RLCraft is an extremely challenging hardcore survival modpack featuring brutal difficulty, complex mechanics, and realistic survival elements. Proper server setup is crucial for stability.

Download RLCraft Server Files

Get the official RLCraft server pack:

Official Download Sources:

CurseForge: RLCraft modpack page
Technic: Available in Technic Launcher
ATLauncher: RLCraft server pack download

System Requirements:

Minecraft Version: 1.12.2
Forge Version: 14.23.5.2854
Java Version: Java 8 (required for 1.12.2)
RAM: Minimum 6GB, recommended 8-10GB
Storage: 8-15GB for modpack and worlds
CPU: Strong single-core performance recommended

RLCraft is extremely resource-intensive due to its 120+ mods and complex mechanics. Ensure your server meets the minimum requirements.

Extract and Prepare Server Files

Set up the RLCraft server environment:

Create server directory: Make dedicated folder for RLCraft
Extract server pack: Unzip RLCraft server files
Install Java 8: Ensure correct Java version for MC 1.12.2
Verify mod count: Should contain 120+ mod files
Check scripts: Ensure startup scripts are present

Expected RLCraft structure:

rlcraft-server/
├── mods/                    # 120+ RLCraft mods
├── config/                  # Extensive mod configurations
├── scripts/                 # CraftTweaker recipe scripts
├── resources/               # Resource packs and assets
├── structures/              # Custom structure files
├── forge-installer.jar     # Forge 14.23.5.2854
├── ServerStart.bat         # Windows startup script
├── ServerStart.sh          # Linux startup script
└── server.properties       # Server configuration

Install Forge 1.12.2

Set up the correct Forge version for RLCraft:

Run Forge installer: Execute included installer JAR
Select install server: Choose server installation option
Accept EULA: Edit eula.txt and set eula=true
First startup test: Run server briefly to verify installation
Check libraries: Verify all Forge libraries downloaded

Forge installation commands:

# Install Forge server (use Java 8!)
java -jar forge-1.12.2-14.23.5.2854-installer.jar --installServer

# Test startup (will generate world and stop)
java -Xms6G -Xmx8G -jar forge-1.12.2-14.23.5.2854-universal.jar nogui

Configure Server Properties

Set up RLCraft-specific server settings:

Critical server.properties Settings:

# Basic RLCraft settings
level-name=world
gamemode=survival
difficulty=hard
hardcore=false

# World generation (crucial for RLCraft)
level-type=realistic
generate-structures=true
spawn-protection=0

# Performance settings
view-distance=8
max-players=15
spawn-animals=true
spawn-monsters=true
spawn-npcs=true

# Network optimization for heavy modpack
network-compression-threshold=256
max-packet-rate=300

RLCraft World Features:

Realistic world generation with climate zones
Dangerous mobs spawn everywhere
Complex biome temperature system
Dungeons and structures with rare loot
Seasonal changes affect gameplay

Optimize Memory and Performance

Configure JVM settings for RLCraft's heavy load:

Optimized Java 8 Arguments:

# RLCraft optimized startup script
java -server -Xms6G -Xmx8G \
-XX:+UseG1GC \
-XX:+UnlockExperimentalVMOptions \
-XX:MaxGCPauseMillis=100 \
-XX:+DisableExplicitGC \
-XX:TargetSurvivorRatio=90 \
-XX:G1NewSizePercent=50 \
-XX:G1MaxNewSizePercent=80 \
-XX:G1MixedGCLiveThresholdPercent=35 \
-XX:+AlwaysPreTouch \
-XX:+ParallelRefProcEnabled \
-Dfml.readTimeout=180 \
-Dfml.loginTimeout=180 \
-jar forge-1.12.2-14.23.5.2854-universal.jar nogui

Memory Allocation Guidelines:

1-5 players: 6-8GB RAM
6-10 players: 8-10GB RAM
11-15 players: 10-12GB RAM
15+ players: 12GB+ RAM (not recommended)

Configure Key RLCraft Mods

Adjust critical mod settings for server play:

Lycanites Mobs Configuration:

# config/lycanitesmobs/general.cfg
# Adjust mob spawn rates for server performance
general {
    B:"Disable All Spawning"=false
    D:"Spawn Limit Multiplier"=0.8
    D:"Mob Spawn Rate"=1.0
    I:"Despawn Time"=2400
    B:"Mob Griefing"=true
}

Ice and Fire Dragons:

# config/iceandfire.cfg
# Dragon configuration for server stability
dragons {
    I:"Dragon Spawn Rate"=400
    I:"Dragon Griefing"=1
    B:"Dragons Dig for Treasure"=true
    I:"Maximum Dragon Flight Height"=128
}

Set Up Difficulty Scaling

Configure RLCraft's progressive difficulty system:

Scaling Health Configuration:

# config/scalinghealth.cfg
# Player and mob health scaling
general {
    D:"Player Starting Health"=20.0
    D:"Max Player Health"=40.0
    D:"Health Gained Per Level"=0.5
    D:"Mob Health Multiplier"=1.0
    B:"Enable Difficulty System"=true
}

Difficulty Features:

Player health increases with experience
Area difficulty affects mob strength
Death penalties reduce maximum health
Equipment affects survival capabilities

Configure Survival Mechanics

Set up RLCraft's complex survival systems:

Tough as Nails (Temperature):

# config/toughasnails.cfg
# Temperature and thirst settings
survival {
    B:"Enable Thirst"=true
    B:"Enable Temperature"=true
    D:"Temperature Damage Rate"=0.5
    D:"Thirst Damage Rate"=0.5
    B:"Enable Seasons"=true
}

First Aid (Body Parts):

# config/firstaid.cfg
# Locational damage system
general {
    B:"Enable Locational Health"=true
    B:"Disable Natural Regeneration"=true
    D:"Max Health Head"=4.0
    D:"Max Health Torso"=6.0
    D:"Max Health Arms"=4.0
    D:"Max Health Legs"=4.0
}

Test and Optimize Server

Verify RLCraft server functionality and performance:

Startup monitoring: Watch for mod loading errors
Performance testing: Monitor TPS with heavy mob spawns
Survival mechanics: Test temperature, thirst, and health systems
Mob spawning: Verify Lycanites mobs spawn correctly
Dragon testing: Check dragon spawns and behavior
Memory monitoring: Watch for memory leaks during gameplay

RLCraft testing commands:

/forge tps                    # Check server performance
/difficulty peaceful          # Temporarily reduce difficulty
/gamerule doMobSpawning false # Disable mob spawning for testing
/tp ~ ~ ~                     # Teleport if stuck
/heal                         # Emergency heal (if available)

# Lycanites Mobs commands
/lm spawner list              # List active spawners
/lm bestiary reload           # Reload mob configurations

Your RLCraft server is ready for hardcore survival! Warn players about the extreme difficulty and complex survival mechanics. Consider starting with lower mob spawn rates until players adapt.

RLCraft Server Setup Guide