Cobblemon and Pixelmon are the two most popular Pokemon mods for Minecraft Java Edition. Both let you catch, train and battle Pokemon in Minecraft, and both are free. The biggest differences are the art style, the mod loader, how complete the Pokedex is, and how each one feels to play. Complex Gaming runs a server for each mod, so this guide compares them side by side and helps you pick the right one.

Quick answer: Pick Cobblemon if you want a newer mod with a Minecraft-style look, Pokemon you can ride and battle with right in the world, and a fast-growing community. Pick Pixelmon if you want the classic Pokemon experience with every generation through Gen 9, models closer to the official games, and over a decade of features.

Cobblemon vs Pixelmon at a glance


What is Cobblemon?
Cobblemon is an open-source Pokemon mod for Minecraft Java Edition that launched in 2023. Its Pokemon are built in a blocky style that fits naturally into Minecraft, and you can send them out to follow you, ride them and battle right in the world. Battles run on the Pokemon Showdown engine, so moves, abilities and competitive mechanics work the way experienced players expect. Cobblemon is still adding Pokemon, with around 900 species in the mod as of the 1.8 update.

What is Pixelmon?
Pixelmon is the original Pokemon mod for Minecraft, first released in 2012 and now developed as Pixelmon Reforged. It includes Pokemon from every generation through Gen 9, with models that look closer to the official games. After more than a decade of development, Pixelmon has deep systems for breeding, battling and collecting, and a huge library of servers and modpacks built around it.

The biggest differences

• Look and feel: Cobblemon looks like Minecraft. Pixelmon looks more like the Pokemon games. This is the first thing most players notice, and usually the deciding factor.
• Pokedex: Pixelmon has every generation through Gen 9. Cobblemon has around 900 species and adds more with each update.
• Battles: Cobblemon uses the Pokemon Showdown engine. Pixelmon uses its own battle system. Both support full competitive mechanics.
• Mod loader: Cobblemon runs on Fabric or NeoForge. Pixelmon runs on NeoForge. On Complex Gaming, our official modpacks set this up for you.
• Age and community: Pixelmon has over a decade of history and a loyal veteran community. Cobblemon is newer and one of the fastest-growing mods in Minecraft.

Which should you play?
Play Cobblemon if you:

• Want Pokemon that look like they belong in Minecraft
• Like riding and battling with your Pokemon out in the world
• Want a newer mod that gets big updates often

Play Pixelmon if you:

• Want every Pokemon through Gen 9
• Prefer a look closer to the official games
• Want the classic Pokemon mod with years of depth

Can't decide? You don't have to. Complex Gaming runs both, so you can try each one on the same network.

Playing Cobblemon on Complex Gaming
Complex Cobblemon is one of the largest Cobblemon servers in Minecraft. On your first join, your rival meets you at spawn to choose your starter, then you can /rtp into the open world or explore spawn. Take on all 18 gyms in order, then the Battle Tower, the Battle Cafe and the Elite Four, hunt free legendary spawns (and boost your odds with /legend), ride your Pokemon, clear Dungeons with your team, join automated tournaments every 4 hours and climb the Ranked ladder. Make money with jobs, contracts, hunts and bingo, then trade on the GTS.

Server IP: cobblemon.mc-complex.com (Java 1.21.1)
Server page: Complex Cobblemon Server: IP, modpack and features
Guide: Complex Gaming Cobblemon Server Guide

Playing Pixelmon on Complex Gaming
Complex Pixelmon runs Pixelmon Reforged with custom Pokemon, Pixelmon-exclusive custom gear and a faster-paced economy. Just like on Cobblemon, your rival meets you at spawn to choose your starter. Earn your badges, take on Tier 2 gyms, beat the Elite Four, earn Battle Points in the Battle Tower and clear Dungeons for rare loot.

Server IP: pixel.mc-complex.com (Java 1.21.1)
Server page: Complex Pixelmon Server: IP, modpack and features
Guide: Complex Gaming Pixelmon Server Guide

Cobblemon vs Pixelmon FAQ
Is Cobblemon better than Pixelmon?
Neither is strictly better. Cobblemon has a Minecraft-style look and plays more like an open-world adventure, while Pixelmon has the full Pokedex through Gen 9 and a look closer to the official games. It comes down to which style you prefer.

Which mod has more Pokemon?
Pixelmon, with every generation through Gen 9. Cobblemon has around 900 of the 1,025 Pokemon and adds more with each update.

Are Cobblemon and Pixelmon free?
Yes. Both mods are free, and so are the Complex Gaming Cobblemon and Pixelmon servers.

Can you play Cobblemon or Pixelmon on Bedrock Edition?
No. Both mods need client-side Java mods, which Bedrock can't load. Bedrock players can join our Skyblock, Survival, Factions and Prison servers at hub.mc-complex.com.

Can you install Cobblemon and Pixelmon together?
They aren't designed to run together. Install each one through its own modpack. On Complex Gaming, we have an official modpack for each server.

Can I play both on one server?
Yes. Complex Gaming runs both on the same network: Cobblemon at cobblemon.mc-complex.com and Pixelmon at pixel.mc-complex.com.