Before You Join

A 60-second prerequisites check so your first connection works on the first try.

TL;DR: Java Edition · Fabric loader · MC 1.21.1 · 4–6 GB RAM · accept the server resource pack · join our Discord (optional but recommended).

Minecraft edition

PBG runs on Java Edition only. Bedrock players can't connect — there's no Geyser proxy in front of the server. If you're on Switch, mobile, or Win10 Bedrock, you'll need a Java account to play.

Pirated launchers are rejected at connect. You need a paid Microsoft account that owns Minecraft Java.

Required versions

ComponentVersion
Minecraft1.21.1
LoaderFabric (Forge and NeoForge won't connect)
CobblemonBundled in our QOL modpack

The simplest path is the PBG QOL Modpack on Modrinth — one-click install, every version pinned correctly. See Install & Connect → for the walkthrough.

If you're hand-rolling a modpack instead, you need at minimum: Fabric Loader for 1.21.1, Fabric API, the Cobblemon mod, and any client-side optimisations you usually run (Sodium / Lithium / Iris are all fine).

RAM

Allocate at least 4 GB to your Minecraft profile. 6 GB is the sweet spot if you run shaders. The QOL modpack ships with 4 GB pre-set in its Modrinth manifest; you can raise it in your launcher's profile settings (Modrinth App → Profile → Options → Memory).

Under 4 GB and the world will stutter every time a new chunk loads. Over 8 GB doesn't help — the JVM doesn't get any happier past that point.

Resource pack

PBG enforces a server-side resource pack for custom Pokémon UI textures, sprite icons, and audio. The first time you connect, your client will pop a prompt:

Allow Server Resource Pack?

Click Yes. The download is ~120 MB and runs once — subsequent connections use the cached copy.

If you click No, you'll still connect but custom PBG items will render as missing-texture purple-and-black checkerboards. Disconnect and rejoin to re-trigger the prompt.

Discord

The PBG Discord is where announcements, support tickets, and trading conversation happen. Joining is optional, but a lot of player-to-player trading and most of the support traffic lives there.

Join the PBG Discord →

You don't have to verify your account on Discord to play — verification is optional and only unlocks a few cosmetic Discord roles. See Discord & Verification → for the verify flow if you want it.

What's next