Top 10 Minecraft Modpacks to Try in 2026 | Best Modded Server Picks

Looking for the best Minecraft modpacks for servers 2026? The Minecraft modding scene continues to evolve, with incredible modpacks that transform the game into entirely new experiences. Whether you're into modpacks with automation tech, magic, exploration, or Minecraft modpacks with quests, there's a modpack that will keep you engaged for hundreds of hours.

This guide covers the top 10 modpacks you should try in 2026, from established favorites to exciting new releases. Each modpack offers unique gameplay mechanics, progression systems, and content that will make you fall in love with Minecraft all over again. We'll also cover how much RAM do modpacks need for optimal server performance. Ready to host your own modded server? Check out our Minecraft server hosting plans and browse our modpacks page to see what we have for you.

1. All The Mods 9 (ATM9)

All The Mods 9 is the definitive kitchen-sink modpack for 2026. With over 400 carefully curated mods confirmed on CurseForge, ATM9 offers something for everyone: tech automation with Create and Mekanism, magic with Ars Nouveau and Botania, exploration with new dimensions, and countless quality-of-life improvements. See All The Mods 9 on CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Massive mod selection without overwhelming new players
• Excellent performance optimization for large mod counts
• Regular updates with new mods and fixes
• Great for both single-player and multiplayer servers
• Active community and extensive documentation

Best for: Players who want maximum content variety, tech enthusiasts, magic lovers, and anyone looking for a comprehensive modded experience.

2. Vault Hunters 3

Vault Hunters 3 transforms Minecraft into an action RPG with roguelike dungeon crawling. Complete quests, level up your skills, and dive into procedurally generated vaults filled with loot, mobs, and challenges. The progression system is addictive, and the vault mechanics keep gameplay fresh. View Vault Hunters 3 on CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Unique vault system with procedurally generated dungeons
• Deep skill tree and character progression
• Engaging quest system that guides your journey
• Perfect for multiplayer with friends
• Regular content updates and seasonal events

Best for: RPG fans, players who love progression systems, dungeon crawler enthusiasts, and groups looking for cooperative gameplay.

3. Create: New Age

Create: New Age is a quest-driven modpack centered around the Create mod, which adds mechanical contraptions, automation, and engineering to Minecraft. This modpack guides you through increasingly complex automation challenges while introducing complementary mods that enhance the Create experience. Check out Create: New Age on CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Focus on Create mod's mechanical systems
• Well-designed quest book that teaches automation
• Beautiful builds with moving parts and contraptions
• Great performance even with complex machines
• Perfect for players who love engineering and design

Best for: Engineering enthusiasts, automation lovers, players who enjoy building complex contraptions, and those new to Create mod.

4. Enigmatica 9

Enigmatica 9 continues the series' tradition of polished, well-balanced kitchen-sink modpacks. With comprehensive quest guides, excellent mod integration, and thoughtful progression, Enigmatica 9 is perfect for both newcomers and veterans of modded Minecraft. Find Enigmatica 9 on CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Extensive quest system covering all major mods
• Excellent mod compatibility and integration
• Regular updates and active development
• Great documentation and community support
• Multiple difficulty modes (Normal, Expert, Expert Extended)

Best for: Players who want guided progression, those new to modded Minecraft, completionists who enjoy quest systems, and anyone seeking a balanced modpack experience.

5. FTB Skies

FTB Skies is a skyblock modpack that starts you on a small island in the void. Through quests and exploration of floating islands, you'll progress from basic resources to advanced automation and magic. The skyblock format creates unique challenges and forces creative problem-solving. Download FTB Skies from CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Unique skyblock progression system
• Well-designed quest book that guides progression
• Exploration of procedurally generated floating islands
• Great for both solo and multiplayer
• Regular updates and community challenges

Best for: Skyblock enthusiasts, players who enjoy constrained challenges, automation builders, and those looking for a fresh take on progression.

