Best structured NPC campaign: Cobblemon.gg
The official documentation describes eight type-themed gyms from levels 10–85, followed by an Elite Four and Champion gauntlet. This is the clearest current choice for predictable game-like progression.
See the Cobblemon.gg progression profile →
Best mixed NPC and player path: Explorers SMP
Explorers documents a small story region with more than 21 trainers and a league, then adds player gyms for social competition. It gives solo players a route without making human gym leaders irrelevant.
Best player-led competitive path: Roanoke
Roanoke centres its competitive scene on Alolan-style player gyms and weekly tournaments. Choose this when scheduling battles with real players is part of the appeal.
Best feature-rich player gym option: PokeClash
PokeClash documents player gym leaders alongside research, Dex ranks, bosses and mass outbreaks. It suits players who want gym competition inside a much broader progression system.
Questions to ask before installing
- Are gyms NPC-run, player-run or both?
- Do badge wins raise level caps or unlock areas?
- Are teams level-scaled, rental-based or fixed at level 100?
- Can gym leaders be challenged when you normally play?
- Does the Elite Four exist as repeatable content or only an event?