I’ve been playing around with the best Pokemon ROM Hacks for years now, and each of them never fail to do something new.
That’s thanks to the incredibly talented Pokemon community who spend months, if not years building these ROM hacks in order to help gamers get through those rough times.
These Pokemon ROM hacks are some of the best on the internet. Here you’ll find a list of our favourites. Some have been tweaked slightly, and some feel like completely new games.
If you’re new to Pokemon ROM hacks and the best Pokemon emulators, then do not worry.
All you need is to download the ROMs using the links under each section and then use the correct emulator on your phone, PC/Mac, or even on the best retro handhelds in order to play them.
So let’s dive into some of the best Pokemon ROM hacks you can play right now on your emulators or games consoles.
We have featured links to eBay where you can buy custom fan made carts with ROM hacks installed, and we earn a small commission from these purchases. You can also find the files to these ROM hacks online for free.
1. Pokemon Team Rocket Edition
Imagine playing the classic Pokemon Red game, but in Team Rocket’s shoes? Well, now you can because of the incredible Pokemon community!
Technically Pokemon Team Rocket Edition is a remake of Pokemon Fire Red, but that was a remake of Red, so I’ll let you decide on that one!
In this game you play as a member of Team Rocket. Here you will steal, and cheat your way to the top, engaging with many members of the evil gang. I don’t want to ruin much of the storyline because it’s one you just have to play, but in this game you’ll learn more about Team Rocket than you can ever imagine.
You come across a wide number of fan based conspiracy theories, you steal players Pokemon, and you come across some very familiar characters in a different perspective.
This takes a classic game, and flips it on its head. If you’re a fan of one of the best Gameboy Color games, I recommend giving this a go.
2. Pokemon Light Platinum
Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire was a classic for the Gameboy Advance and sold over 16 million units, which just goes to show how good it was.
If you’re looking for a game that’s based around that incredible game then Pokemon Light Platinum is the one to go for.
This Pokemon ROM Hack allows you to travel across not one, but two regions known as Zhery and Lauren. WesleyFG, the legend behind this rom hack has also added in new leaders, the Elite Four, rivals which you may remember and a boat load of Pokemon from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova.
That’s a lot of Pokemon!
If that wasn’t enough, this game allows you to travel across new dimensions, catch every single legendary Pokemon up to Unova and it features a huge final event called the Pokemon World Championship.
This event rounds of the game nicely and makes you feel accomplished once completed. This is one of the best Pokemon ROM Hacks for those of you that love Ruby & Sapphire!
3. Pokemon Mega Power
Pokemon Mega Power takes everything we love from Pokemon Emerald and turns it up to 11!
Weirdly, and this is where things get a little darker, Pokemon get more powerful as you experiment on them.
Someone is pumping loads of cash into your bank account so that you can do scientific tests on your Pocket Monsters. Do they want to help you and Pokemon kind, or are they just making a super squadron army to do their bidding?
With not one, not two, but three new regions to explore and all the critters from generations four to seven, this is an exciting alternative adventure for players who love Emerald to sink their teeth into!
4. Pokemon Unbound
Pokemon Unbound takes the 4th spot in our best Pokemon ROM hacks list, and it’s one of the most customisable Pokemon games I’ve ever played!
The world of Borrius takes the stage in this game. I know it sounds a little like the world’s worst super hero name, but stick with me because it’s a great region!
Like so many titles in this list, Unbound uses FireRed as a basis for its gameplay. You can pick from tonnes of different characters, and costumes, customising your trainer to your heart’s content.
There are 80 missions to complete and everything just feels fresh compared to the tried and tested formula. Even the way you collect HMs has changed, and it just works!
5. Pokemon Gaia
It seems the Pokemon community really like Fire Red hacks, and this is another one, just with a much bigger “twist” than most.
The ROM hack starts with Professor Redwood noticing an increase in the region seismic activity and asks local Pokemon trainers to figure out why.
This game introduces new Pokemon from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova and even Kalos, making your team a huge mix from all generations. With that comes the ability to teach them modern day abilities and even mega evolve them in battle.
This ROM hack updates all of the sprites, moves, HM’s, trainers and building illustrations too, giving it a slightly different look compared to other Fire Red hacks.
One of my personal favourite additions is that fact you can climb walls, and even discover underwater regions too!
It’s worth a download, because hey, it’s on our top 5!
6. Pokemon Glazed
This is a game that I stumbled across and absolutely loved. Pokemon Glazed is about mystery and confusion when an unexpecting problem occurs throughout the region.
A mysterious power is sending the Pokemon world and the real world on a collision course and it’s your goal to find out why all while exploring ancient ruins, mysterious Pokemon and a scarfed Pikachu that’s angrier than a mini chihuahua.
When you get to your 12th birthday you’re able to choose from not 3, not 4 but 5 different starters, and the Pokemon throughout your world come from the Tunod, Johto and Rankor regions giving you a very odd mix of Pokemon to catch.
This Pokemon ROM hack has also introduced “Dream World” Pokemon which may give you a slight insight into the story line.
If new Pokemon wasn’t enough you can also catch all legendaries from Kanto to Sinnoh and eight more from the Unova region.
This is one to add to your collection if you’re looking for more of the best Pokemon ROM hacks to add to your collection. The story line won it for me!
7. Pokemon Dark Rising
Do you ever have really weird dreams about Pokemon? Yeah, so do I, but imagine a game based off a dream where a Pokemon asks to you to help it save the world?
The average person would probably think it was a nightmare, but that to me sounds like the best dream ever. Pokemon Dark rising bases its storyline off of just that, so when you talk to your best friend about it, it turns out he had the exact same dream!
