Pokémon ROM Hacks are the best way to feel nostalgic. After all, they capture our childhood experiences and give us the means to relive those days.
However, it is still a great time to be a Pokémon fan. After all, you can play the latest Pokémon games, including Pokémon Legends Arceus and the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. These ninth generations of Pokémon games give fans a new way to experience Pokémon.
But what if you’re someone who likes old-school Pokémon? If you do, you need to look at Pokémon ROM hacks.
Let’s get started.
What are Pokémon ROM Hacks?
If you have ever played on old consoles, you’ll know about ROM — which stands for Read-Only Memory. ROM stores video game data.
Modders use ROMs to access game data and modify it to offer unique experiences. They can also preserve it in its original digital state or modify it to provide new experiences, creating Pokémon ROM hacks.
However, to create these new experiences, modders need access to tools. With the right tools, modders can build a creative world with new elements, characters, gameplay, graphics, areas, etc. On top of that, they can also improve the game’s quality of life with multiple small changes to the game.
Right now, you can find a lot of Pokémon Emerald ROM hacks. These ROM hacks are based on the Pokémon Emerald game.
Disclaimer: We condemn piracy in any form or way. ROM Hacks are a great way to access Pokémon content. However, it may lead to piracy. This article lists the ROM hacks for knowledge purposes, not how to get them.
Importance of ROM Hacks
Undoubtedly ROM Hacks are essential for many reasons. These benefits include:
➡️ Game Preservation
ROM are digital vaults where the game code is stored. When creating ROM hacks, modders need to back up the original game. This leads to game preservation which is essential in this age as most companies shut down game services eventually. For example, Nintendo recently shut down 3DS and Wii U stores, blocking even legit buyers from accessing their games.
➡️ New Experiences
ROM Hacks are modified. As everything is digital, modders can access the game’s files. They can modify those files or add new files to create a unique experience. For example, modders can add a new area with different quest lines, enemies, materials, and sounds. Pokémon Glazed Version is an excellent example of the developer adding a new region called Tunod.
➡️ Quality of Life Improvements
Not all original experiences are optimal. This is where quality-of-life improvements come in. It improves the game experience without making massive changes. For example, in Pokémon Theta Emerald Renev, the modder added many quality-of-life changes such as color-coded stats, increased bag capacity, 100+ reusable TMs, etc.
➡️ Increased Difficulty
Pokémon is known for appealing to a wide range of audience. That’s good from the publisher’s perspective. However, it can leave many players who want a challenge. With ROM Hacks, modders can increase the difficulty manifold. They also give players to choose from various difficulty levels, giving complete freedom to them. Pokémon Emerald Kaizo is a great example that offers a super challenging difficulty.
Now, it’s time to dive into the best Pokémon ROM hacks that you can play today!
Pokémon Team Rocket Edition
In the Pokémon universe, you always play as good guys, trying to defeat the bad guys. To change the experience, you can play as Team Rocket in the Pokémon FireRed Rocket edition. As an antagonist, you can cheat, lie, steal, and move up the ladder in your style.
The game takes place in the Kanto region. Also, this ROM Hack is based on the Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire, a third-generation release. The creator introduces an entirely new take as you get to steal Pokémon from trainers with the option to choose your morality path.
The Team Rocket edition has improved interface and gameplay with Gen VI-style presentation and mechanics. Overall, the Pokémon FireRed Team Rocket edition is a great way to explore the criminal Kanto region through a sinister plot of corrupt Gym leaders, sociopathic scientists, and nurses.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Light Platinum
Pokémon Light Platinum takes place in a completely new region, ZHERY. It is based on the Pokémon Ruby version and adds many new features, giving Pokémon fans a unique experience.
In this ROM Hack, you can catch Pokémon from all 4 generations and regions, including Hoenn, Kanto, Johto, and Sinnoh. Moreover, you also get to fight new Elite Four and Gym leaders to showcase who is the best Pokémon master out there. You also get access to new sprites, events, and tiles.
