---
title: How to Add Datapacks to Your Minecraft Server
description: Learn what Minecraft Datapacks are and how to add them to your Nodecraft hosted Minecraft server.
source: "https://nodecraft.com/support/games/minecraft/setup/how-to-add-datapacks-to-your-minecraft-server"
image: "https://dynamic-assets.nodecraft.com/signedurl/w7vokBAexMnVlnMZ1Q/image.jpg?modifications=W3sibmFtZSI6ImdhbWVfYmciLCJpbWFnZV91cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Ntcy1hLm5vZGVjcmFmdC5jb20vZi8xMzM5MzIvMjAwMHg1NTAvZGNiMGFkNjkzOC9jYXZlcy1hbmQtY2xpZmZzLXB0LTItMS0yLTAucG5nL20vIn0seyJuYW1lIjoiZ2FtZV9sb2dvIiwiaW1hZ2VfdXJsIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9jbXMtYS5ub2RlY3JhZnQuY29tL2YvMTMzOTMyLzM3NXgxNTAvM2MxZGIyYmFiNS9taW5lY3JhZnQucG5nL20vIn0seyJuYW1lIjoiY3RhX3RleHQiLCJ0ZXh0IjoiQ3JlYXRlIHlvdXIgb3duIHNlcnZlciEifSx7Im5hbWUiOiJ0ZXh0IiwidGV4dCI6IkhvdyB0byBBZGQgRGF0YXBhY2tzIHRvIFlvdXIgTWluZWNyYWZ0IFNlcnZlciJ9XQ&s=569b03a9f8200d44705201fef33e73233834843174222c0a6ea2425d7766f8ff"
published: "2020-06-28T18:52:21.628Z"
updated: "2021-06-15T16:36:00.000Z"
---

# How to Add Datapacks to Your Minecraft Server

Learn what Minecraft Datapacks are and how to add them to your Nodecraft hosted Minecraft server.

Datapacks are a powerful feature introduced in Minecraft **Java Edition 1.13** that allow you to customize the game in many ways—**without using mods or plugins**. They are fully supported in vanilla Minecraft and do not permanently alter the game’s code.

**Note: Datapacks are only available in Minecraft Java Edition, not Bedrock.**

## The Built-In "Vanilla" Datapack

Every world created in version 1.13+ includes a default datapack called `"vanilla"`. This is part of the core game and includes all basic advancements and loot tables.

**Note: Disabling the vanilla datapack is not recommended. Without it, the game won’t drop items (e.g., no wood from trees, no loot from mobs), making gameplay nearly impossible.**

## Where to Find Datapacks

Datapacks are becoming more popular, but there isn’t one centralized source yet. Some great places to look include:

- **CurseForge** – Often found under the **Customization** tab
- **Planet Minecraft**
- **GitHub** repositories from individual creators

**Note: Authors often include **`[DATAPACK]` in the title or description.

## Installing Datapacks to your Minecraft Server

1. Login into your **Nodecraft account**.
2. Locate your **Nodecraft Panel**.
3. Open your Minecraft server Panel.
4. Navigate to the `world` folder in the **Server Files**.
5. Locate the folder named `datapacks`.

Note: Create a `datapacks` folder if there is none inside the `world` folder of your server files.

6. Upload your datapacks into this folder.

Datapacks typically come as:

- A `.zip` file (leave it zipped!)
- A regular folder (can also be placed directly in the `datapacks` folder)

Datapacks are automatically loaded the next time the server starts. You can also reload them **without restarting** by using the `/reload` command (for more commands see our guide here on datapack commands).

![where you upload the datapacks](https://cms-a.nodecraft.com/f/133932/1513x469/ecc135af8f/location_datapack_mc.png/m/1000x0/smart)![added datapack](https://cms-a.nodecraft.com/f/133932/1312x152/7f2a999ee1/datapack_mc_server.png/m/1000x0/smart)

## Troubleshooting Tips:

For troubleshooting tips on datapacks, check out our guide [here](https://nodecraft.com/support/games/minecraft/troubleshooting/troubleshooting-issues-with-minecraft-datapacks) on troubleshooting datapacks.

---

## Conclusion

Datapacks are a flexible, mod-free way to customize your Minecraft Java Edition server. Whether you're adding custom loot tables or designing entire new dimensions, they’re a powerful tool in the hands of creative players.

---

## Need Help?

If you have questions or run into any issues, our support team is here to help! Reach out using the support widget on our website or visit our **[support center](https://nodecraft.com/support)** for further assistance.