How to play Pixelmon in Minecraft? Pokemon x Minecraft mod explored

How to play Pixelmon in Minecraft? Pokemon x Minecraft mod explored
Pixelmon is a beloved Pokemon mod for Minecraft: Java Edition (Image via Pixelmon/Modrinth)

Pokemon fans who also happen to enjoy Minecraft on occasion may be interested in Pixelmon. It's a mod for Minecraft's Java Edition that merges Game Freak's beloved creature-collection franchise with the survival-crafting elements of Mojang's landmark title. There are several competitors in the modding space, but Pixelmon is one of the earliest Pocket Monsters mods for Minecraft, if not the earliest.

If you're hoping to enjoy a little Pokemon action with the Pixelmon mod, it doesn't hurt to examine how to install the mod into Java Edition and the gameplay features that come included.


How to install the Pixelmon Pokemon mod for Minecraft: Java Edition

The Pokemon Cetitan as it appears in the Pixelmon mod for Minecraft (Image via PixelSnax/YouTube)
The Pokemon Cetitan as it appears in the Pixelmon mod for Minecraft (Image via PixelSnax/YouTube)

There are multiple ways to download/install Pixelmon for Minecraft, but we'll work with the assumption that you aren't using a third-party game client or mod manager. In this situation, you will need an installed copy of Java Edition and also need to install the Forge mod loader to ensure that this Pokemon mod works as expected.

Below, you can find the steps to download Pixelmon for Minecraft: Java Edition:

  1. Begin by downloading the Forge mod loader for Minecraft version 1.20.2, 1.16.5, or 1.12.2 (additional versions of the game may be compatible at a later date). The mod loader can be found via Forge's official download page. Once you click the installer link, you'll need to wait a few seconds, skip an AdFoc.us page, and you should then receive a .jar file.
  2. Run the .jar file and choose to install the Forge client.
  3. Once the installation is complete, head to a mod site like Modrinth and find the Pixelmon page. Select the version of the mod that matches your Forge/Minecraft version and click the download link. You should receive another .jar file for the mod.
  4. Open your Minecraft Launcher client and select Java Edition, then click the installations tab above the cover art. Highlight the Forge client installation and click the folder button.
  5. This should open your Forge client folder, where a folder called Mods can be found. Place the .jar file of the mod into the Mods folder. You can now return to the launcher and highlight the Forge installation and click the Play button. The Pixelmon mod should load and begin in your game client.

Examining the features of the Pixelmon mod for Minecraft

Pikachu and Miltank face off in a Pokemon battle in the Pixelmon mod (Image via PixelSnax/YouTube)
Pikachu and Miltank face off in a Pokemon battle in the Pixelmon mod (Image via PixelSnax/YouTube)

In many ways, Pixelmon aims to keep several gameplay features as close to Pokemon's core series as possible. Battles are carried out in a turn-based format, much like the original series, but you can catch the Pocket Monsters roaming in the wild. However, they roam the Overworld on their own instead of relying on the core series' random encounter mechanics.

Additionally, you can still breed Pokemon by bringing them to certain in-game biomes. You can heal your team at Pokemon Centers, shop at PokeMarts, take on NPC trainers, and even conquer gym battles. PokeBalls can be purchased or crafted with Apricorns and iron ingots, and you can even encounter legendary/mythical species in the wild or battle Mega-Evolved bosses.

The Pixelmon mod for Minecraft includes a fully functional Pokedex, PvP functionality for multiplayer, and is constantly being updated to introduce new Pocket Monsters from Generation IX and the Paldea region. Extra features have been introduced on the Pixelmon multiplayer servers as well. Hence, there's always some entertaining action to enjoy in this Pokemon mod for Minecraft.

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now