The game offers completely new graphics which look great out of the box. Also, Pokémon Light Platinum is easy to play, making it an excellent pick for new fans.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Mega Power
Pokémon Mega Power builds on the best third-generation game, the Pokémon Emerald.
The story revolves around Mewtwo, a powerful Pokémon created by Niel/Tyra, a gifted scientist. It takes place in the Ivara region with access to other new areas, including Lande and Sevii Islands.
As the leading player, you start evolving Mewtwo but need more resources. However, you meet Kasper, a businessman and Team Delta leader that can help you fund your project. To keep pursuing your dreams, you also join Team Delta, only to find things go darker. And it is up to you to make things right.
Apart from a great premise, Pokémon Mega Power includes all mega evolutions, some new tiles, and adventure clubs. It is an excellent pick for Pokémon fans looking for a refreshing challenge.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Unbound
Pokémon Unbound takes you to the historic Borrius region. In the past, the Borrius region defeated the Kalos region, but this time, things went haywire when the Borrius region unleashed dark forces to defeat the Kalos region. However, Kalos summoned a powerful weapon to defeat Borrius, leaving behind dark forces.
This leaves you as a Pokémon trainer to protect Borrius region against the “The Shadows,” who plan to release the dark forces back.
As for gameplay, Unbound uses FireRed as its inspiration. Pokémon Unbound also offers 80 missions, mega evolution, physical/special split, X/Y capture experience, and all Pokémon from 1-7th generation.
Overall, Pokémon Unbound offers a dark fantasy with tons of content to enjoy!
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Gaia
Pokémon Gaia is an excellent take on FireRed. The creator took inspiration from FireRed and also added many features from more recent Pokémon entries. It takes place in the Orbtus region as you and other Pokémon trainers try to find the real reason behind the seismic activity in the region.
The compelling story accompanies excellent gameplay mechanics, including mega evolutions, updated moves, type charts, and learn sets. You also get infinite TMs with access to Gen 4 to 6 moves, items, and Pokémon.
So, if you’re looking for a complete Pokémon experience based on FireRed, Gaia is a great pick considering its advanced features.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Glazed
Pokémon Glazed is one of my favorite Pokémon ROM hacks. You start your journey as a Pokémon trainer when you turn 12. Now, you’ll need to train and travel through the new Tunod region with your team of explorers to find the truth behind the mysterious power tearing the region apart.
The story takes place after SoulSilver and HeartGold. Moreover, you fight through two leagues when completing the game’s main plot while traveling Real World and Pokémon World.
Pokémon Glazed is based on the best third-generation Pokémon Emerald. It offers multiple new features, including permanent mega evolution, animations, color-based stats on nature, new out-of-battle effects, etc. You can also access Pokémon from three different regions: Unova, Sinnoh, and Kalos region.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Dark Rising
Pokémon Dark Rising is one of the best ROM hacks based on FireRed. And its story makes it a unique experience for any Pokémon fan.
In Pokémon Dark Rising, you get a dream where a Pokémon asks for your help. The Pokémon chooses you to save the world; thus, your story begins. Once you wake up, you ask questions and follow your intuition. The game occurs in the Core Region as you step out of your comfort zone and leave your hometown, Fells, for an answer.
As soon as you start your journey, you meet other trainers with similar dreams, only to find out that climate change and disasters are making havoc in the Core region. Now, your quest is to learn about the disturbances and the mighty creature you saw in the dream.
You can collect 386 Pokémon during your journey. These Pokémon are from Unova, Sinnoh, Johto, Kanto, and Hoenn. You also acquire 8 badges from each gym leader during your journey.
Overall, Pokémon Dark Rising is one of the best Pokémon experiences where you seek answers to your mysterious dream.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Flora Sky
Pokémon Flora Sky takes on an entirely new storyline where you must handle two big problems: an open portal between the Town World and Team Aqua & Magma overtaking the region.
The story starts when two powerful Pokémon, Palkia and Dialga, opens up the portal that can end the world. You need to close the portal as soon as possible to stop the dark forces from entering the city.
