Direct answer
Forge servers require the installer or launch scripts appropriate to the selected Minecraft Java version. Do not assume a modern Forge server starts with java -jar forge.jar.
Recommended procedure
- Download the installer for the exact Forge/Minecraft combination from the official Forge site.
- Use the installer’s server-install option in a dedicated directory.
- Follow the generated run script and JVM arguments, using a compatible Java runtime.
- Accept the Minecraft EULA and add only Forge mods built for the chosen game/loader release.
Why this matters
Mod loader releases and startup layouts change; newer Forge distributions may supply run.sh/run.bat and argument files rather than an executable all-in-one JAR.
How to verify the result
Start the unmodified server first, check the Forge startup log, then test a client with the matching loader and required mods.
Version and compatibility notes
Forge and NeoForge are not interchangeable for arbitrary mods. Do not mix Fabric or NeoForge JARs into a Forge modpack.
Official references
These sources were checked for the current MSH revision. Version-sensitive details should always be confirmed against the project documentation for the release you run.
Related guides
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