6. Better Minecraft

Better Minecraft enhances vanilla Minecraft without overwhelming you with complex tech or magic systems. With approximately 150-200+ mods, it adds new biomes, structures, mobs, and quality-of-life improvements that make exploration and survival more engaging while keeping the core Minecraft experience intact. Get Better Minecraft on CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Enhances vanilla without changing core gameplay
• Beautiful new biomes and structures to explore
• New mobs and creatures that feel natural
• Great performance with lighter mod load
• Perfect for players transitioning from vanilla

Best for: Vanilla players looking for more content, exploration enthusiasts, players who prefer simpler modpacks, and those with lower-end systems.

7. GregTech: New Horizons

GregTech: New Horizons is the ultimate expert-mode modpack for players who want a true challenge. With complex crafting chains, interconnected mod progression, and hundreds of hours of content, GTNH is a commitment that rewards dedication and planning. Explore GregTech: New Horizons on CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Deep, complex progression system
• Interconnected mod recipes requiring planning
• Hundreds of hours of content
• Active development and community
• True expert-mode challenge

Best for: Hardcore players, those who love complex progression, planning enthusiasts, and players seeking a long-term challenge.

8. Medieval Minecraft

Medieval Minecraft transforms your world into a medieval fantasy realm with new structures, NPCs, quests, and building blocks. Build castles, trade with villagers, and explore a world that feels like a living medieval kingdom. See Medieval Minecraft on CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Immersive medieval theme throughout
• New structures and NPCs to discover
• Enhanced building options for castles and villages
• Quest system with medieval storylines
• Great for roleplay servers

Best for: Building enthusiasts, roleplay fans, players who love themed experiences, and those interested in medieval aesthetics.

9. All The Mods 9: To the Sky

All The Mods 9: To the Sky combines the extensive mod selection of ATM9 with skyblock gameplay. Start with minimal resources and progress through quests to unlock new dimensions, mods, and automation systems. Perfect for players who want ATM's content variety in a skyblock format. Download ATM9: To the Sky from CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Full ATM9 mod selection in skyblock format
• Quest system guides progression
• Unlock new dimensions as you progress
• Great for players who enjoy constrained challenges
• Active community and regular updates

Best for: ATM fans who want skyblock gameplay, players who enjoy progression systems, and those looking for a long-term challenge.

10. RLCraft

RLCraft is a hardcore survival modpack that makes Minecraft significantly more challenging and realistic. With temperature systems, thirst mechanics, difficult combat, and dangerous mobs, RLCraft rewards careful planning and punishes mistakes. It's not for the faint of heart, but it offers a unique survival experience. Get RLCraft on CurseForge.

What makes it special:

• Hardcore survival mechanics
• Realistic temperature and thirst systems
• Challenging combat with skill-based progression
• Dangerous world with powerful mobs
• Active community and regular updates

Best for: Hardcore survival fans, players who want a challenge, those who enjoy difficult games, and masochists who love dying repeatedly.

How to Choose the Right Modpack

With so many great modpacks available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Here are some factors to consider:

Hosting Your Modpack Server

Once you've chosen your modpack, you'll need a server to play with friends. Most modpacks require more resources than vanilla Minecraft, so it's important to choose a hosting plan that can handle the modpack's requirements. If you're wondering how much RAM do modpacks need, the answer depends on the modpack size and player count.

For detailed RAM recommendations, check our Modded Minecraft Server RAM Guide. Generally, you'll need:

• Light modpacks (100-150 mods): 4-6 GB RAM
• Medium modpacks (150-250 mods): 6-8 GB RAM
• Heavy modpacks (250-400+ mods): 8-12 GB RAM
• Expert/Complex modpacks: 10-16 GB RAM

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

The best Minecraft modpacks for servers 2026 offer incredible variety, from kitchen-sink modpacks that let you do everything to focused experiences that transform specific aspects of the game. Whether you prefer modpacks with automation tech like Create: New Age, or Minecraft modpacks with quests like Vault Hunters 3 and Enigmatica 9, there's a modpack on this list that will keep you engaged for hundreds of hours.

Remember to check modpack requirements before starting, especially RAM needs. Most modpacks work best with 6-8 GB of RAM allocated, and heavy modpacks like ATM9 may need 10-12 GB+ for optimal performance. For server hosting, check our modded server RAM guide to ensure you choose the right plan.

Ready to dive into modded Minecraft? Browse our modpacks page to see what we have for you and get started with any of these amazing modpacks in minutes. Happy modding!