Critters and Companions for Minecraft 1.21: versions, loaders and updates

Minecraft updates often, and mods follow at their own pace. This guide explains how to match Critters and Companions to your game version, including the 1.21 line, and what to do when the version you want isn’t supported yet.

How version support works

Every file on the official page lists the exact Minecraft versions and loader it supports. Mods usually target the most-played versions of a major release, so you’ll typically see long-lived versions like 1.20.1 and 1.21.1 supported, rather than every minor patch.

The Minecraft Launcher bundles the right Java automatically. Always confirm on the official file list, since support changes with each release.

What about 1.21.11 and newer patches?

If a newer patch such as 1.21.11 isn’t listed, don’t force the older file onto it. Minor updates can change internal code, and a mismatched file usually crashes on launch. Your options:

• Play on the newest version the mod supports. The Minecraft Launcher lets you pick any past release in Installations.
• Wait for an official update. Following the project page or our release alerts is the easiest way to know.

How to update safely

1. Back up your world folder in .minecraft/saves.
2. Read the changelog for changes to spawns, items or taming.
3. Update your loader if the new file requires a newer version.
4. Delete the old Critters and Companions .jar, then add the new one.
5. Test in a copy of your world before loading your main save.

Moving a world between Minecraft versions

Upgrading a world to a newer Minecraft version is usually fine with a backup. Downgrading a world to an older version is not supported by Minecraft and can corrupt it. Pick your version before starting a long-term world.

Hit an error after updating? See the troubleshooting guide.