Long time Pokemon Players probably know that there are a lot of unofficial ones Pokemon Titles that are just as good as their official counterparts. These fan-made games are referred to as ROM hacks and are created by players accessing the read-only memory (ROM) of an original game and making changes to it. Some ROM hacks are as simple as quality-of-life updates to improve annoying aspects of an existing game, while others completely redesign the game’s story and style of play.
ROM Hacks for Pokemon Games have been around for ages at this point, meaning there is an overwhelming number of them to choose from. Some will likely appeal to the niche interests of some players but do not gain widespread popularity. However, some of the best ROM hacks have been widely accepted as the best of their kind, with some players even preferring them even to the best. Pokemon Games.
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Pokemon Scorched Silver is a sequel with a whole new story
Created by Sloo
This Pokemon Emerald Hack, created by Sloo on PokéCommunity, features an original new story from the world of Pokemon Gold and Silver. The hack takes place in the Johto region, where players control a young boy or girl from Cherrygrove City on a journey to become a Pokemon master. The events Take place 20 years after the end of pokemon gold and silver, And some familiar faces make an appearance. Throughout their journey, the player will encounter a new threat to the world, Team Phoenix, whose mysterious plans seem to acquire a Selby.
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This hack is a whole new game with eight badges to win from Challenging gym leaders and even post-game content like mega evolutions. There are over 750 Pokemon to find and catch and lots of quality-of-life updates, like the ability to use HM moves without actually teaching them to a Pokemon, a Nature Changer NPC, and the ability to run indoors. A trailer for the ROM hack is available on Slough S YouTube channel.
14
Pokemon Black and White 3: Genesis continues the story of Black 2 and White 2
Created by Azure_Keys
Pokémon Black And White 3 is both a sequel and a demake at the same time. Created by PokéCommunity Azure_Keys, The game takes place 10 years after the events of Pokemon Black 2 and White 2. Players take control of a young trainer from Humilau City as they travel through the world of Unova, meeting both familiar faces and new characters. Along the journey, players are also pitted against the villainous Plasma Team, which was supposed to be disbanded a long time ago.
Although this ROM hack is a sequel to black and white, It does not use the game engine or system of the original. Instead, this is a Pokemon Crystal Hack that Reimagines the world of Black and white In precious pixels from the Game Boy Color era. The hack also includes a number of quality-of-life upgrades like new shouts for all Pokemon from Gen 3 and up, running shoes available from the start, demade music tracks and reusable TMs. It also includes 252 Pokemon from the first five generations and an all-new story in a beloved setting.
13
Digimon Nova Red reimagines Pokemon as a Digimon game
Created by Guzeinbuick
Pokemon and Digimon fans no longer have to choose a fandom thanks to this Pokémon FireRed Hack. Guzeinbuick On PokéCommunity recreates the classic Pokémon game with Over 350 Digimon to tame and trainInstead. Each man offers unique moves, stats and abilities, implementing Gen 5 abilities and fairy type.
Each Digimon has its own sprites and Moves have new animations based on their equivalents in the Digimon world. The user interface has also received a facelift to match the Digimon world, with the iconic computer and Digivice style for the selection screens, information panels and more. Some smaller tweaks like reusable TMS, forgettable HM moves, non-lethal poison and dialogue tweaks make this hack even more enjoyable for any Pokemon or Digimon fan.
12
Pokemon sweet version will satisfy any sweet tooth
Created by Ephraim225
Players with a sweet tooth will love this Pokemon Red ROM hack by Ephraim 225 On PokéCommunity, in which the area of Kanto is transformed into Candyland. Players explore the redesigned area between trees of ice cream, frosted grass, cake caves and a milky way ocean. The game has 151 PokéSweets to catch from six generations Completely redesigned as delicious PokéSweets with new moves and adorably funny names like Smorelax and Popsichu.
Pokemon sweet version also did 12 new types and a type chart to go with them, based on 12 flavors of ice cream (Including, for some reason, Apple). A new mechanic allows players to catch their PokéSweets or craft them from berries, and new music completes the hack. The title makes many other upgrades, such as turning most trainer battles into double battles and adding new music in many areas. During their travels, trainers will go up against two new opposing groups that want to steal the players’ Pokésweet companions and two rivals (“Okay, three, but the third guy is lame“).
11
Pokemon Order & Chaos creates a complete pokedex of Pokemon
Created by EasyBakeStudios
pokemon order & chaos, Created by PokéCommunity user EasyBakeStudiosWas remastered in 2024 after eight years of hard work. The effort that went into making this Pokemon Red Hack is clear, as the title creates a whole new area and story based in the Pokemon Universe. The hack takes place in the new area of Mando and Includes a complete Pokédex of “Pokémon,” And even rare beautiful versions of them.
The game tells the story of A young trainer who is prophesied to rid the land of the evil dragon god Chaostra. The only problem is that the teenager has twins, and the prophecy is not clear on which one of them is the “chosen one.” Players travel through Mando, taming and capturing companions with new moves (complete with new animations) as they strive to become the best trainer, save their home, and emerge victorious against both Chaostra and their own twin sibling.