The ROM hack is based on Pokémon Emerald, ensuring that it contains all the best features out of the box. On top of that, you also get additional features, including new moves, maps, items, minigames, and HM. There are also daily night systems and events to keep you busy. Also, you can catch 386 Pokémon.
In short, Pokémon Flora Sky is a unique experience.
Pokémon Flora Sky’s story is its core strength, and other quality-of-life updates make it a refreshing take on the Pokémon world.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Prism
Pokémon Prism, also known as Pokémon Crystal Hack, is a popular Pokémon ROM hack.
The story starts when you lose your car’s control, drifting you to the Naljo region. Here, you play as Prism with the end goal of collecting the Gym leader’s eight badges.
Out of the box, you get new things to explore, including the new Naljo region. It is enormous, with 10 new cities, villages and towns. The creator has also added entirely new routes and caves. Furthermore, it also brings back the Rijon region!
The ROM hack lets you capture 252 Pokémon spread across 4 generations. Apart from that, you also get three new moves and access to many new items. The new clock system gives you more control over your time spent in the game.
With all these, it is easy to recommend Pokémon Prism to anyone looking for a fresh experience. It is well-crafted with new content to explore.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Phoenix Rising
Most ROM hacks are a reskin of Pokémon games, even with significant content updates. However, with Pokémon Phoneix Rising, you’ll notice a complete overhaul in graphics, sound, and story.
That’s because the team behind Pokémon Phoneix Rising has gone one step further to use the Pokémon Essentials engine and RGP Maker XP to create an entirely new game.
And all of these make Pokémon Phoenix Rising one of the best ROM hacks out there.
The story revolves around the war-torn nation. Your job is to unite Oracles against a greater force in the region of Hawthorne. As a trainer, you get hold of the Phoneix Ho-oh as you try to unite the nation. Each mission offers choices and consequences, making the ROM hack a proper RPG experience.
However, you may find the game short as it only contains Episode 1. The creators have promised to release new content, but updates are yet to be released.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Radical Red
If you’re looking for a challenge, Pokémon Radical Red is for you! The ROM hack brings difficulty options in the game and other additional features.
Also, the modder has included relevant buffs across all Pokémon to make everything feel fresh and exciting. These will enable you to try different playstyles without getting punished.
Additionally, Pokémon Radical Red supports physical/special split and fairy typing. You can also obtain all the Pokémon up to Gen 9 with additional moves and support for Mega Evolution.
Overall, Radical Red fulfills the need for an exciting yet challenging experience.
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Crystal Clear
Pokémon Crystal Clear is based on Pokémon Crystal, an amazing open-world adventure game.
It plays like an RPG with plenty of choices. From the start, you get to choose between 24 starter Pokémon. Moreover, you can also select characters from Blue, Gren, Yellow, Gold, Silver, or Red.
As for the region, it is based in the Johto and Kanto regions. You can catch 250+ Pokémon up to Gen 2 throughout your journey and fight against 16 Gym Leaders and Elite Four groups. The game also lets you buy in-game houses!
➡️ Check it out here.
Pokémon Rejuvenation
Pokémon Rejuvenation is a story-driven Gen 3-styled game that builds on top of Pokémon Reborn.
In this game, you play as a trainer, fighting through countless trainers to reach the top. And, along the way, you can capture 898 Pokémon.
Pokémon Rejuvenation also gives you 24 starters pack, giving you plenty of options to try the game, and you can always come back and choose a different starter pack for a completely different experience.
In addition to its replayability, the game offers a staggering 80+ hours of main quest gameplay.
So, if you’re looking for a Gen 3-style game that can keep you busy for a while, pick Pokémon Rejuvenation, and you won’t be disappointed.
➡️ Check it out here.
Conclusion
It’s a wrap!
Playing Pokémon is the best feeling. Our childhood is full of those memories, and these ROM hacks let you re-live those memories. In addition, you can enjoy new adventures, capture new Pokémon, and explore new lands in pursuit of glory.
And, if you’re playing Pokémon Legends, check out our guide on how to evolve Gligar to Gliscor!
