The 13 Best Pokemon ROM Hacks 2024 (2024)

Pokemon rom hacks are very popular these days for good reason. Yes, Nintendo Game Freak releases official games yearly at this point, but there’s a certain level of game features that you just can’t get with the mainline games.

The Switch games Pokemon Scarlet and Violet sold incredibly well on the Nintendo Switch (and there’s even a Pokemon Scarlet and Violet ROM hack), but still, fans are searching regularly for rom hacks of the classics. You won’t see these hacks appear in the Pokémon World Championship, but that’s not the point here. These games are for players who want more than the original series have to offer and players will need to download these Pokemon emulator games online.

It’s seriously impressive the level of depth that some of these rom hacks have and you can imagine the amount of work that’s gone into them. With such an extensive list of Pokémon rom hacks out there it can be a bit difficult to know which ones are worth playing through.

Do keep in mind that to play these ROM hacks, you’ll need to make sure you also have the proper emulator setup. Lucky for you, we went ahead and created this list of the best Pokemon emulators for PC.

What Are The Best Pokemon ROM Hacks?

1. Pokémon Dark Rising

Pokémon Dark Rising is a fan made Pokemon rom hack created by DarkRisingGirl and her team back in 2012 which uses Pokemon Fire Red as the rom hacks base game.

This rom hack has become so popular that it’s become an entire series over the years and led to multiple sequels such as Pokémon Dark Rising 2, Pokemon Dark Rising: Order Destroyed, Pokemon Dark Rising Origins: Worlds Collide, and Pokemon Dark Rising: Kaizo.

Be sure to check out our guide on the best Pokemon Fire Red emulator for PC, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Rom hack Features

Pokemon fan games will usually have unique features that set them apart from main series core games. A good example of this is Pokemon Insurgence which has unique Pokemon, new Mega Stones, and new Mega Evolutions, but some of the original game features in Pokemon Dark Rising are:

• There are a total of 386 Pokemon available in the game from generations 1 – 5
• Wild Pokemon can be found with gen 5 “Dream World” Abilities
• Pokemon moves from generations 1 – 5 make an appearance in the game
• Certain Pokemon can learn specific egg moves
• Pokemon Dark Rising has an entirely unique story
• Instead of Nurse Joy, this rom hack introduces a Dr. Roy who heals your Pokemon
• Ash and Brock make an appearance in the game with special cameos from other series like Pharoah from Yu-Gi-Oh (the crossover here is wild)
• Different Gym Leaders have special unique Pokemon that can’t be found anywhere else in the game
• Some Pokemon have evolution methods that have changed. Some examples of Pokemon evolving with different methods are: Pichu evolving into Pikachu with Max Happiness, Pikachu into Raichu using a Thunderstone, Vulpix into Ninetails using a Fire Stone, etc.

Be sure to also check out our list of all the Pokemon Fire Red emulator cheats.

Read our full review:Pokemon Dark Rising Review

2. Pokemon Brown

Pokémon Brown is a fascinating reimagining of Pokémon Red and was mentioned in our list of the best Pokemon Red ROM hacks. It was crafted in 2004 by the creative genius, Koolboyman. In this hack you set off on an adventure through the uncharted region of Rijon, nestled cozily to the south of Johto. You’ll encounter the nostalgic first 151 Pokémon from the Kanto Dex, seamlessly integrated into the Rijon Pokédex.

The game was then remade in 2009 which expanded the Dex to an impressive 224 Pokémon, and the 2014 remake then introduced Sylveon in the game. Be prepared to discover five groundbreaking new Elemental Types as you journey through this unique yet captivating Pokémon universe! This is an excellent rom hack and one we definitely recommend playing through.

Features

• 225 Pokémon, featuring 224 from Gen I-IV and a special addition from Gen VI (in the 2014 version)
• Never-before-seen Pokémon Evolutions – special items can cause Pokemon to evolve in new ways (trade evolutions and stages that weren’t previously available in Red and Blue including Eeveelutions make an appearance)
• Introduction of innovative new Types – there are 5 new types: wood, gas, abnormal, wind, and sound
• Fresh TMs and HMs – The TMs in Pokemon Brown are a bit different from the ones from Pokemon Red and Blue (you can expect to see 12 of the TMs changed, with a total of 50 TMs and 4 HMs)
• Unique moves that will keep you on your toes.
• An alluring soundtrack, infused with awesome songs from Johto
• A solid post-game quest that will extend your epic journey

3. Pokemon Gaia

Pokemon Gaia is one of the best Pokémon Fire Red rom hacks and has tons of extra features like Mega Evolutions, Pokemon from Gen 6, a new region to explore, and lots more. The local archaeologist and Pokemon Professor Redwood notices an increase in the region’s seismic activity and asks for help. You and your rival are asked to help prevent a disastrous earthquake from consuming the region.

