Pokémon: 4 Open Source Clones Compared
Tuxemon and Pokete are the two options that are actually playable now: Tuxemon runs on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Android with JSON-based game data, a Tiled map editor, and mod support, and is under active development, while Pokete is a terminal-based Python game (installable via pip) with mod support but sporadic development. OpMon, built in Godot, is listed as not yet playable — running it requires installing the Godot engine and launching the project from its editor. pokemon-tbje is a playable terminal-based Java game, but its README states the project is on hold and may not receive further updates.
Comparison table
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, OSX
- Play in browser
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Sporadic
- Last updated
- 4mo ago
- Stars
- 3,156
- Contributors
- 55
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- NoThis is an original terminal-based game that does not require original Pokemon assets.
- Modding support
- YesMods can be written to extend Pokete by placing them in the mods folder and enabling them in the menu.
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Linux, OSX, Windows, Android
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- Android
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- 1mo ago
- Stars
- 1,134
- Contributors
- 119
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- NoIncludes original monster sprites, items, and game content; no original Pokémon assets required.
- Modding support
- YesGame data in JSON format; supports mods and custom content; map editor using Tiled.
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, OSX
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Sporadic
- Last updated
- 4mo ago
- Stars
- 251
- Contributors
- 1
- License
- —
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- NoThis is a terminal-based game built from scratch with original assets and sprites.
- Modding support
- —
Availability
- Status
- Semi-playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, OSX
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Sporadic
- Last updated
- 12mo ago
- Stars
- 134
- Contributors
- 7
- License
- —
- Engine
- Godot
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- NoProject is designed to create custom content without relying on original Pokémon assets; original game files are not needed.
- Modding support
- —
| Title | Pokete | Tuxemon | pokemon-tbje | OpMon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Status | Playable | Playable | Playable | Semi-playable |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, OSX | Linux, OSX, Windows, Android | Windows, Linux, OSX | Windows, Linux, OSX |
| Play in browser | No | No | No | |
| Mobile | No | Android | No | No |
| Project health | ||||
| Development status | Sporadic | Active | Sporadic | Sporadic |
| Last updated | 4mo ago | 1mo ago | 4mo ago | 12mo ago |
| Stars | 3,156 | 1,134 | 251 | 134 |
| Contributors | 55 | 119 | 1 | 7 |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 | — | — |
| Engine | — | — | — | Godot |
| Compatibility | ||||
| Requires original assets | NoThis is an original terminal-based game that does not require original Pokemon assets. | NoIncludes original monster sprites, items, and game content; no original Pokémon assets required. | NoThis is a terminal-based game built from scratch with original assets and sprites. | NoProject is designed to create custom content without relying on original Pokémon assets; original game files are not needed. |
| Modding support | YesMods can be written to extend Pokete by placing them in the mods folder and enabling them in the menu. | YesGame data in JSON format; supports mods and custom content; map editor using Tiled. | — | — |
| Preview | | | | |
Known limitations
- development: Project is on hold and may not receive future updates.
- platform: Game is not playable yet; requires installing Godot engine to run from the project editor.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Pokémon clones on this page open source?
Yes — every clone catalogued here is an open-source project. Availability, license, and development-status details for each one are listed in the comparison table above.
What license do these Pokémon clones use?
Pokete and Tuxemon (GPL-3.0).
Do I need to own the original Pokémon to play these clones?
Pokete, Tuxemon, pokemon-tbje, and OpMon run standalone, no original files needed.
Can I play any of these Pokémon clones directly in a browser?
Yes — Pokete has a browser-playable build linked in the comparison table above, no install required.
Which Pokémon clone is the most actively maintained?
Tuxemon is currently under active development, based on recent commit activity. See the "Development status" row above for every clone's current status.
See the full write-up for each clone, or go back to Pokémon.