Installing Mods

Using Mods

The following topics are provided to assist users in installing mods. Several options exist to do this, and a brief outline of the main methods have been noted.

About Mods

Mods are .jar files and should not be extracted
Mods go directly in the 'mods' folder - they will not work in sub-folders
Mods will not load without the correct modding API (ie Forge)
They do not function the same as texture or shader packs and will not work in the resourcepack/shaderpack folders

SWEM Staff & Helpers cannot guarantee support in any mod issues (including use of mods) that are unrelated to errors with SWEM itself. Users are expected to seek solutions to their own issues using ample resources available online.

Jar files are usually safe when sourced from trusted sites like CurseForge or Modrinth. You should never download jar (or any) files from untrusted or unknown sources - doing so can introduce malware to your PC or devices!

SWEM Requirements

Minecraft Version
1.16.5

~~Download SWEM~~
~~[Updated 12/12/2022 - Version linked here is the latest major stable release]~~ ~~Download~~

~~Dependencies~~
~~Geckolib 3.0.98+~~ ~~Download~~
~~Player Animator 0.3.5-1.16.5+~~ ~~Download~~

Forge
Forge 36.2.34 or higher

RAM
~3-4GB (allocated specifically to MC - you will still need several GB remaining to run basic PC processes)

Download SWEM & Dependencies

5.3.21 (Latest version)

SWEM: 5.3.21
Geckolib: 3.0.99 or newer
Player Animator: 0.3.5+1.16.5

If ~~you~~using shaders, this version will likely have ~~been~~some ~~advised~~animation torender ~~downgrade~~issues to- please see below for recommendations.

5.3.0 (Latest Shader-friendly version)

SWEM 5.3.0 and Geckolib .97 is currently the latest stable release for ~~shader~~use with shaders. Newer combinations of SWEM, Geckolib and Optifine causes animations to cease rendering or other animation related ~~issues,~~issues ~~you~~(crashing). ~~can~~The ~~find~~only itknown solution at present is to use the following versions:

SWEM: ~~here~~5.3.0.
Geckolib: 3.0.97
Player Animator: 0.3.5+1.16.5

This will NOT resolve the animation desync (jumps) sometime seen on servers. That is likely an entirely different issue.

Other

Java

Vanilla can find and access the integrated Java installation that comes with Minecraft - but mods often require Java to display and work properly - some mod launchers also need you to locate it to use the app! The good news is, you can download and install Java, even having multiple different versions downloaded to use with newer Minecraft releases.

Java 8
Java 8 is required for Minecraft 1.16.5 and earlier.

Install it somewhere you can easily find the location if required.
If you have to manually select the location, find where you downloaded it and the file (javaw.exe) should be under a file named 'bin'
Download Java 8

Extracting Files

Some bundled mods, modpacks, or downloads like the MultiMC Launcher, may need to be extracted in order for you to use them. The vast majority of computers are naturally able to extract files..

You can extract files on Mac by double-clicking a compressed (or zipped) folder.
You can extract files on Windows by right clicking a compressed (or zipped) folder and selecting "Extract All."
- If there is no option to "Extract All," you may have a computer that is unable to extract files without assistance. To fix this, you can download WinRAR or 7-Zip. If you are unsure of how to use either of these programs, there are many usage tutorials available online.

Option 1: MultiMC

Simple straight-forward design, open source project and no annoying ads!
No need to do a forge installation via external sites, select the version you want when creating instances.
Create multiple instances, sort in groups, give instances icons, add and remove mods easily.
Custom installation settings - default Java and RAM settings OR designate them custom to each installation!
Import a complete instance from ZIP files
Create instances with popular modpacks from Modrinth, ATLauncher, FTBAppImport, FTBLegacy and Technic!
Download MultiMC

Installing

Go to the link above and download the file specific to your PC type (Windows, Mac, Linux)
1. Once downloaded, extract the file to access the Application files.
2. You can move the folder to wherever you want it, and suggest making a shortcut or pin-to-start the MultiMC.exe application.
3. Launch the MultiMC.exe file to open MultiMC.
4. On first launch, you will need to follow the in-app setup process, including locating your Java and Minecraft.
5. In the top right corner, drop down to Manage Accounts and log into your Minecraft account as instructed!

Creating A New Instance

On the MultiMC App, select Add Instance on the top menu bar, which will open a new interface to select your preferences.

1. Give your instance a Name (such as SWEM V1)
2. Choose your preferred setup:
[★] Vanilla: Select a Minecraft version to create a vanilla instance. You can add a forge installation in afterwards to play with mods.
Import from zip: Import a copy of a user's or preset instance in ZIP format which easily installs with all the settings and mods.
Modrinth | ATLauncher | FTB | Technic: Browse popular preset modpacks for and install them automatically with ease.

