How to Add Resource Packs to Minecraft Server

Resource packs in Minecraft allow you to customize textures and language files to significantly enhance and personalize your gaming experience. They add unique textures, sounds, and visual effects that transform gameplay.

By adding resource packs to your Minecraft game server, every player can enjoy a consistent, immersive look and feel, ensuring the same visual experience for everyone.

Resource packs are similar to texture packs. They are not the same as data packs or behavior packs, which change actual gameplay.

How a Resource Pack Loads for Java Edition

A resource pack loads for a server through values set in the server.properties file. The file includes:

resource-pack=[link]
resource-pack-sha1=[hash]

- resource-pack: The URL to the resource pack .zip file.
- resource-pack-sha1: The SHA1 hash of the resource pack .zip file (recommended for file integrity verification).

How to Install Resource Packs for a Minecraft Server

Locally Hosting with Java Edition (Not on a Sparked Host Server)

If you are not hosting a managed Minecraft server with Sparked Host, you'll need to download the resource pack manually.

Downloading a Resource Pack

Find and download a .zip formatted resource pack from:

- Planet Minecraft
- CurseForge
- Minecraft Forum

Ensure the resource pack matches your Minecraft version to avoid issues.

Uploading the Resource Pack

You'll need a direct download link and the SHA1 hash of the resource pack.

Method 1: Hosting the Resource Pack Online (Recommended)

Download the resource pack .zip file.
Go to mc-packs.net and upload your .zip file.



Copy the provided link and SHA1 hash.



Method 2: Using the Direct Link from the Source

Download the resource pack.
Open Developer Tools (F12) on the download page.
Find the direct download link under the "Sources" tab.
Copy the link (e.g., https://www.curseforge.com/api/v1/mods/453763/files/6001123/download).



Get the SHA1 hash by uploading the .zip file to this tool.

Configuring server.properties

Open server.properties in your server files.
Add or update these lines:

resource-pack=[direct link]
   resource-pack-sha1=[SHA1 hash]

Save and restart your server.

For a Sparked Host Server on Java Edition

SparkedHost makes adding a resource pack to your server easy:

Go to your SparkedHost panel.
Click Resource Packs.



Press INSTALL next to your chosen resource pack.
Restart your server.

Note: Some packs (like FreshAnimations) require Optifine.

For a Sparked Host Server on Bedrock Edition

Download a .mcpack file from CurseForge.
Convert .mcpack to .zip:
- Right-click the file and select Rename.
- Change .mcpack to .zip.



Upload the .zip to the resource_packs folder on your server.
Extract the .zip within the folder.
Open manifest.json inside the extracted folder and copy the "uuid" and "version" fields.



Create a new file named world_resource_packs.json in the worlds folder and paste:

[
       {
           "pack_id": "your-uuid-here",
           "version": [1, 0, 0]
       }
   ]

Save and restart your server.

How to Install Optifine

Optifine enhances Minecraft's graphics and is required for some resource packs.

Download Optifine from optifine.net.
Run the .jar file and press Install.



Open the Minecraft launcher and select the Optifine version.
Launch Minecraft and join your server.

How to Require Resource Packs on a Minecraft Server

The steps to require resource packs to join your Minecraft server vary based on the version you are hosting for.

On a Sparked Host Server (Java Edition)

Go to the SparkedHost panel.
Open server.properties.



Set require-resource-pack=true.



Save and restart your server.

On a Sparked Host Server (Bedrock Edition)

Open server.properties.
Set texturepack-required=true.



Save and restart the server.

Still have some questions?

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sparked Host support. Our team is ready to assist!

By: Julian T.

Updated on: 20/02/2025