======================
Installing SpongeForge
======================
SpongeForge integrates `Minecraft Forge `__ so you can also run Minecraft Forge mods.
In fact, it's more like Sponge itself is a Forge mod that then loads Sponge plugins, but this is a technical detail.
Users who do not want to use Minecraft Forge can consider :doc:`SpongeVanilla `.
Download
========
Review our :doc:`/versions/versioning` and grab your copy of `SpongeForge here `_.
Installing SpongeForge
======================
.. note::
If you use (or are planning to use) a game server host, they may have a control panel that can install Sponge for
you.
.. note::
When using the Mojang installer, Mojang makes use of their own Java version and not the one you installed on your
system. The installer currently ships with Java ``1.8.0_74``. Note that Sponge requires **at least** ``1.8.0_20`` or
above to run properly but it is recommended to use the latest Java 8 version.
Single Player / In-Game LAN Servers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Download the Minecraft Forge installer from the `Minecraft Forge website `_. Make
sure to use **exactly the same build number** as shown above.
#. Run the provided Forge installer. A new Forge profile will be created in the Minecraft launcher.
#. Open the Minecraft launcher, and select the new Forge profile.
#. Click "Options" and click "Open Game Dir".
#. Download SpongeForge from the Sponge website and put it into the ``mods`` folder. Create the folder if it does
not yet exist.
#. Sponge should work in both in single player and if you open your world to LAN.
Next, learn how you can :doc:`configure Sponge <../configuration/index>` and how to
:doc:`manage your instance of Sponge ` (including installing plugins).
Dedicated Servers
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
.. note::
If you already have a Forge server, just put the Sponge mod into your ``mods`` folder. Remember to update your Forge
version to match the one that SpongeForge requires. Have a look at the top of this page if you're unsure which
version you need.
Installing Forge via Commandline
--------------------------------
1. Visit the `Minecraft Forge website `_ and click "Show all downloads" to view the full
set of available options. Identify the version matching the one listed :doc:`in the filename of the SpongeForge download
`, and hover over the (i) next to "Installer" to get the direct download link.
#. Use your favorite download method to download the jar to its destination.
Example: ``wget http://url.to/forge-version-installer.jar``
#. From the folder in which you wish to install Forge, execute the jar with the ``--installServer`` option. Example:
``java -jar forge-version-installer.jar --installServer``
#. Continue to Adding SpongeForge to Forge below.
Installing Forge via GUI
------------------------
1. Download the Minecraft Forge installer from the `Minecraft Forge website `_ for the version
matching the one listed in the filename of the SpongeForge download. See above for the naming scheme of SpongeForge
and Forge.
#. Run the provided Forge installer, select "Install Server", choose an empty folder to place the server's files,
and then click OK.
#. Continue to Adding SpongeForge to Forge below.
Adding SpongeForge to Forge
---------------------------
1. Download SpongeForge from the Sponge website and put it into the ``mods`` folder in your server directory.
Create the folder if it does not yet exist.
#. You may now launch the server via command or launch script ``java -jar forge-version-XYZ.jar``.
#. If operating from home, set up :doc:`../port-forward` to ensure others can connect.
Next, learn how you can create and use a :doc:`launch-script <../launch-script>`,
:doc:`configure Sponge <../configuration/index>` and :doc:`manage your server
` (including installing plugins).
Links
=====
* `Homepage `__
* `GitHub `__