Before You Start
Cobblemon requires Minecraft Java Edition — it does not work on Bedrock Edition (the console/Windows Store version). If you bought Minecraft on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch or the Windows Store, that's Bedrock and Cobblemon won't run on it.
You'll also need Java 21 installed on your computer. Most launchers install this for you automatically, but if you're doing a manual install and get an error on launch, Java 21 is usually the culprit.
Choose Your Install Method
There are two main ways to install Cobblemon — via a modpack launcher (easiest, recommended for most players) or manually (for experienced players who want to customise their mod list). Pick the one that fits you.
Download Modrinth or CurseForge, install the official Cobblemon modpack. Everything is pre-configured and ready to play in minutes.
- Automatic Java and dependency management
- One-click install, no manual file moving
- Easy to update when new versions drop
- Best for beginners and first-time modders
Install a mod loader (Fabric or NeoForge) directly, then drop the Cobblemon .jar file into your mods folder. Full control over your setup.
- Full control over which mods you include
- Combine Cobblemon with other mod lists
- Works with any launcher that supports mod loaders
- Better for experienced Minecraft modders
Fabric or NeoForge — Which Should You Pick?
Cobblemon supports both Fabric and NeoForge. If you're using the official modpack through Modrinth or CurseForge, this choice is made for you. If you're doing a manual install, here's how to decide.
Lighter, faster to load, and the official Cobblemon modpack on Modrinth uses Fabric. The majority of Cobblemon addons support Fabric. Best choice if you're not already committed to a NeoForge setup.
Use NeoForge if you want to combine Cobblemon with other mods that only support NeoForge. Also required for some larger modpacks. Slightly heavier than Fabric but fully supported by Cobblemon.
Method 1 — Install via Modrinth (Recommended)
This is the fastest and most reliable way to get Cobblemon running. Modrinth handles everything automatically.
Go to modrinth.com/app and download the Modrinth App for your operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux). Install it like any normal application.
Open the Modrinth App and sign in with your Microsoft/Minecraft account. This is the same account you use to play Minecraft — you need a legitimate Java Edition purchase for Cobblemon to work.
Click Browse in the left sidebar, then search for "Cobblemon". Look for the official modpack by CobbledStudios — it will show the Cobblemon logo and have millions of downloads. There is a Fabric version and a NeoForge version — pick Fabric unless you have a specific reason not to.
Click the Install button. Modrinth will automatically download Minecraft 1.21.1, the correct version of Fabric, Cobblemon, and all required dependencies. This takes 1–3 minutes depending on your connection. You don't need to do anything else.
Once the install is complete, click Play. Minecraft will launch with Cobblemon loaded. On the main menu you should see the mod version in the bottom left corner. Create a new world and you'll start seeing Pokémon spawning in the world — that means everything is working.
Method 2 — Install via CurseForge
CurseForge is an equally valid option and works identically to Modrinth. Use this if you prefer CurseForge or are already using it for other games.
Go to curseforge.com/download/app and install the CurseForge App. Sign in with your account and connect your Minecraft Java Edition profile.
Select Minecraft from the game list, click Browse Modpacks, and search "Cobblemon". Find the official Cobblemon modpack by CobbledStudios and click Install.
Once installed, click Play from the CurseForge App. It manages the Minecraft version and mod loader automatically — same process as Modrinth, just a different launcher.
How Much RAM to Allocate
Cobblemon is lighter than Pixelmon but you still want to give Minecraft enough RAM to run smoothly, especially with a modpack. Here's what we recommend.
| Setup | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Cobblemon base mod only | 3 GB | 4 GB |
| Official Cobblemon modpack | 4 GB | 6 GB |
| COBBLEVERSE or large modpack | 6 GB | 8 GB |
| Multiplayer server | 4 GB | 6–8 GB |
Java Version Requirements
Cobblemon 1.7.1 running on Minecraft 1.21.1 requires Java 21. Both Modrinth and CurseForge install Java 21 automatically, so if you're using a launcher you don't need to do anything.
If you're doing a manual install and getting errors on launch, check your Java version by opening a terminal or command prompt and typing java -version. If it shows anything below 21, download Java 21 from adoptium.net.
Common Install Errors & Fixes
These are the errors people run into most often. If your issue isn't here, check the full troubleshooting guide or ask in the Cobblemon Discord.
Almost always a Java version mismatch. Minecraft 1.21.1 requires Java 21 — if you have Java 8 or 17 set as default, the game won't start.
Fix: Let Modrinth or CurseForge manage Java automatically, or manually install Java 21 from adoptium.net and set it in your launcher settings.Cobblemon spawn rates are intentionally spread out — it's not instant. Walk around different biomes for a couple of minutes. If you still see nothing after 5+ minutes of exploring, the mod may not have loaded correctly.
Fix: Check the mods list in-game (Mods button on main menu). Cobblemon should appear in the list. If it doesn't, the install didn't complete — re-install the modpack.You've tried to run a Fabric mod with NeoForge installed, or vice versa. Fabric and NeoForge mods are not interchangeable.
Fix: Make sure all your mods match the same loader. Cobblemon has separate downloads for Fabric and NeoForge — confirm you downloaded the right one for your setup.You haven't allocated enough RAM. The default Minecraft allocation (1–2GB) is not enough for Cobblemon with a modpack.
Fix: Increase RAM allocation to at least 4GB for the base mod or 6GB for the official modpack. See the RAM table above for specific recommendations.You're running Cobblemon on the wrong Minecraft version. Cobblemon v1.7.1 requires Minecraft 1.21.1 specifically.
Fix: In your launcher, make sure the Minecraft version is set to 1.21.1. If you downloaded the mod manually, confirm you downloaded the 1.21.1 version from Modrinth or CurseForge.First Launch Checklist
Before you start playing, run through this quick checklist to make sure everything is set up correctly.
- ✓Cobblemon appears in the mods list on the Minecraft main menu
- ✓Minecraft version is 1.21.1 (check bottom left of main menu)
- ✓At least 4GB RAM allocated (6GB recommended for modpack)
- ✓Java 21 is being used (launchers handle this automatically)
- ✓Pokémon spawn naturally after a few minutes of exploring
- ✓Pokédex item appears in creative inventory or starter kit
What to Do Next
You're in. Here's where to go from here.