Sky Factory 4 Server Setup Guide
Sky Factory 4 is one of the most downloaded Forge modpacks ever made. Setting up a dedicated server takes 10–15 minutes once you have the server pack — this guide covers every step.
Step 1: Choose your RAM
6 GB 2–8 players
Comfortable starting point for a small SF4 group. Covers early to mid-game automation well.
8 GB 8–16 players
Better for active mid-game with several automation systems running simultaneously.
10 GB 15–25 players
Late-game with heavy automation, many active machines and chunk loading pressure.
12 GB 20–40 players
Community SF4 server with high player activity and complex builds.
Steps 2–5: Install and configure
Download the SF4 server pack from CurseForge
Go to CurseForge, find Sky Factory 4, and download the server files (not the client modpack). Extract to your server directory.
Run the Forge installer
The server pack includes a Forge installer jar. Run `java -jar forge-installer.jar --installServer` to install Forge into the directory. This is the most commonly missed step.
Accept the EULA
Edit eula.txt and set `eula=true`. The server won't start without this. This is a Mojang requirement.
Set Java 8 as the runtime
SF4 runs on Minecraft 1.12.2 which requires Java 8. Make sure your start script points to the Java 8 JRE, not a newer version. The pack's included start.sh usually handles this correctly.
Start the server and share the IP
First boot takes 3–7 minutes. Once the console shows 'Done', players can connect via direct IP on the default port 25565. Make sure clients use the same SF4 version from CurseForge.
FAQ
Where do I download the Sky Factory 4 server pack?+
What Forge version does SF4 use?+
How long does SF4 take to start?+
Can players use different launcher clients?+
Does SF4 work with Java 21?+
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