This game takes about 15 hours to beat the basic story, but completionists can expect to put about 30 hours in to 100% it. Many see this as one of the best Pokemon rom hacks available.

Features

• Pokemon from multiple different existing Pokemon games/gens appear in this hack – Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos
• Mega Evolutions make an appearance in Pokemon Gaia
• Pokemon move sets from Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
• Competitive items available – Ability Pill, Assault Vest, Choice Specs, and more
• Abilities – Sheer Force, Mega Launcher, etc
• Fairy type and a new type chart available
• Newer Pokemon and trainer Sprites
• Rock climbing and diving underwater abilities available
• Unique music
• Hidden and secret areas to explore
• Ability to reuse TMs

Be sure to also check out our list of the best Pokemon Black and White ROM hacks too!

4. Pokemon Mega Power

Created by Wind1158, in the world of Pokemon Mega Power you join the brilliant scientist Neil/Tyra from the Ivara Region on a quest to create the formidable Pokemon, Mewtwo. Yet, Neil/Tyra’s ambition doesn’t stop there – the desire to make Mewtwo even more powerful by enabling it to mega evolve without the need for ordinary mega stones grows stronger. But alas, financial constraints stand in the way of this groundbreaking endeavor.

Just as Neil/Tyra is on the verge of giving up, a mysterious man named Kasper appears. As a successful businessman and the enigmatic leader of Team Delta in the Ivara Region, Kasper offers to help Neil/Tyra complete the experiment. Left with no other option, Neil/Tyra hesitantly joins Team Delta.

Doubts linger in the scientist’s mind – what are Kasper’s true intentions, and can he really be trusted? The answers to these questions will unfold in this thrilling Pokemon rom hack!

Features

• New regions to explore – Ivara, Lande, and the Sevii Islands
• New gyms to battle through
• All mega evolutions available
• Some Pokemon from gens 4-7 make an appearance

Also be sure to check out our list of the best Pokemon X and Y ROM hacks.

5. Pokemon Flora Sky

Dive into the imaginative Pokémon world of Flora Sky, an inventive spin on the classic Pokemon Emerald Version. In this rom hack, you’ll experience the excitement of encountering and capturing all Pokemon from Gen IV and V, just like in the Nintendo DS games. Though Pokemon Flora Sky is based on a GameBoy Advance game, it offers a wealth of fun that surpasses expectations.

Embark on a captivating journey in a land filled with legendary Pokemon mysteries. Following the epic battle between Dialga and Palkia, a portal connecting the Torn World – Giratina’s domain – and the real world is ripped open. As Giratina emerges, it brings forth unforeseen dangers. You must act swiftly and close the portal before time runs out.

Simultaneously, Team Magma and Aqua pursue the legendary Fire and Water type Pokemon in their quest for world domination. Alongside your friends, you will strive to prevent the fiery wrath of these legendary Pokemon from being unleashed by Team Magma and Aqua. Will you manage to pacify Groudon and Kyogre? Immerse yourself in the game to find out!

Pokemon Flora Sky is quite unique from the original Pokemon Emerald. Prepare to be amazed by the myriad of differences and surprises that await!

Rom hack features

• Pokemon from gens 4 and 5
• Entirely new story to play through
• An entirely new event for legendary Pokemon
• A new character to play as
• 386 Pokemon show up
• Some new Pokemon sprites, but also sprints form gens 4 and 5
• New moves to use, a new map, new items and HMs
• A day/night system with events that occur based on the time
• Legendary Pokemon make an appearance – Giratina, Shaymin, and Dialga
• 2 separate versions available: the main version and the dex version

6. Pokemon Fire Red Team Rocket Edition

In Pokemon Firered Team Rocket Edition, you’ll cunningly deceive and steal your way to the top as you navigate the vibrant underworld of Kanto. This alternative storyline runs parallel to the original Fire Red, challenging your expectations and offering a fresh perspective on the classic adventure. Throughout your quest, you’ll uncover hidden conspiracies, delve into unseen areas of Kanto, interact with familiar faces in unexpected situations and pilfer their Pokémon!

In Pallet Town, an unsuspecting hero embarks on a journey to become a Pokémon Master. Fueled by his passion for Pokémon battles and his relentless drive to be the best, he challenges the region’s Gym Leaders and eventually triumphs over the Pokémon League. A tale as old as time, but there’s more than meets the eye.

Beyond Red’s seemingly innocent Pokémon escapades lies a more ominous, hidden story, one that the original protagonist never uncovers, but which has significant implications for him and the fate of the Kanto region. Devious scientists, vengeful nurses, and crooked Gym Leaders are just a few characters who reveal their true nature once Red has moved on. Those who seemed the friendliest and most compassionate might secretly harbor the darkest intentions.

