A modder has showcased a remarkable fan project, PokeWorlds Online, which recreates the gameplay of classic Pokémon titles within the sandbox game Hytale. The mod's creator posted a video demonstrating how closely the experience mirrors Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, despite Hytale's default first-person, Minecraft-style mechanics. The project includes familiar UI elements, the ability to manage Pokémon in a storage box, equip items, and engage in random battles initiated by entering tall grass.
A Familiar Look, A New Foundation
The goal of the PokeWorlds Online server is to build a multiplayer Pokémon game using Hytale. The mod aims to feature well-known regions and a large number of Pokémon, with future plans for custom regions and Fakemon. The creator acknowledged the significant time investment required for such a project, stating that they are unsure if they can complete it but wanted to demonstrate Hytale's capabilities as a game engine. They expressed a desire to see other developers create diverse experiences within Hytale, spanning 2D, 2D isometric, and 3D formats with unique assets and universes.
Hytale's Modding Potential
Hytale, a game developed by Hypixel Studios and acquired by Riot Games in 2020, is designed with robust modding capabilities. The game entered early access on January 13, 2026. Its core features include tools that allow players to build and share modifications. The impressive nature of PokeWorlds Online was even acknowledged by Hytale co-creator Simon Collins-Laflamme, who expressed surprise at the mod's progress.
Hytale has previously been used for ambitious mods, including recreations of Minecraft, Doom, and even Windows 95. The platform's flexibility allows for these diverse reimaginings of established games and systems.
Navigating Intellectual Property Concerns
The existence of a Pokémon fan project inevitably raises questions about Nintendo's notoriously protective stance on its intellectual property. Nintendo has a history of pursuing legal action against fan projects and emulators. The PokeWorlds Online creator has preemptively addressed this concern, stating that they would remove any Pokémon-related assets and replace them with custom creations if Nintendo intervenes. This approach aims to allow the project to continue, albeit in a modified form, while respecting intellectual property rights.