How to Update a RAD2 Server | Safer 2026 Guide
RAD2 has shipped updates with real server crash fixes before, not just content — worth checking the changelog even on a server that feels stable right now.
Already crash-looping? See the RAD2 crash-fix guide, or the RAD2 pack page.
1. Back up before updating
Dungeon progress and dimension exploration across RAD2's 250+ mods live in the world save. Take a full backup before touching the pack files.
2. Install the matching server pack, keep Java 8
- Download the server pack for your target version from CurseForge — not the client pack.
- Shut the server down with the stop command before swapping files.
- Confirm Java 8 is still what's running — RAD2 stays on it across updates since it's built on Minecraft 1.16.5.
3. Use /fml confirm if the mod list changed and you're keeping the world
If the update changed mods and you want to keep your existing world rather than starting fresh, the server may prompt for confirmation instead of booting normally. Type /fml confirm into the console to force it through — this is expected, not a failure.
4. Match client and server versions exactly
A version mismatch after updating shows up as the "incomplete set of tags" join error, not a clean failure. Make sure everyone updates alongside the server, not before or after it.
FAQ
Will updating RAD2 fix a specific server crash I'm seeing?+
Check the changelog — past RAD2 updates have included direct server crash fixes alongside starting-gear and quest tweaks. If you're on an older version, it's worth checking before assuming the crash is something you need to work around yourself.
Does updating change the Java version RAD2 needs?+
No — RAD2 stays on Java 8 across its updates since it's built on Minecraft 1.16.5. Confirm this is still what's running after an update, since an environment change can silently flip it.
The server won't start after I updated — now what?+
If the mod list changed as part of the update and you're keeping the existing world, type /fml confirm into the server console. This is a safety prompt that can look like a stuck boot, not an actual crash.
Update RAD2 without losing dungeon progress
CoalHost keeps automatic backups ahead of every update and runs Java 8 for RAD2 by default.
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