Installing datapacks isn’t quite as simple as installing plugins—but it’s much easier than you think! Let’s walk through the process together. For this tutorial, we’ll be using the Vanilla Refresh Datapack from Modrinth.com.
1. Downloading the Datapack
First, head to the datapack’s page and download the correct version for your Minecraft server—in this case, Minecraft 1.21.4.
Make sure to select “Data Pack” as the platform, then click the latest Download button.
Once downloaded, remember where you saved the ZIP file—you’ll need it shortly!
2. Locating Your Server’s World Folder
Go to https://panel.boxsrv.net and log in using your BoxSRV panel credentials.
(If you don’t have an account yet, check out our guide on how to get your first Free Minecraft Server.)
Inside the panel, choose your server and open the server files.
Look for your main world folder—by default, it’s usually named “world”.
3. Uploading the Datapack to Your Server
Inside your world folder, there should be a subfolder named “datapacks.”
Open it and click the blue upload button.
Now, upload the ZIP archive you downloaded earlier—don’t unzip it! Upload the ZIP file as-is.
4. Restart and Test
Now that the datapack is in place, it’s time to restart your server.
Once the server is back online, join your world.
If you’ve installed Vanilla Refresh, you should immediately see a “Day Counter” above your hotbar!
5. Configuring the Datapack
Vanilla Refresh makes configuration super easy. Just open the chat and type:
/function vanilla_refresh:_settings
The first time you run this command, you’ll get a quick description of the settings menu. Click “Continue” in chat to proceed.
Now you’ll see different Settings Categories. You can navigate the menu using your mouse—hover over the 🛈 icon for info about each option.
Phew! That was quite an adventure, don’t you think?
Any other datapack installs the same way. Just note: configuration steps may vary depending on the complexity of the datapack.
