Privacy summary
The mod runs locally and does not collect personal data. It sends nothing to the developers.
Official Forge and Fabric builds for Minecraft 1.18.2 to 1.20.1, plus legacy files, verified links and everything you need before installing.
Every button goes to an official source. We never re-host or modify the files.
SHA-256 verification
*Android through a Java launcher such as PojavLauncher. There is no Bedrock or PE version.
Pick your loader and Minecraft version on the official page, then install the listed dependencies.
Download on Modrinth CurseForge mirrorAll versions, legacy too GitHub sourceCode and archive buildsWhat your PC needs to run Minecraft with this mod comfortably. Numbers assume a modern 1.20.1 setup.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Game | Minecraft Java Edition | Minecraft Java Edition |
| Java | Java 17 | Java 17 (64-bit) |
| OS | Windows 10, macOS 11, Ubuntu 20.04 | Windows 11, macOS 13+, recent Linux |
| CPU | Dual-core 2.5 GHz | Quad-core 3.5 GHz or better |
| RAM | 4 GB allocated to Minecraft | 6 to 8 GB allocated |
| GPU | OpenGL 3.2 with 1 GB VRAM | OpenGL 4.4 with 2 GB VRAM |
| Storage | 500 MB free for game and mods | 2 GB free for packs and worlds |
| Internet | Only to download files | Needed for servers and updates |
Legacy 1.12.2 and 1.7.10 builds need Java 8 instead of Java 17. See our 1.12.2 guide for details.
What the mod can and cannot access on your computer, in plain terms.
Yes, when downloaded from Modrinth, CurseForge or GitHub. The files are plain .jar mods that only run inside Minecraft. Avoid re-uploads, .exe installers and sites that ask you to disable antivirus.
The mod runs locally and does not collect personal data. It sends nothing to the developers.
It needs no system permissions beyond what Minecraft already has. No admin rights, no background services.
No telemetry, no accounts, no ads. Launchers and hosts have their own policies, so check those separately.
Public source code, platform malware scans and per-file SHA-256 hashes let you verify every download.
How Fossils and Archeology stacks up against other prehistoric mods players often consider.
| Software | Price | License | OS and versions | Features | Rating | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fossils and Archeology | Free | Open source | Java 1.18.2 to 1.20.1 | Revival, archaeology, structures | ★ 4.8 | Modern versions, both loaders | Several dependencies |
| JurassiCraft | Free | Open source | Java 1.12.2 | Park building, vehicles | ★ 4.5 | Deep park tools | Stuck on an old version |
| Prehistoric Nature | Free | See project page | Java 1.12.2 | Accurate eras and species | ★ 4.4 | Huge species range | Steep learning curve |
| Prehistoric Fauna | Free | See project page | Java 1.16.5 | Detailed models | ★ 4.3 | Beautiful animations | Fewer systems to play with |
Ratings are our editorial scores from hands-on testing. All mods listed are free Java Edition projects.
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