How to Install Mods and Plugins on Magma

Magma's superpower is running both mods and plugins on the same server. Here's how to install both correctly.

Key concept: two folders

Magma uses two separate folders inside your server directory:

• mods/ — for Forge mod .jar files
• plugins/ — for Bukkit/Spigot plugin .jar files

Don't mix them up. A Forge mod in the plugins folder won't load. A Bukkit plugin in the mods folder will fail.

Step 1: Install your Forge mods

1. Open your FreeMCServers.org dashboard
2. Click your Magma server
3. Go to Files → mods
4. Drag in your Forge mod .jar files

Make sure mods are compatible with the Minecraft version your Magma server is running. Magma typically supports a small set of versions (1.12.2, 1.16.5, 1.18.2, 1.20.1).

Step 2: Install your Bukkit plugins

1. Go to Files → plugins
2. Drag in your Bukkit/Spigot plugin .jar files

Step 3: Restart the server

Both mods and plugins load at startup. Watch the console — you should see Forge loading mods first, then Bukkit loading plugins.

Step 4: Players still need Forge

Your players still need to install Forge on their client with the same mod set. Plugins are server-only — players don't install plugins on their client.

Common Magma issues

• Plugin in mods folder (or vice versa) — won't load. Move it to the correct folder.
• Mod incompatible with hybrid server — some mods refuse to load on Magma. Check the mod's compatibility list.
• Plugin requires NMS that's been changed — some plugins use NMS internals that hybrid servers tweak. Modern plugins are usually fine.
• Conflicting features — a Forge mod and a Bukkit plugin both controlling the same game mechanic will conflict. Pick one source of truth.

Recommended setup

See our list of best Magma server setups for tested mod + plugin combinations.