Adding Datapacks#

Datapacks are vanilla-compatible packs that modify server behavior without requiring mods. They can add biomes, adjust game mechanics, create custom recipes, and more.

What Are Datapacks?#

Datapacks work with any Minecraft server software (including vanilla) and don't require clients to install anything. They're perfect for:

Adding custom biomes and structures
Tweaking game mechanics
Custom crafting recipes
Loot table modifications
Custom advancements

Installation Steps#

Step 1: Download a Datapack#

Recommended sources:

Step 2: Access the Datapack Folder#

Go to your control panel and select your server
Click Files in the sidebar
Navigate to your world folder (usually named world)
Open the datapacks folder

Step 3: Upload Your Datapack#

Drag and drop the .zip file into the browser window.

Note

For Vanilla Tweaks, you may need to extract the downloaded file first, then upload the individual datapack zip files.

Step 4: Activate and Verify#

Restart your server, then verify the datapack loaded:

datapack list

This shows all enabled and available datapacks.

Managing Datapacks#

Enable a Datapack#

datapack enable "file/<datapack_name>"

Disable a Datapack#

datapack disable "file/<datapack_name>"

Performance Considerations#

Warning

Heavy datapacks can impact server performance. Lightweight packs like Vanilla Tweaks typically cause no issues, but complex terrain generation or entity modifications may increase lag.

If you experience performance issues:

Disable datapacks one by one to identify the culprit
Use fewer or simpler datapacks
Consider using mods instead for complex modifications

Multi-World Servers#

Datapacks uploaded to your main world's datapack folder apply globally across all dimensions (Overworld, Nether, End).

Troubleshooting#

Datapack not appearing in list#

Ensure the file is a valid .zip archive
Check it's in the correct datapacks folder
Verify the datapack is compatible with your Minecraft version

Datapack not working#

Check server logs for errors
The datapack may require a world reset to take effect (for world generation changes)
Some datapacks conflict with each other