If you import from ZIP or a preset modpack, you should be ready to play once it is setup. Vanilla installations need a few extra steps!

Install Forge

To use mods, your new installation will require a forge installation (Forge Modding API).

1. Right click your instance icon > Edit Instance OR click the icon and select Edit Instance on the right side of the app.
2. Under Version select Install Forge on the right side of the menu.
3. Select the version of Forge to be installed. The starred version indicates the recommended stable release.

SWEM requires Forge 36.2.34 or higher to work properly. Using an incorrect or outdated version will cause loading errors.

Install Mods

To install new mods, or manage existing mods:

1. Right click your instance icon > View Mods OR click the icon and select View Mods on the right side of the app.
2. You can do multiple things from the view mods menu:
Add: Browse and add new mods to your instance. Mods must be .jar files
Remove: Permanently remove a mod from your instance. Removing a mod deletes it from the mod folder.
Enable: Enable a previously disabled (see below) mod. When enabled, a mod will be active when MC is launched.
Disable: Disable an installed mod. When disabled, mods will not load when MC is launched.
You can also check or uncheck the checkbox to enable/disable. Unchecked mods will not load (disabled).

Disabling mods that your world actively uses (ie SWDM) can alter builds, structures, remove items and entities or even corrupt the world on load if there is no newer version enabled.

Allocating RAM (MultiMC)

Minecraft uses RAM (memory) to load and run the game and its assets. To a point, more RAM means you can load faster and process quicker - though that is also dependent on other elements of your PC. A few notes:

Vanilla default is 2GB but requirement increases with HD texture packs, shader uses and mods.
Small-medium Modpacks recommend a minimum of 3-4GB of allocated RAM.
Large Modpacks and some intensive mods may require even more!
Your computer requires an absolute minimum of 1GB free at all times, but for the sake of your computer's hardware and performance the recommended minimum is 2-3GB free at all times.
Excessive RAM does not guarantee better performance, so you should not allocate more than you NEED.

1. On the MultiMC App, select Settings on the top menu bar, which will open a new interface.
2. Under the Java tab you can see current memory (RAM) allocation.
3. Set your required amount for minimum and maximum values. PermGen should be left at what it is by default.
MultiMC uses megabytes (MiB) over gigabytes (GB) - 1024MB is equal to 1GB.

Your PC has a set amount of RAM built-in (installed) and requires several GB of that to run background apps, etc!

Other

MultiMC Features

You can manage your instance under Edit Instance to use:
Resource Packs: Add or remove texture packs (ZIP file)
Shader Packs: Add or remove shaders (ZIP file)
Notes: Make notes on anything you want for planning or future reference!
Worlds: View your worlds - add, rename, copy, remove, use MCEdit (if installed), reset icon and copy seed.
Servers: View, add or remove saved servers.
Screenshots: View screenshots.
Settings: Edit your (instance specific) RAM allocation and java version.
Other Logs: Find your latest crash logs.

You can access other features by right clicking an instance to use:
Change Icon: Select from preset Minecraft themed icons, or upload your own icon.
Rename: Edit the (in-app) instance name.
Group: Assign an instance to custom groups (ie by version, themes)
Minecraft Folder: View the Minecraft folder, which contains mods, saves, logs, config folders etc.
Config Folder: Open the config folder to view configs of any installed mods.
Export: Export your entire instance (settings, mods, saves, servers) to share with others or transfer to another PC.
Delete: Delete the instance. Deleting the instance will remove all mods, saves and settings.

Option 2: CurseForge App

CurseForge is a popular mod launcher and, if MultiMC is not for you, we would recommend using a launcher like CF. CurseForge is not the same thing as Forge.

Easy to use and great for first-time mod users.
No need to do a forge installation via external sites, select the version you want when creating instances.
Create multiple instances on multiple versions of Minecraft.
Create instances with popular mods and Modpacks direct from CurseForge within the app!
Download CurseForge

Installation

Go to the link above and download the file specific to your PC type (Windows, Mac, Linux)
1. Once downloaded, run the file by double clicking the installer.
2. Follow the installation instructions.
3. On first launch, you will need to follow the in-app setup process, including detecting your Java and Minecraft.
4. CurseForge uses the vanilla launcher when loading the game - you may need to log into your Minecraft account.

Creating A New Instance

On the CurseForge App, select Create Custom Profile on the top bar to open a preferences menu.

