How exactly do I install Minecraft Mods and what is Forge?
This is actually a very good question.
"Note" You should have the latest version of Java installed before trying this as you need that to play Minecraft.
For the client version
First you download and run your 'regular Minecraft' at least once. This ensures that your .minecraft folder has been made (if you don't know what that folder means, it's the folder where the game places most of its essential game files).
The next step would be to download Forge. You can download that here: FORGE. You just select the right version you want and you run the installer.
Once you downloaded the file you right-click it and select the option to run it with Java.
Click install client and continue
Open the Minecraft launcher once done, make a new profile using the version with Forge- and the version you installed.
Play Minecraft.
For the server version
If you want to run your own server so your friends can join in on the fun, you would need to do some additional steps. The start is the same as the client version.
First you download and run your 'regular Minecraft' at least once. This ensures that your .minecraft folder has been made (if you don't know what that folder means, it's the folder where the game places most of its essential game files).
The next step would be to download Forge. You can download that here: FORGE. You just select the right version you want and you run the installer.
Once you downloaded the file you right-click it and select the option to run it with Java.
Click install server and select your server folder.
In the folder rename the Forge-..___.jar to forge.jar
Make a new Text file and rename it start.bat (remove .txt)
In that file type:
java -jar forge.jar -Xmx1024M nogui
Run the start.bat file
To connect in game use the ip localhost.
For port forwarding, so other people can connect watch the VIDEO on how to install forge.
Now for the mods
Since you've now successfully installed forge you can start to install some of the mods. If you download a mod it usually comes in either a .Zip, .Rar or something like that. You don't need to extract this. Just keep it as it is.
So the first step would be to download the mod.
Next, go to your Minecraft folder, located at:
- Windows:
C:\Users\You\AppData\Roaming\.minecraftor%AppData%\.minecraft - Linux:
~/.minecraft - Mac:
~/Library/Application Support/minecraft
If you can't find the .minecraft folder you can do the following:
- Launch Minecraft.
- Select "Mods and Texture Packs"
- Select "Open Texture Pack folder"
- Go up one level
Now proceed to the .minecraft/mods folder (create it if it doesn't exist) and simply put your zipped/rarred/downloaded file there. (once again don't extract it just place it there as you downloaded it.)
Now if you run you Minecraft, select the forge profile you made, and create a world, your mod should be just there waiting for you to be explored.
Source : http://www.minecraftforum.net/topic/1900774-164-how-to-install-minecraft-forge-client-and-server-port-forwarding-tutorial/
Source: Where is my Minecraft folder on Windows?
Minecraft Forge is a modding API (Application Programming Interface), which makes it easier to create mods, and also make sure mods are compatible with each other.
The method that you are trying to use, by deleting META-INF and placing the files is not the way to install mods anymore. The new Minecraft launcher prevents modification of the actual game files, because it simply re-downloads them if they have changed.
Instead, you can create a new 'profile' in the Minecraft launcher containing the modified game file, preventing the launcher from refreshing the files. Forge actually comes with an automatic installer, which does this for you.
You can find the downloads for the automatic installer here. Find the link called 'Installer' beside '1.6.4-Recommended' (If you are on Windows, use the link called 'Win-Installer'), and download it (wait 3 seconds and then click 'SKIP AD' in the top right in the opened window). You can then run the downloaded file.
In the installer, make sure that the 'Install Client' option is selected, and then select 'OK'. Forge will now download and install. To make sure Forge is working and let it setup any extra files, open the Minecraft Launcher, and in the bottom left, click the dropdown beside 'Profile:' and select 'Forge'. Then, click Play to begin. If, in Minecraft's menu, you see a Mods button, then Forge is ready to go!
To install your mod, copy all of the files in the LifeInTheWoods.zip file into the new .minecraft/mods folder, run the game, and viola!