Mods are widely used on Civ servers to optimize gameplay. Many are bundled into modpacks created by other players to utilize mods.
This page serves as a guide and showing you how to download mods for certain versions. Note that installation may be different depending on Fabric/Forge or depending on version, so please keep in mind what version you are looking for.
If not already downloaded, install Java version 17. Make sure to select the install method for your system (usually an .msi or .dmg, unless you're on Linux, then you know what you're doing).
Launcher Install (recommended)
Use Prism Launcher to install different versions of Minecraft and modpacks concurrently.[note 1] When creating an instance, make sure to select 1.20.4 and also select Fabric (or NeoForge, Quilt) as the installer. For more information, click here.
When downloading mods, you can install them directly from Curseforge within Prism Launcher's client. See here for how to do so.
Manual install
Fabric is the highly recommended modloader available for 1.20; most mods built for Civ these days are all built for Fabric these days.[note 2]Download the installer here.
NeoForge can also be used for this version, however fewer mods for Civ are available through Forge-like loaders. Note that all Forge mods are compatible with Neoforge.[note 3]Click here to go to the installer page, then switch the version to 1.20.4.
If not already downloaded, install Java version 8. Make sure and scroll down in the options and change "Java version" to "Java 8 (LTS)" and select the install method for your system (usually an .msi or .dmg).
Launcher Install (recommended)
Use Prism Launcher to install different versions of Minecraft and modpacks concurrently. When creating an instance, make sure to select 1.8.9 and also select Forge (or Liteloader) as the installer. For more information, click here.
When downloading mods, you can install them directly from Curseforge within Prism Launcher's client. See here for how to do so.
Manual install
Forge is the primary modloader available for this version. Install it here.
Liteloader can also optionally be installed for mods that don't require changing game mechanics. Install it here.
Shows the name of the block you're looking at on-screen. Continuation of HWYLA and WAILA. Requires Bad Packets. Make sure to turn off "Show Entity Health" and "Show Furnace Contents" in the in-game config to comply with server rules.
Mapping
Remember to turn off cavemode if you install a map mod. Most civ servers do not allow cavemode to be used.
Voxelmap: Hit M or your specified full screen map key, and go to Options, then de-select cavemode.
Journeymap: Hit J or your specified full screen map key, and go to Options, under Minimap Preset 1 there should be an option for Show Caves, de-select that option. Note: using the [ or ] keys can change between map modes in Journeymap, be cautious of switching to cavemode.
Xaero's Minimap: Hit Y or your specified settings keybind, and go to Block Map Settings, in this menu there is the cave mode option, click it a few times until it says Cave Mode: Off.
↑The previous Voxelmap maintainer (MamiyaOtaru) has disappeared without handing off the project, so the new maintainer (Tobi) isn't allowed to post his 1.18+ updates to CurseForge, Modrinth, or any other popular mods listings. Forge versions exist for 1.12-1.17 only.
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