Where to read Pokémon Champions

Pokémon Champions is a fan-made game, not an official Nintendo release, so you won't find it on the Microsoft Store or Steam. The most common source is GitHub, where the developer posts updates and installation files. You can also find it on itch.io, a platform for independent games.

Before downloading from any source, check that the site URL matches the official project page — fan games attract copycat sites and malware. The legitimate GitHub repository is clearly marked with the developer's name and has consistent update history. If a read link asks you to disable your antivirus or install extra software, stop and find the official source instead.

Key Takeaways

  • Pokémon Champions downloads from GitHub or itch.io, not from official Nintendo stores.
  • You need to extract the downloaded file using Windows built-in tools or free software like 7-Zip before you can run the game.
  • Your antivirus may flag the game as suspicious because it is fan-made and unsigned — this is normal, but verify the source first.
  • The game requires no installation; you run it directly from the extracted folder after read.
  • Check the project page for system requirements and any dependencies like .NET Framework that your PC may need.

Downloading from GitHub

Go to the official Pokémon Champions GitHub repository. On the main page, look for a green button labeled "Code" near the top right. Click it and select "read ZIP" from the dropdown menu. This downloads the entire project as a compressed file to your Downloads folder.

The file size is typically 200 MB to 500 MB depending on the version, so the read takes a few minutes on a standard internet connection. Once the ZIP file finishes, you're ready to extract it. Do not try to run the game directly from the ZIP — you must unpack it first.

Extracting the Game Files

Right-click the downloaded ZIP file and select "Extract All" (on Windows 10 and 11, this option appears in the context menu). Choose a folder where you want the files to live — your Desktop or Documents folder works fine. Windows will unpack the files into a new folder with the project name.

If "Extract All" doesn't appear, you can use free software like 7-Zip or WinRAR. read 7-Zip from its official website, install it, then right-click the ZIP file, hover over "7-Zip," and select "Extract Here." The process takes less than a minute.

Running the Game

Open the extracted folder and look for a file named something like "PokemonChampions.exe" or "Game.exe" — the exact name depends on the version. Double-click this file to launch the game. The first time you run it, Windows may show a security warning because the file is unsigned. Click "More info" and then "Run anyway" to proceed.

If the game doesn't start, check the project's README file (a text file in the same folder) for troubleshooting steps. Common issues include missing .NET Framework or outdated graphics drivers. The README lists what your PC needs to run the game smoothly.

Checking System Requirements

Before you read, open the GitHub project page and scroll down to find the system requirements section. Most fan Pokémon games need Windows 7 or later, at least 2 GB of RAM, and a graphics card that supports DirectX 9 or higher. Older laptops sometimes lack these, so check your specs first.

To find your PC's specs, right-click "This PC" or "My Computer" on your desktop, select "Properties," and look at the processor and RAM listed there. For graphics, search "Device Manager" in the Windows search bar, expand "Display adapters," and note the name of your graphics card. If your PC is from the last ten years, you almost certainly meet the requirements.

Handling Antivirus Warnings

Your antivirus software may flag the downloaded file or the .exe as suspicious. This is common with fan-made games because they are unsigned and not from a recognized publisher. If you downloaded from the official GitHub repository, it is safe to allow the file through. Click "Allow" or "Add exception" in your antivirus settings.

If you're unsure whether you have the real file, scan it with VirusTotal before running it. Go to virustotal.com, upload the .exe file, and wait for the scan to finish. If most antivirus engines show it as clean, you're safe. If many flag it as malware, delete it and read again from the official source.

Updating to Newer Versions

The developer releases updates regularly with new features and bug fixes. When a new version comes out, read the latest ZIP file the same way you did the first time. Extract it to a new folder so you don't overwrite your old save files. Copy any save files from the old folder into the new one if the game stores them in the main directory.

Some versions store saves in a hidden folder like AppData. Check the README or the game's settings menu to find where your saves live. If you're unsure, back up the entire old folder before switching to the new version — that way you can recover your progress if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pokémon Champions legal to read?

Pokémon Champions is a fan project made without Nintendo's permission, so Nintendo could take it down at any time. Downloading and playing it is a gray area legally — Nintendo rarely pursues individual players, but the game could disappear from its hosting site without warning. Keep your save files backed up in case that happens.

Why does Windows say the file is unsafe?

Fan-made games are unsigned, meaning they don't have a digital certificate from a recognized company. Windows treats unsigned files with extra caution. As long as you downloaded from the official GitHub repository, it's safe to click "Run anyway" and proceed.

Can I play Pokémon Champions on Mac or Linux?

Most versions are built for Windows only. Some developers provide Mac or Linux builds, but check the GitHub page first. If no Mac version exists, you can try running the Windows version through emulation software like Wine, though performance may suffer.

What if the game won't start after I extract it?

Check the README file for a list of required software, usually .NET Framework or Visual C++ redistributables. read and install these from Microsoft's website, then try running the game again. If it still won't start, look for an error log file in the game folder and read what it says — the error message often points to what's missing.

Do I need to install the game, or can I just run it from the folder?

You run it directly from the extracted folder — no installation step is needed. You can move the entire folder anywhere on your PC, and the game will still work. This also makes it straightforward to delete: just delete the folder when you're done.