Forum is usually the best option. This allows you to take advantage of the knowledge and experience of the Minecraft community, but there are still some important things to keep in mind:
Avoid downloading mods that were posted by brand new forum accounts.Avoid downloading mods that have no comments.Look for mods that have been around for a while and that have a variety of positive comments and no comments that indicate the presence of a virus, malware, or inappropriate content.
Some good resources for finding safe Minecraft mods include:
The Minecraft Forum Planet Minecraft Curse Forge
If you find a Minecraft mod site that you aren’t sure about, check this list of unsafe and illegal mod sites on Github. The list isn’t exhaustive, but if a site does show up on it, you’re better off looking for the mod you want somewhere else. Another good idea is to look for videos on YouTube before you download a mod. This allows you to see what the mod looks like in action, check that there isn’t any inappropriate content, and also verify that the mod is actually real.
