Zombie Gyarados Fix: Rescuing Roasted Magikarp Evolutions in Pixelmon
The Curious Case of the Vanilla Gyarados
Pixelmon players know the thrill of fishing up a rare Roasted Magikarp. That golden, flame-kissed fish is a trophy in itself, a promise of something special waiting at level 20. But for a long time on the 1.16.5 version of the mod, that promise fizzled out. Instead of evolving into a matching Gyarados with a unique palette, your prized Magikarp would transform into a completely ordinary, blue-scaled Gyarados. It felt like a bug that robbed the evolution of its identity, leaving trainers with a standard sea serpent and a lingering sense of disappointment. The issue was particularly frustrating because the original Zombie palette for Gyarados still existed in the game files, yet the evolution logic simply didn’t connect the dots for the Roasted variant.
What the Datapack Actually Does
This community-made fix doesn’t overwrite or delete any existing content. Instead, it cleverly introduces a brand-new palette for Gyarados called “Roasted.” The datapack hooks into the evolution event so that when a Roasted Magikarp levels up, it correctly evolves into a Gyarados sporting that matching fiery aesthetic. The original Zombie palette remains untouched, meaning any player who already owns a regular Zombie Gyarados from before the pack was installed gets to keep it. Nothing is lost, and the fix works seamlessly alongside your existing collection.
If you’re managing a Pixelmon server or just want a smoother single-player experience, getting this datapack running is straightforward. Many trainers now prefer using a modern launcher that simplifies mod and datapack management. For instance, the foxygame.net launcher lets you browse and install community fixes like this directly from its built-in menu, so you can skip the manual folder digging and focus on evolving your team. It’s a flexible way to keep your Pixelmon setup tidy without juggling zip files.
Installation and Compatibility Notes
Since this is a datapack, it works purely on the server or single-player world level without requiring any client-side mods. You simply drop it into your world’s datapacks folder and reload. There are a few important caveats to keep in mind before you commit to using it long-term:
- The fix is designed specifically for Pixelmon 1.16.5, where the bug was prevalent. It may not function correctly on newer versions that have already addressed the evolution logic.
- If the official Pixelmon team patches the bug in a future 1.16.5 update, removing this datapack will cause any Gyarados with the “Roasted” palette to revert to a normal palette. Your Pokémon won’t disappear, but the special coloration will be lost.
- Loading your Pokémon data in a 1.20+ environment will also strip the Roasted palette, as that version doesn’t recognize the custom palette ID. Consider this a temporary bridge until you migrate to the newer Alpha or stable releases.
Why the Roasted Palette Matters
Pixelmon thrives on collection and rarity. A Roasted Magikarp is already a low-odds encounter, and evolving it into a matching Gyarados completes that visual narrative. Without the fix, you’re essentially trading a rare variant for a common one, which undercuts the excitement of finding something special. The Roasted palette gives Gyarados a distinct, charred look that stands out in battle and in your PC box, making it a true centerpiece for any fire-themed or shiny hunting team.
Should You Use This Fix?
If you’re actively playing on a 1.16.5 Pixelmon world and have a Roasted Magikarp waiting to evolve, the answer is a clear yes. The datapack is lightweight, non-destructive, and solves the problem without any side effects on existing Zombie Gyarados. It’s also a great example of how the Pixelmon community steps up to fill gaps while the main development team focuses on larger version jumps. Just remember that it’s a stopgap measure. Once you decide to move to 1.20.2 or beyond, you’ll need to accept that the Roasted palette will vanish, or hope that an official implementation arrives by then.
Keeping Your Pixelmon Experience Smooth
Datapacks like this one are part of a broader ecosystem of tweaks and enhancements that keep older Pixelmon versions alive and enjoyable. Managing them manually can become tedious, especially when you run multiple worlds or servers. Tools that centralize your modpack and datapack library help avoid version conflicts and accidental deletions. Whether you’re a casual trainer or a server admin, a well-organized setup means less time troubleshooting and more time chasing that next rare spawn.
Conclusion
The Zombie Gyarados Fix is a simple yet effective solution for a frustrating evolution bug that plagued Pixelmon 1.16.5. By adding a dedicated Roasted palette, it restores the intended progression for one of the mod’s most coveted alternate forms. While it’s not a permanent fix and comes with clear compatibility warnings, it’s a must-have for anyone still enjoying the 1.16.5 era and wanting their Roasted Magikarp to shine as it should. Just keep an eye on future updates, and you’ll know exactly when to retire the datapack and let the official code take over.