Cobblemon vs Pixelmon
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Both bring Pokémon into Minecraft: Java Edition. Cobblemon is the newer, open-source mod. It runs on Fabric and NeoForge, its look matches Minecraft's blocky style, and it has a big set of modpacks built around it. Pixelmon is the long-running mod, now on NeoForge for Minecraft 1.21.1, with more detailed models and a classic Pokémon-game feel. For a friends' server built from modpacks, most groups pick Cobblemon. For the closest thing to a Pokémon RPG, many pick Pixelmon.
Start a Cobblemon server (Fabric)
Side by side (checked October 2026)
| Cobblemon | Pixelmon | |
|---|---|---|
| Loader | Fabric or NeoForge (Forge on older versions) | NeoForge |
| Minecraft version | 1.21.1 (also 1.20.1, 1.19.2) | 1.21.1 |
| Look | Blocky, matches Minecraft | More detailed models |
| Battles | Runs on the Pokémon Showdown battle engine | Its own battle system |
| Modpacks | Official pack, plus Cobbleverse, All the Mons, Delta and more | Several Pixelmon packs on CurseForge |
| Java needed | Java 21 (1.21.1) | Java 21 |
Species counts change with every update and sources disagree, so check each mod's own page before choosing for one Pokémon.
Which one for your server?
- Want Pokémon inside normal Minecraft survival, with modpack choice? Cobblemon.
- Want the most "Pokémon game" feel and don't mind NeoForge only? Pixelmon.
- Already have a group on one? Stay with it. Worlds and Pokémon don't move between the two mods.
Setting up a server
Both mods go on the server and on every player's game, at the same version and loader. Cobblemon has an official modpack that installs everything in one go. Pixelmon publishes server files on its site.
Cobblemon on Packyard
We install the official Cobblemon modpack for you, on Fabric or NeoForge for Minecraft 1.21.1. Players join a permanent address like my-server.play.packyard.ca. We don't offer a ready-made Pixelmon server. Servers run in Seattle (US West). Java Edition only.
- Size: 6 GB is our pick for 2–5 players ($9/month). 7 GB is $10.50, 8 GB is $12, 9 GB is $13.50, 10 GB is $15, 11 GB is $16.50 and 12 GB is $18. That's $1.50 per GB per month, $5 minimum, in USD plus applicable taxes.
- First-payment refund if something on our side doesn't work (see Refunds). Cancel any time in the panel. Available in the US and Canada (not Quebec).
Best Cobblemon modpacks · How to play Cobblemon
FAQ
Can Cobblemon and Pixelmon run together?
We don't recommend it. They're separate mods that both add Pokémon, and they aren't made to work together.
Which is easier to run on a server?
Cobblemon, because of its official one-click modpack.
Is Pixelmon still updated?
Yes. Pixelmon 9.4.1 for Minecraft 1.21.1 on NeoForge was the recommended release on reforged.gg in October 2026.
Does either work on Bedrock?
No. Both are Java Edition mods.
Start a Cobblemon server (Fabric)
Also see: Cobblemon hosting, Best Cobblemon modpacks, How to play Cobblemon. Back to Packyard home.
Cobblemon, Pixelmon and their modpacks belong to their authors. Pokémon is a trademark of its owners. Packyard is not affiliated with any of them and is not an official Minecraft product.