What connects Lance, Giovanni, and Professor Oak? What really transpired during the Great Pokémon War? How did the enigmatic Mewtwo come into existence? And what becomes of the countless Trainers Red ruthlessly defeats? The truth lies in the untold narrative, which unfolds deep within Kanto’s criminal underworld.

Features

• Unlike some of the other Team Rocket hacks, Rocket Edition allows you to steal a Pokémon from every single Trainer after they’ve been beaten in a battle. As your rank increases, you’ll be able to steal from more Pokemon trainer classes.
• This game’s story runs alongside the original Pokemon Firered and reveals what most people don’t realize is happening behind the scenes. The hack incorporates multiple fans theories.
• Battle all of the original characters from Fire Red and see if you can beat them in battle and steal their Pokemon.
• Even though you’re part of Team Rocket, you get to choose just how evil you want to be. You can help people if you wish, but whoever you decide to turn against may come with consequences later in the game.
• This rom hack has gen 6 mechanics and encounter rates in caves and in water have been reduced greatly.

7. Pokemon Glazed

Pokemon Glazed isone of the largest Pokémon Rom Hacks available and is known by many as one of the best Pokemon Emerald ROM hacks ever made. The final version released contains more Mega Evolutions.

In the game you turn 12 and get your first Pokemon. After you meet your starter, a mysterious power is causes the Pokemon world and earth to collide. A mysterious team can be found around the ancient ruins of Tunod. In this hack, you meet allies in the Johto region, as well as a scarfed Pikachu hell-bent on revenge.

Features

• Gym leader Pokemon are lower level
• Newer battle sprites for Pokemon
• Mega Evolution makes a return in Pokemon Glazed – Venusaur, Charizard, Blastoise, Lucario, Salamence, Absol, and Manectric can mega evolve using the Mega Stone, while the Mega Stone X only works on Charizard
• Added the Power Shack to Trainer Isle, to purchase type-boosting held items
• Trainer Isle’s Tough Doubles, Rankor Gym Leaders, Mixed Gym Leaders, and Special Singles are available

Pokemon Glazed also made our list of the best Pokemon GBA ROM hacks.

8. Pokémon Blazed Glazed

Pokemon Blazed Glazed rom hack of Emerald Hack that has some new features and added general improvements. The game’s plot and most of the dialog and tilesets are mostly unedited.

Features

• Newer moves available in this game from gens 4-6
• New Pokemon make an appearance
• Stat changes
• Movepool additions
• Typing changes now available
• Altered wild distributions
• Move-sets and rosters completely changed – makes the early game less punishing and increases the challenge of the late game

Also be sure to check out our list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks with increased shiny odds.

9. Pokemon Prism

Pokémon Prism is a Pokemon GBC ROM hack of Pokemon Crystal (originally a ROM-Hack of Pokémon Gold) that comes to life through the innovative efforts of Koolboyman. It made our list of the best Pokemon Crystal ROM hacks as well

Set in the enchanting region of Naljo, this game serves as a sequel to Pokémon Brown, offering players an exciting second quest in Rijon. The Pokédex features 253 Pokémon from the first four generations, alongside new Elemental Types and TMs.

Players can also enjoy fresh mini-games and engaging plot twists where they control a Pokémon. The Twitch Plays Pokémon development team contributed to the game’s creation, with Koolboyman taking the lead as project manager.

On December 21, 2016, Nintendo issued a cease & desist order, halting the game’s development. However, an anonymous 4chan user leaked v0.91 (build 0144) of the game, which was dated December 19, 2016.

The leaked build is fully functional, but lacks certain features that would have been included in the final version, such as updated sprites, missing trigger events for trainers, and a post-game mission from Lance intended for future official builds. Version 0.94, developed by RainbowDevs—the new development team for Pokémon Prism—has been released, fixing most bugs in the leaked version. Versions 0.92 and 0.93 were also developed by RainbowDevs.

This captivating tale follows Prism, the child of a renowned Pokémon Trainer. After being trapped by a landslide in an unknown region, they discover the developing region of Naljo, a place striving for pure industrialization. Upon finding a lost Larvitar, Prism embarks on a mission to collect 20 badges across various regions while mending the ills of this troubled world.

Be sure to also check out our list of the best Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver ROM hacks.

