Minecraft Server Resource Pack: Set It Up and Fix It Not Loading
A Minecraft Java server can ask players to download a resource pack when they join. You set resource-pack to a direct download link of the pack's .zip file in server.properties, optionally add the file's SHA-1 hash in resource-pack-sha1, then save and restart. On ChicagoServers you edit it on the Configs tab under Server properties.
This guide covers each setting, how to get a link the game can use, and what to check when the pack does not load. It was checked on 2026-11-15 against host documentation. Mojang changes details such as size limits between versions, so keep your pack small and test with a real client.
- Set
resource-packto a direct download link to the.zip. A page that previews the file will not work. resource-pack-sha1is the pack's SHA-1 hash. It is optional, helps the game check the file and cache it, and must be made from the file and not from the link.require-resource-pack=truedisconnects players who refuse the pack.resource-pack-promptsets the message they see.- Keep the pack small. Host documentation gives limits of 50 MB before 1.15 and 100 MB after, and larger packs are not downloaded automatically.
- Save, then Restart. Changes are read at startup.
On this page
The settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
resource-pack | Direct download link to the pack's .zip file. |
resource-pack-sha1 | The SHA-1 hash of that file, used to check it and cache it. |
require-resource-pack | true disconnects players who decline the pack. false lets them play with their own. |
resource-pack-prompt | A message shown to players when they are asked to accept the pack. Host documentation lists it for 1.17 and later. |
Some versions also list resource-pack-id in server.properties. The host documentation we checked does not cover it, so leave it as it is unless your version's wiki page tells you otherwise. The general file is explained in server.properties explained.
Get a direct download link
The server hands the link to each player's game, and the game downloads the file. It must therefore point straight at the .zip. A share page with a preview, a login or a redirect does not work.
- Upload the pack to a file host that serves the raw file, then copy the direct link.
- With Dropbox-style share links, change the end of the link from
dl=0todl=1so it downloads the file instead of showing a page. - Paste the link into a browser. It should start downloading the
.zipstraight away. - Avoid hosts with paywalls, waiting pages or redirect pages.
Get the SHA-1 hash
The hash lets the game confirm that the file is not corrupted and lets players keep a cached copy. Make it from the actual .zip file, not from the link text, or it will not match. Make a new hash every time you change the pack.
certutil -hashfile yourpack.zip SHA1sha1sum yourpack.zipSet it up on ChicagoServers
- Open Server properties
Sign in at panel.chicagoservers.co, open your server and go to the Configs tab, then Server properties.
- Enter the pack details
Paste your direct link into
resource-packand the hash intoresource-pack-sha1. Setrequire-resource-packif you want to force it.resource-pack=DIRECT-LINK-TO-YOUR-PACK.zip resource-pack-sha1=YOUR-SHA1-HASH require-resource-pack=false - Save and restart
Click Save, then Restart at the top of the page.
- Join and test
Join with a normal client. You should be asked to download the pack. Test with a player who has never seen the pack, too.
Resource pack problems and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| No download prompt | The change was not saved, or the server was not restarted. |
| The prompt appears, then the download fails | The link is not a direct download, or the file is gone. Test it in a browser. |
| The pack is not downloaded automatically | The pack is over the size limit. Shrink it or ask players to install it by hand. |
| Players see default textures | They declined the pack, or it was removed from their list. |
| Players keep downloading it again | The hash is missing or wrong. Make it from the actual file, and make a new one after every change. |
| Players cannot join | require-resource-pack=true and the pack fails to download. Fix the link, or set it to false. |
| The pack works for some players only | Different Minecraft versions. A pack is built for specific versions, so check its supported range. |
For other settings in the file, see server.properties explained. Looking for a host? See Minecraft server hosting.
Frequently asked questions
How do I add a resource pack to a Minecraft server?
Host the pack's .zip where it can be downloaded directly, put that link in resource-pack in server.properties, optionally add the SHA-1 hash in resource-pack-sha1, then save and restart.
What link does resource-pack need?
A direct download link that serves the .zip file itself. A preview or share page will not work. With Dropbox-style links, end the link in dl=1.
How do I get the SHA-1 of a resource pack?
On Windows run certutil -hashfile yourpack.zip SHA1. On Linux or Mac run sha1sum yourpack.zip. Make it from the file and make a new one after every change.
How do I force players to use the server resource pack?
Set require-resource-pack=true. Players who decline are disconnected. Test the link first, because a broken link stops everyone joining.
What is the Minecraft server resource pack size limit?
Host documentation gives 50 MB before 1.15 and 100 MB from 1.15, with larger packs not downloaded automatically. Keep your pack small and test.
Why does my server resource pack not load?
The usual causes are a link that is not a direct download, an unsaved change or a missing restart, a pack that is too large, or a wrong hash.