10
Pokemon Fool’s Gold completely reimagines one of the series’ best games
Created by celadonk & support dev team
Pokemon Fool’s Gold is a unique take on Pokemons second generation games by PokéCommunity user Celadonk and a team of devs. Despite what the name suggests, this is not a hack Pokemon GoldHowever Crystal. What sets this ROM hack apart from the original games is that Every Pokemon has been completely redesigned. They all have new Pokemon types and unique new sprites to match. It is similar to how Pokemon Sun And Moon Introducing special Alolan versions of Pokemon, only this time it’s every Pokemon in the game.
PokemonThe second generation games already hold a special place in the hearts of players, as they were the first games in the series that allowed players to play through multiple regions. with pokemon fool’s gold, Players can rediscover some of their favorite games from the series with brand new Pokemon To keep them fresh. It is always exciting to discover a new version ofa Pokemon in this ROM hack and see how it has changed from its original form. The perfect balance of nostalgia and exciting new additions to this frame make it an excellent choice for veteran players.
9
Pokemon Brown was the first hack to make big changes
Created by Koolboyman, now overseen by RainbowDevs
Pokemon Brown is one of the most revolutionary Pokemon ROM Hacks. It was created by a ROM hacker going by Koolboyman with future development taking over RainbowDevs. While hoaxes existed before BrownIt is credited as being The first to create a completely new game with a Pokemon Ram. This means that it is not just a slightly altered version of an existing game, but instead a unique area – named Rijon – and a new story. This hack even spawned sequels, Pokemon Prism And Pokémon Rijon Adventures.
Although the initial ROM hack from 2004 is a bit dated, Pokemon Brown Was remodeled in 2009 and 2014, adding new Pokemon each time. Pokemon Brown Also introduced some unique Pokemon typesWhich changes like existing Pokemon Interact. For example, Ditto is given the new abnormal type, replacing his traditional normal type. Although many ROM hacks have built on and improved upon that Pokemon Brown Yes, it’s still worth playing. It is also just a unique part of Pokemon Story that any die-hard fan should check out.
8
Pokemon Prism builds on what Pokemon Brown started
Created by Koolboyman, now overseen by RainbowDevs
Pokemon Prism is a frame hack of Pokemon CrystalAnd a direct sequel to Pokemon Brown. Also created by Coolboyman and taken over by RainbowDevs, Prism Improves the previous hack in several ways. First, is his increased roster of Pokemon. Although the game is using a Generation 2 title, it includes a sampling of Pokemon from the first four generations As well as the unique elemental types introduced in Pokemon Brown. It also includes some unique gameplay elements, like sections of the game where players play as their Pokemon independent of a trainer.
Just like the Gen 2 Pokemon games, Pokemon Prism Takes place across two regions. It includes a new unique area, Naljo, as well as the original area of Pokemon BrownRion. Players who enjoyed the first game will likely want to continue with the sequel and enjoy the updates made to the gameplay and the updated base ROM used for the hack.
7
Pokemon Adventures – Red Chapter is a game version of a popular manga
Created by Aethestode
Players look for a Pokemon Experience that is heavier on storytelling than usual should check out Pokemon Adventures – Red Chapter By PokéCommunity user Aethestode. This frame is a faithful adaptation of the Pokemon Adventures MangaSpecifically followed Red’s story from the books. The game includes multiple regions and Pokemon from seven generations. The game also adds elements to help enhance the narrative aspect of the game, such as character portraits that accompany text with a variety of expressions similar to other story-driven games.
Pokemon Adventures – Red Chapter is a perfect frame hack for players who want more of a story linked to their Pokemon game, or who are interested in these Pokemon Adventures Manga. At one point, the project was meant to incorporate spin-offs like Pokemon Adventures – Blue ChapterBut these were unfortunately abandoned. yet, Pokemon Adventures – Red Chapter Still stands strong on his own and gives a unique Pokemon Experience.
6
Pokemon Radical Red is for experienced players who want a challenge
Created by soupercell
Pokemon Radical Red is a re-imagined version of Pokémon FireRed, By PokéCommunity user soupcellWith one goal in mind: make the game harder. This is a mission that it accomplishes in a variety of ways. For example, many of the game’s gym leaders and other bosses have Pokemon with Max IV stats, meaning they are more powerful than average. Gym leaders can also mega-evolve their Pokemon and have improved AI From the base game. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, harder difficulties don’t allow players to access their bags during trainer battles, which means not using potions or other healing items.
Pokemon Radical Red offset its difficulty in several ways, such as eventually allowing the player access to mega-evolution, and increasing stats for certain Pokemon. However, the game is still much more challenging than a typical one Pokemon Game. This makes Radical Red The perfect ROM hack for players who may have felt like they’ve outgrown the seriesDue to its lack of challenging gameplay. Players will really need to be Pokemon masters to take this ROM hack.