Features

• Explore the new region of Naljo (this region is larger than Johto), featuring a whole 10 original cities, caves, forests, routes, and tons of secrets
• The region of Rijon from Pokémon Brown make another appearance in Pokemon Prism, as well as to Johto and Kanto, and Tunod from another popular back Pokémon Glazed
• Find and catch 253 Pokémon from genss 1-4 (including Sylveon) and a few legendary fakemon
• New clock system
• Pokémon only areas – play as your Pokemon and access areas in the game that only Pokemon can enter
• Three new types introduced to Gen II mechanics – Gas, Sound, and Fairy
• New abilities, moves, items, TMs and HMs
• New Pokédex known as the Naljo Dex
• New characters, with some originals returning from the Pokémon Brown rom hack
• 100 hidden Gold Tokens to find
• Trainer abilities – Mine, smelt, and craft
• Side scrolling areas
• New sprites and animations for Pokémon from gens 3, 4 and 6
• 12 trainer visual options

10. Pokémon Light Platinum

Pokemon Light Platinum may seem like it’s a Pokemon Platinum rom hack based on its name, but it’s actually a Pokémon Ruby ROM hack in disguise. Tons of new features were included in the completed version and some gen 4 Pokemon make an appearance.

Features

• A brand new region called Zhery
• New leaders, the Elite Four, and new rivals
• Pokémons of all regions include – Johto, Kanto, Hoen, and Sinnoh
• Take trips to other regions
• Catch all of the Legendary Pokémon
• Brand new Pokemon sprites
• New events introduced
• New tiles used in the game
• A brand new final event included called the Pokemon World Championship

11. Pokemon Uranium

While technically not like the other Pokémon games rom hacks on this list, Pokemon Uranium is a free fan game that was made in RPG Maker XP and uses a tool called Pokemon Essentials. This game is absolutely incredible and ended up on our list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks with Fakemon as well.

The story takes place in the Tandor region where you try to collect 8 different gym badges to compete in the regional championship. As you progress, you work to fill up the Pokedex with more than 190 different unique Pokemon.

Professor Bamb’o is the regional expert on Pokemon and has been looking for a trainer to help gather specimens of the wildlife. You volunteer and along with your rival named Theo head out with your starter Pokemon.

Things aren’t exactly as they seem though and new mysteries emerge as you progress. A new power plant is built and evil pokemon corrupt by nuclear radiation begin to threaten citizens nearby.

Features

• Pokemon trainer test
• A brand new type of Pokemon called the Nuclear type
• New moves and abilities available
• PokéPod, Poké Radar, Pokémon Speech Translator make an appearance
• Nuzlocke Mode for hardcore players
• Mega Evolution makes an appearance in this gem of a game
• Sidequests to play through if you wish

If you’re a fan of Pokemon Uranium, you’ll also like our list of the best Pokemon Fusion ROM hacks as well!

12. Pokémon Phoenix Rising

Pokémon Phoenix Rising is on the list of impressive fan games and is on our list of the best Pokemon DS ROM hacks. Similar to Pokemon Uranium, Phoenix Rising was developed using RPG Maker XP and the Pokemon Essentials engine.

The Council of Oracles have maintained peace in Hawthorne for many years. There are many who believe the Oracles need to be removed from power. They are then challenged by a family led by a man who calls himself the King and claims to be from royalty himself. The Royal Family promises to unite Hawthorne and develop it into a powerful force among larger nations.

Despite their oppressive distant past, people in the region start to stand behind the Royal Family. It is time for the High Oracle Anastasia to reunite her Council and regain their grip of peace, or surrender to the pages of history opening once more.

Features

• Your choices change the course of the game
• You can customize your playable character
• Skill trees
• A solid quest system
• A new item called PokeStrap

13. Pokémon Revolution Online

Pokemon Revolution Online allows you to play the class Pokemon games online with others with many added features. The community for PRO is still strong all these years later and thousands of players are still playing regularly. Custom in-game events keep things fresh and fun.

There’s something special about playing through the Pokemon games online with tons of others.

Features

• Play through Pokémon games with others online
• Message other players and meet new friends, competitive PvP battles, custom in-game events, fun new experience
• Catch Legendary/Mythical Pokemon – Mew, Celebi, one of Raikou, Entei or Suicune, one of Regirock, Regice, or Registeel, Jirachi, one of Latios or Latias, Phione, Heatran, one of Azelf, Uxie or Mesprit, Genesect, and Manaphy are all currently obtainable
• Each server has its own database where data is stored separately meaning that each has its own community and its own economy unique to it
• Trade Pokemon with other players online

Summary

We’ve included some of what we believe are the best other rom hacks available as of right now. If we missed any that you believe should be on here, feel free to leave a comment down below letting us know. If you’re looking for some other ROM hacks that aren’t just Pokemon, check out our list of the best sites for roms!

While some of the Pokémon games we shared here technically might not be Pokemon rom hacks, they seemed necessary to include on this list for new players to know about. Have fun playing!

Also be sure to check out our list of the best Pokemon 3DS ROM hacks.