1. Give your instance (profile) a Name (such as SWEM V1)
2. Choose your preferred settings:
Minecraft Version: The version of Minecraft your profile will use.
Game Type: [★] Forge | Fabric | Vanilla.
Modloader Version: Forge version
3. Create once you have input your preferences.
4. CurseForge will take up to a few minutes to create an instance and install updates.

SWEM requires Forge 36.2.34 or higher to work properly. Using an incorrect or outdated version will cause loading errors.

Worlds are saved to the instance they were created with, meaning you cannot play on worlds in one instance if the world was created while using another instance.

Install Mods

To install new mods, or manage existing mods:

1. Click on the Instance (Profile) image to view and edit - pressing 'Play' will launch the instance instead!
2. You can add mods two ways:
Search CurseForge: Select Add More Content to browse for mods on CurseForge via the app.
Add via Mod Folder: Select ... next to Play and choose Open Folder. Drag or paste any mods into the mod folder.

Allocating RAM (CurseForge)

In the bottom right of the app, click the settings icon (gear). Select game specific on the right menu, minecraft and scroll down to Java Settings. Edit as required:

Vanilla default is 2GB but requirement increases with HD texture packs, shader uses and mods.
Small-medium Modpacks recommend a minimum of 3-4GB of allocated RAM.
Large Modpacks and some intensive mods may require even more!
Your computer requires an absolute minimum of 1GB free at all times, but for the sake of your computer's hardware and performance the recommended minimum is 2-3GB free at all times.
Excessive RAM does not guarantee better performance, so you should not allocate more than you NEED.

Other

CurseForge Features

Profile Options: Click the ... next to Play to open Profile Options and change name, forge version and RAM etc.
Export Profile: Export your entire instance (settings, mods, saves, servers) to share with others or transfer to another PC.
Delete Profile: Delete the instance. Deleting the instance will remove all mods, saves and settings.
Update: Clicking the downward arrow to the right of an installed mod will update it to the newest release.
Delete: Clicking the trash can icon to the right of an installed mod will delete the mod.
Active: Toggling the Active button next to Installed Mods will enable or disable loading a mod on launch.

Disabling mods that your world actively uses (ie SWDM) can alter builds, structures, remove items and entities or even corrupt the world on load if there is no newer version enabled.

Option 3: Minecraft Launcher + Forge

We do not encourage the use of a Forge Installation to first-time modders, while simple it also:

Directs users to download via an advert site that is not discerning with its advertisements and seems sketchy.
Forge installation allows for only one active modpack - mods must be manually added in and out for different packs.
Forge installation increases the chance of accidentally loading a save with the wrong/missing mods, corrupting it.
Download the Minecraft Launcher

Installing

Go to the link above and download the file specific to your PC type (Windows, Mac, Linux)
1. Once downloaded, run the downloaded file MinecraftInstaller and follow the installation steps.
2. Find and open the newly downloaded application called Minecraft Launcher.
3. On the first launch, you will need to sign in with your Microsoft account, by clicking the Microsoft Login button.

Installing Forge

1. Navigate to the Minecraft Forge downloads and download either the latest or recommended installer.

2. Open the downloaded file, and select Install Client.
3. If the file path at the bottom is not pointing to your minecraft, click the three ... and point it to your minecraft installation. Default installation paths
4. Click install
5. Relaunch your Minecraft Launcher and if you click installations it should now contain a forge installation.
6. Click the green Play button, to setup the instance.

Install Mods

To install mods for the minecraft launcher, you need to open the .minecraft folder.
An easy way to do that is clicking the folder icon on hovering one of the installations:

When the file explorer has been opened, go back one folder so you are standing in the minecraft folder.
1. Open the folder named mods if that folder is not present, you can create it.
2. Open the folder mods and make sure it's empty of any files.
3. Drag all your downloaded mod files into this folder. (If you downloaded a zipped modpack, you need to unzip it and drag ONLY .jar files in here.

Allocating RAM (Minecraft Launcher)

Vanilla default is 2GB but requirement increases with HD texture packs, shader uses and mods.
Small-medium Modpacks recommend a minimum of 3-4GB of allocated RAM.
Large Modpacks and some intensive mods may require even more!
Your computer requires an absolute minimum of 1GB free at all times, but for the sake of your computer's hardware and performance the recommended minimum is 2-3GB free at all times.
Excessive RAM does not guarantee better performance, so you should not allocate more than you NEED.

1. On the Minecraft Launcher, select Installations on the top menu bar.
2. Click the proper forge installation. (1.16.5 and 36.2.34 or above)
3. Click the More Options at the bottom right.
4. In the field JVM Arguments you should see -Xmx2G (2 being the amount of GB's allocated)
5. Change that number to the required amount.