So recently as a project for my personal server DeemableCraft, I looked into the potential of starting a modded server. Specifically FTB (Feed The Beast) Unleashed. If your thinking about opening a modded server for professional or private use, read this first.
What is a modded server, and why would I want one?
A modded server for Minecraft is simply a server that has custom mods (edits to the game) added to vanilla Minecraft. For a modded server both Player and Server must have the same mods installed. Modded servers can have a lot of benefits. For example there are typically hours upon hours of new game play added through modpacks. It can create a completely new experience for you and your friends to enjoy. They also for professional servers, mean an older, typically richer group of players. This is due to the level computer you have to have to run most modpacks.
So sounds great! Whats the catch?
Well, normally modpacks require much more powerful computers to play on than vanilla Minecraft. So that alone might rule you out. Note, if your computer just cant handle current modpacks, try an older one! So cheap computers aside, for developers modded servers introduce an entirely new set of server side issues. This could be everything from a messed up modpack, to plugin to modpack configuration. Oh, also most server companies charge extra for modpacks. That is if your renting a server.
Ok, so… those are not issues to me. Finally how do my players connect?
Well. For those unfamiliar with modpacks, you need to have a specific group of mods installed on your computer, and that must be the same group that’s on a server. One of the most common ways are ModPack launchers like Feed The Beast. There will be a list of the top modpack launchers down bellow. Those modpack launchers have built in groups of mods. (Modpacks!). So, decide which one you would like to run and tell your players to get that. Normally to install it on the server you need to contact your server host’s support and ask them to load that modpack. If your running it on your own PC then there are downloads on most modpack launchers for the server version.
In short, if you and your playerb ase/friends have good computers, and you have a good server, it can be a nice change of pace for a seasoned minecraftian or a beginner!
Currently popular modpack launchers: (Click on them for a link to their website!
Minecraft Server Talk 