Cobblemon Server Setup: Step-by-Step Guide

This guide walks you through setting up your own Cobblemon server, so you and your friends can explore the world of Pokémon within Minecraft. You’ll learn how to download the necessary files, configure the server, and get it running smoothly. Before you begin, ensure you have a computer that can run a Minecraft server and a stable internet connection.

What You’ll Need

• Java 17 or higher: Cobblemon requires Java 17. Download it from a trusted source like Adoptium or Oracle.
• Minecraft Java Edition: You need a legitimate copy of Minecraft Java Edition to play, but the server itself is free.
• At least 4 GB of RAM: More is better, especially if you plan to have many players or run additional mods.
• A dedicated folder: Create a folder on your computer where the server files will live.

Step-by-Step

1. Install Java 17: Download and install Java 17 from a reliable source. Verify the installation by opening a terminal or command prompt and typing java -version. You should see a version starting with “17”.
2. Download the server files: Go to the official Cobblemon website (cobblemon.com) and navigate to the “Download” section. Choose the version that matches your desired Minecraft version (e.g., 1.20.1). You’ll get a server pack that includes Forge and the Cobblemon mod.
3. Set up the server folder: Extract the downloaded server pack into your dedicated folder. You should see files like server.jar, mods, and config.
4. Accept the EULA: Open the eula.txt file in a text editor. Change eula=false to eula=true and save the file.
5. Start the server: On Windows, double-click start.bat. On Mac/Linux, open a terminal in the folder and run bash start.sh. The first launch will take a few minutes as it generates the world and downloads necessary libraries.
6. Configure server properties: Once the server is running, stop it (type stop in the console). Open server.properties and adjust settings like server-port, max-players, and motd (message of the day) as desired.
7. Port forwarding (for public servers): If you want others to join over the internet, you’ll need to forward the port (default 25565) on your router. Log into your router’s admin panel, find “Port Forwarding,” and add a rule for TCP/UDP on port 25565 to your computer’s local IP address.
8. Restart the server: Start the server again. It should now run with your custom settings. Share your public IP address (find it by searching “what’s my IP”) with friends so they can connect.
9. Connect and play: Open Minecraft Java Edition, click “Multiplayer,” then “Add Server.” Enter your server’s address (use localhost if you’re on the same computer) and click “Done.” Select the server and click “Join Server.”

Common Mistakes

• Using the wrong Java version: Cobblemon won’t start if you have Java 8 or 11. Always verify Java 17 is installed and that the server is using it.
• Forgetting to accept the EULA: The server will immediately shut down if eula=true is not set. Double-check the file.
• Not enough RAM allocated: The default memory settings might be too low. Edit the start.bat or start.sh file to allocate more RAM, e.g., change -Xmx2G to -Xmx4G.
• Port forwarding to the wrong IP: Your computer’s local IP address can change. Set a static IP in your router’s DHCP settings to avoid connection issues.
• Firewall blocking the server: Windows Firewall or your antivirus may block Java. Allow Java through the firewall when prompted, or add a rule for the server port.

Tips

• Back up your world: Regularly copy the world folder to another location. This saves you from losing progress if something goes wrong.
• Use a server hosting service: If your internet connection is slow or you don’t want to keep your computer on, consider renting a server from a hosting provider that supports Cobblemon.
• Install additional mods: Cobblemon is compatible with many Forge mods. Place them in the mods folder, but ensure they are for the same Minecraft version and Forge version.
• Set up permissions: If you want to control what players can do, install a permissions mod like LuckPerms and configure ranks.
• Keep the server updated: Check the Cobblemon website for updates, and apply them to get new features and bug fixes.

Troubleshooting

• Server crashes on startup: Check the console log for error messages. Common causes are missing Java 17, corrupted mod files, or incompatible mods. Re-download the server pack and try again.
• Players can’t connect: Verify that the server is running and that you’ve forwarded the correct port. Test locally by connecting with localhost. If that works, the issue is likely port forwarding or firewall.
• Lag or low TPS (ticks per second): Allocate more RAM, reduce the view distance in server.properties, or limit the number of players. Also, make sure your computer isn’t overheating.
• Mods not working: Ensure all mods are in the mods folder and that they are compatible with your Forge version. Remove any mods that are not needed.
• Server appears offline: Check that the server process is still running. If it stopped, look at the console for errors like “OutOfMemoryError.” Increase RAM and restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own Minecraft to run a server?

Yes, you need a Minecraft Java Edition account to play on the server, but the server software itself is free and does not require an account.

Can I run a Cobblemon server on a Raspberry Pi?

Technically yes, but it will be very slow. Cobblemon is heavy on resources, so a Raspberry Pi is not recommended for more than a couple of players.

How do I update my server to a new Cobblemon version?

Download the new server pack from the official website, replace the old files, but keep your world folder and server.properties to preserve your progress and settings.

Can I use plugins like Essentials with Cobblemon?

No, Cobblemon is a Forge mod, and plugins are for Bukkit/Spigot servers. You can use Forge mods instead, such as FTB Essentials or similar.

How many players can join my server?

It depends on your hardware and internet bandwidth. With 4 GB of RAM and a decent CPU, you can host up to 10 players. For more, consider a dedicated host.

Is there a way to make my server public without port forwarding?

Yes, you can use a tunneling service like ngrok or playit.gg, which gives you a public address without needing to configure your router.

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