Fixing a Missing Bad Packets Dependency Error on Launch

A common reason players search for this mod is a crash screen or log line complaining that Bad Packets is missing. Here is how to resolve it cleanly.

Confirm the Error

Read the crash report or latest log. A dependency error will name Bad Packets directly, usually alongside the mod that requires it. Note which mod triggered the complaint, because that is the one you need to satisfy.

Match Loader and Side

Bad Packets must be installed for the same mod loader as the mod that needs it. A Fabric build will not satisfy a Forge dependency, and vice versa. Install the correct build for your loader.

Also install it on both client and server if you play multiplayer. A server-only or client-only install can cause connection or handshake failures when packets are exchanged.

After Installing

Restart fully rather than reloading. If the error persists, verify the dependent mod is the correct version for your game version. Mismatched versions between the dependent mod and Bad Packets are a frequent cause of repeated failures. Remove any duplicate copies of Bad Packets sitting in multiple mod folders, since duplicates can also trigger load errors.