Menu Companions [Archived]
Your Minecraft main menu doesn't have to be a static, lonely place. The Menu Companions [Archived] add-on turns that empty screen into a lively scene by placing two customizable mobs right beside the menu buttons. Whether you want a pair of playful wolves, a towering iron golem, or even your own player character, this mod delivers a purely cosmetic but endlessly entertaining upgrade. Although the project is now archived and no longer receiving updates, it remains a favorite for players who enjoy a personalized touch before they even load a world.
What Makes Menu Companions Special
At its core, Menu Companions [Archived] is a client-side Forge mod that spawns two entities on the main menu screen, one on the left and one on the right. These companions aren't just static models; they are fully animated, track your cursor movement, and react when you click on them. Each mob plays its ambient sound or performs a unique interaction, making the menu feel alive. The mod is purely visual and does not affect gameplay, so it works flawlessly even when you connect to a vanilla server.
Endless Customization via JSON
One of the standout features is the deep customization system. All companion settings are stored in .json files inside the menucompanions config folder. You can define which entities appear, their scale, offsets, nameplate visibility, particle effects, and even custom NBT data. Want a baby zombie riding a chicken? You can do that. Want a player model wearing a cape and holding a diamond sword? That's possible too. The mod recursively loads every .json file in the folder, so you can organize entries however you like. Each entry can be assigned a weight for random selection, and you can set the side (LEFT, RIGHT, or BOTH) where the companion appears.
Smart Blacklisting and Compatibility
Not every entity works well as a menu companion. Some mobs have complex rendering or behavior that doesn't translate to a static menu screen. Menu Companions [Archived] automatically detects incompatible entities and adds them to a blacklist in the config, saving you from trial and error. The mod also plays nicely with other mods that alter the main menu, so you can combine it with custom menu backgrounds or UI overhauls without conflicts.
How to Install Menu Companions [Archived]
Getting the mod up and running is straightforward. First, ensure you have Minecraft Forge installed for version 1.20.1, as this is the last supported game version before the mod was discontinued on June 12, 2026. Then, simply place the mod's .jar file into your mods folder. Because it's a client-side mod, you don't need to install it on a server. If you're using a launcher like foxygame.net, you can find Menu Companions [Archived] in its add-on catalog and install it with a single click, which automatically handles version compatibility and keeps your mods organized. After installation, launch the game and you'll see the default companions (a player model and a random mob) on the main menu. To customize, navigate to the config folder and start editing the JSON files.
Configuring Your Own Companions
The real fun begins when you dive into the configuration. Each JSON entry can specify an entity ID, or set it to "random" to pick any living mob. You can adjust the scale, offset, and even toggle whether the companion walks in place or crouches. For player entities, you can set the username to display your own skin or a friend's, and toggle individual clothing layers like the cape, jacket, or hat. The mod also supports custom NBT data, so you can equip armor, change poses, or create unique jockey combinations. All changes take effect after restarting the game, and you can create as many entries as you want to cycle through randomly.
Why It's Archived and What to Use Instead
Menu Companions [Archived] was officially discontinued on June 12, 2026, meaning no further updates or bug fixes will be released. The mod remains fully functional on its target version, but players on newer Minecraft releases will need alternatives. For Fabric users, Mobs Main Menu by GabrielHOlv offers similar functionality. If you're on an older version like 1.12, MenuMobs by SpiesAmice is a great choice, and for even older versions, bspkrsCore provides comparable features. Despite being archived, Menu Companions [Archived] still holds up remarkably well for its intended version, especially given its extensive customization options.
Why You Should Download Menu Companions [Archived]
This mod is perfect for players who want to add personality to their Minecraft experience without altering gameplay. The companions are purely decorative, but they make the main menu feel welcoming and unique. The ability to use any mob or player model means you can match the menu to your current modpack theme, show off your favorite skin, or just enjoy a couple of friendly faces every time you launch the game. The configuration is powerful yet approachable, and the mod's lightweight nature ensures it won't impact performance.
If you're looking to download Menu Companions [Archived] for Minecraft, remember that it's a Forge mod for version 1.20.1. While it's no longer in active development, its feature set remains robust and stable. The mod's client-side design means you can use it on any server, and the JSON config system gives you complete creative control. Whether you're a modding veteran or just dipping your toes into customization, this add-on is a delightful way to make your Minecraft menu your own.