# How to join Spuds (Minecraft) — pack 1.1

**Server address:** `spuds.tinwhale.com`

**You need:** Minecraft **Java Edition** on a PC or Mac (Bedrock, console and phone can't join). Your computer needs at least 8 GB of RAM; 16 GB is better.

The server runs mods (Create, Create Aeronautics, Cobblemon, trainers, towns, waystones, voice chat and more), so you need the same ones. The pack file **`Spuds-1.1.0.mrpack`** installs all of them for you, at the exact versions the server uses.

**Download the pack:** https://spuds.tinwhale.com/Spuds-1.1.0.mrpack (this guide lives at https://spuds.tinwhale.com/).

## Already played on Spuds? Read this first

- **1.1 is a new world.** Your inventory, ender chest, Pokémon (party and PC), Pokédex, TMs and advancements come with you. Your builds and placed chests stay behind in the old world.
- **You must install the new pack.** The old one can't join anymore. Import `Spuds-1.1.0.mrpack` as a new instance (steps below), then delete the old Spuds instance.
- **CurseForge is no longer supported.** If you used CurseForge, switch to the Modrinth App or Prism Launcher (below).

## Option 1: Modrinth App (easiest)

1. Download and install the Modrinth App: https://modrinth.com/app
2. Open it and sign in with the Microsoft account you play Minecraft on.
3. **Double-click `Spuds-1.1.0.mrpack`.** It opens in the Modrinth App and installs everything.
   - If double-clicking doesn't work: in the app, click **+** (Create instance) → **Upload a modpack** → pick the file. Older versions of the app call this **From file**.
4. Give it more memory: open the Spuds instance → instance settings → **Java and memory** → turn on **Custom memory allocation** → set it to **6144 MB** (**8192 MB** if your computer has 16 GB or more).
5. Click **Play**.

## Option 2: Prism Launcher

1. Download and install Prism Launcher: https://prismlauncher.org/download
2. Click **Accounts** (top right) → **Manage Accounts** → **Add Microsoft**, and sign in.
3. Click **Add Instance** → **Import** (left side) → **Browse** → pick `Spuds-1.1.0.mrpack` → **OK**.
   - Dragging the file onto the Prism window also works.
4. Give it more memory: right-click the Spuds instance → **Edit** → **Settings** → **Java** tab → tick **Memory** → set the maximum to **6144 MiB** (**8192 MiB** if your computer has 16 GB or more).
5. Double-click the instance to launch. If Prism says it needs Java, let it download Java 21 for you.

## Joining the server

- Go to **Multiplayer**. Spuds is already in your server list.
  - If it isn't: **Add Server** → address `spuds.tinwhale.com` → **Done**.
- If it says **"Server starting, please reconnect"**, that's normal. The server sleeps when nobody's on. Wait about 30 seconds and join again.
- The first launch takes a few minutes, because it downloads about 320 MB of mods.
- You arrive in **Pewter City**, in front of the Poké Center.

## Voice chat

- The first time you join, voice chat asks whether you want **push-to-talk** or **voice activation**. If you pick push-to-talk, it asks you to choose a key.
- **V** opens the voice chat menu: volume, microphone, groups, and switching between push-to-talk and voice activation.
- **K** mutes your microphone.
- Nearby players hear you; the further away, the quieter.

## Handy keys

| Key | What it does |
|---|---|
| **U** | Quest book |
| **M** | Your Pokémon's summary |
| **R** | Send out / call back your selected Pokémon |
| **Up / Down arrows** | Pick a Pokémon in your party bar |
| **B** | Open the backpack you're wearing |
| **J** | World map |
| **I** | Waypoint list |
| **V** | Voice chat menu |
| **K** | Mute your microphone |
| **L** | Advancements (quest progress also shows here) |

You can change any of these in **Options → Controls → Key Binds**.

## If something goes wrong

- **Don't add or update mods yourself.** If your launcher offers updates for Create or anything else, skip them. The server needs these exact versions. Sodium is already included.
- **Mismatched or missing mods:** delete the instance and import the pack file again.
- **Crashes or freezes while loading:** give it more memory (step 4 above).
- **Voice chat says it can't connect:** tell Alex. The game itself still works.
- **"Failed to verify username" or "Invalid session":** restart your launcher and sign in again.
- **Pack updates:** when the server's mods change you'll get a new pack file. Install it the same way.