5
Pokémon Gaia offers a new story and an interesting world
Created by spherical ice
Similar to Pokemon Brown, Pokemon Gaia is unique Pokemon Game built from the ground up with its own area and story by PokéCommunity User Spherical ice. Although the game is built in Pokémon FireRed, It includes a lot of modern features like mega-evolutionsAs well as Pokemon from more recent regions like Unova and Kalos. The game also includes some nice life updates, like being able to run inside and reuse TMs.
Unlike some of the other best Pokemon ROM Hacks, Pokemon Gaia It is not really specialized in one area but, instead, is a very well-rounded experience. While not as deep of a difficulty spike as Radical red, Gaia is still a challenging game. His story is also well-done and has higher stakes than average Pokemon Game, as players are tasked to save their home area from mysterious earthquakes. This is a nice contrast from typical Pokemon Stories where the main world-end dangers are not always integrated too well in the plot from the beginning, and can sometimes come out of nowhere.
4
Pokemon Emerald Rogue transforms Pokemon into a roguelike
Created by Pokabbie
Pokémon Emerald Rogue, Created by PokéCommunity user PocabyMay be the most novel Pokemon Ram Hack, vi It completely changes the genre of Pokemon Games. Instead of the typical straightforward search, Pokémon Emerald Rogue is a rogue. Players will be sent on randomly determined paths, meeting procedurally generated gym leaders and bosses along the way. If players lose a battle, they are sent back to the beginning of the game. Once players complete a run, they are given a chance to catch a more powerful starter Pokemon and receive some permanent items to help with future runs.
Players who enjoy Pokemon Battles, but looking for a new type of game to experience they will be excited to try Pokémon Emerald Rogue. This is the kind of fresh name the franchise really needsAs many of the major games have essentially had the same setup ever since pokemon red and Blue. Players have the option to play an extended version of Emerald rogue Which contains modern battle elements, or they can stick with the original engine of Pokemon Emerald.
3
Pokémon Crystal Clear gives players unprecedented freedom
Created by ShockSlayer
If there is one thing Pokemon crystal clear Values over anything else, it’s player choice. Players get a huge amount of freedom How they approach the game, and there really isn’t a wrong answer. Pokemon crystal clearDeveloped by Ram Hacker ShockSlayerAllows players to start their journey in one of 20 locations of Johto or Kanto. There are also 30 starting Pokemon to choose from, instead of the typical three. Players can also customize their character, something that was never available in Age of Ultron Pokemon Games like CrystalWhat is the basis for this hack.
Instead of trainers and gym leaders having a set list of Pokemon, Pokemon crystal clear Weight each encounter based on the number of gym badges the player has. The game also removes the typical obstacles preventing players from freely moving around the map, meaning Players can complete the game in any order they see fit. It’s a wonderfully free experience compared to the typically very linear Pokemon games, and one that is worth trying at least once.
2
Pokémon FireRed: Rocket Edition allows players to play as a villain
Created by -Dragonsden-
Pokémon FireRed: Rocket Edition is one of the most popular ROM hacks. The version discussed here is the version created by PokéCommunity users Dragonsden. It allows players the unique ability to experience these Pokemon Games from the perspective of an antagonist – More specifically, a member of Team Rocket. Instead of catching Pokemon, players start by stealing them from opposing trainers to build their roster.
One of the most interesting things Pokémon FireRed: Rocket Edition Is the way it runs parallel to the original game. Players experience the same events from Pokémon FireRedJust from a completely different experience. The game is also still being worked on and intended to include events from pokemon gold and SilverAdding the Johto region to the mix. Rocket editionIts unique story and gameplay elements help it stand out from others Pokemon games and even other ROM hacks, and the continuing updates offer players a smooth experience and the promise of more to come.
1
Pokémon Unbound is an expansive experience in a custom world
Created by Skeli
Pokemon Unbound is a Pokémon FireRed Hack by PokéCommunity user Skelly With its own original region and history. While the game is built in FireRedIt has updated graphics, making it a little nicer to look at the original game, or other hacks using it as a base. One of the biggest selling points of Pokemon Unbound Is the huge amount of content available in the game. It doesn’t just have a main quest, though It also has a series of well-developed side quests and a lot of post-game content.
Pokemon Unbound is still being updated and adding new ones Pokemon Features like z moves and mega-evolution. One of the most impressive aspects of Not bound is its original soundtrackwhich contains nearly 200 songs composed just for the game. Pokemon ROM hacking is still alive and well, meaning great new hacks are coming out all the time. All players who find fun new hacks should be sure to share them so more players can enjoy the creativity of these Pokemon Community.
Sources: Celadonk/PokéCommunityRainbow Devs (1, 2), Aethestode / PokéCommunity, soupercell/PokéCommunity, Spherical Ice / PokéCommunity, Pokabbie / PokéCommunity, ShockSlayer, -Dragonsden-/PokéCommunity, Skeli / PokéCommunity, Sloo / PokéCommunity, Slow / Youtube, Azure_Keys/PokéCommunity, Guzeinbuick/PokéCommunity, Ephraim225/PokéCommunity, EasyBakeStudios/PokéCommunity