This ROM hack might not be as “big” as some others on the list but that doesn’t devalue the gaming experience at all. In this game there’s over 380 Pokemon to catch, from regions such as Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh and Unova.
It stays close to the classic Pokemon storyline, which features Gyms, bad guys and puzzles. But what makes this ROM hack so good is that it brings modern day Pokemon, moves and features into the game, with a polished look.
This is a ROM hack for those of you that want to keep it old school, but like some of the newer generations features such as Dream World abilities etc.
8. Pokemon Flora Sky
Pokemon Flora Sky starts off with a battle between the legendary Pokemon Dialga and Palkia. Once the epic battle has finished they leave behind a open portal between the Town World unleashing Giratina into the region which comes with a lot of problems.
It’s your job to close the portal before it’s too late, all while training your Pokemon and coming up against Team Magma and Aqua who are trying to catch legendary Pokemon to take over the world.
The ROM hack features a never seen before story line, new events featuring a wide number of legendary Pokemon such as Mew, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Shaymin and more.
The world is filled with over 380 Pokemon for you to catch, new mini games, new moves, items, HM’s and a wide number of new characters which you’ll come to love/hate.
They have even added a day/night system which triggers events based on the time and location you are in, making the game feel random in a very natural way.
This is one of the best Pokemon ROM hacks for those that want a simple, and easy to understand story line. One which you can just relax playing through.
9. Pokemon Brown
Pokemon Brown is known by many, as it’s one of the oldest Pokemon ROM hacks around. It’s based off of the classic Gameboy game but with some minor changes to the storyline.
The game takes place in the new region of Rijon, it introduced ten new cities, one Johto city and over 20 new routes to explore. With that comes seven new types of Pokemon that were not featured in Pokemon Red/Blue.
Imagine a new region in Pokemon Red, with new characters, new Pokemon, different music tracks, new landscapes and a huge storyline that you’ve never heard of. That’s Pokemon Brown.
It doesn’t get updated as much as other ROM hacks, and although it feels as if it has been left out, that’s only because it’s already a great game that doesn’t need much tweaking.
It has that old, vintage feeling from the 90’s and that’s what attracts many to this ROM hack, it’s different, but feels nostalgic at the same time.
10. Pokemon Prism
Pokemon Prism is one of the most popular ROM hacks out there, not only because its been around for a while but because it is one of the best Pokemon ROM hacks out there.
The storyline is based on a young kid who was playing on their uncle’s mine cart when it suddenly spins out of control and ends up in a brand new region called Naljo. This region is corrupt and you end up finding a lost Larvitar which helps you bring back Naljo to its good old ways.
This region is in fact far bigger than Johto, it features over 250 Pokemon from four different regions and adds Fairy, Gas and Sound types of Pokemon which is awesome. Sound as a type is genius and why Nintendo hasn’t thought of it is beyond us!
Throughout your journey, like any other ROM hack you’ll discover puzzles, new areas, legendary Pokemons and these things called Gold coins which allow you to unlock sme really cool stuff.
There’s only 80 in the whole game, so spend them wisely!
If that wasn’t enough this game adds crafting, new mini games, and side scrolling areas to make it completely different to other competitor ROM hacks!
11. Pokemon Phoenix Rising
Phoenix Rising is a free fan-made episodic Pokémon RPG developed using RPG Maker XP and the Pokémon Essentials engine.
The game is set in a new region known as Hawthorne and boasts changes to the original main-series Pokémon formula to include a more traditional RPG theme as well as many new features.
This is one of the best Pokemon ROM hacks around, period. The time, and effort put into this is beyond incredible and the team behind it should be very proud.
It looks like a completely new game, and you could probably tell us Game Freak developed it themselves, and I’d believe you! The graphics and overall look is based off the Nintendo DS, so it looks far more modern than most on this list.
This ROM hack features a wide number of cool things, for example there are choice determined gameplay moments, character customisation, skill trees and multiple save files.
But the best bit comes with mega evolutions, region evolutions and relic forms too! For example, there’s Mega Arcanine, Ho-Oh Arisen Form, Mega Flygon, Relic Tentacruel and more, all waiting to be captured!
The only downfall with this one is that it’s fairly new, and only episode 1 has been launched, so as soon as you start to get addicted, you then realise there’s not another episode out yet. The team behind it are working on more episodes, but as with any ROM hack, they don’t get paid to do it, so this will launch when and if it gets finished.
12. Pokemon Radical Red
Eagle-eyed readers will already know all about Pokemon Radical Red after reading our list of the best Pokemon Radical Red cheats.
I’m not saying that cheating is the only way to play this game, but it certainly makes things a lot more exciting! And, the ROM hack is a little difficult, so we’re not going to hold it against you if you do cheat!
One new feature that I love in this ROM hack is the Pokenav – it’s a little device that works like your favourite Maps app on your phone and helps you find the best Pokemon for the job!
For all fans of FireRed that wished it was a little harder and a little more ‘Radical’, then give this hack a go!
13. Pokemon Revolution Online
Did you ever think that you’d see a Pokemon MMO based on the first four Pokemon regions?
Well, maybe you did… I guess that’s why you’re here, after all.
For me, Pokemon Revolution Online is the ultimate online RPG. It’s got all the elements of the original games that we know and love and adds new features such as meeting other users and joining specific guilds.
There are regular updates and events for players to take part in. Plus, with four regions to explore, there’s plenty to keep gamers occupied.
The PvP battles look much better than they did back in the day too, almost like they’ve had the Pokemon Go treatment while still sticking to their retro roots.
All in all, this is an epic mod and one that allows you to play Pokemon like never before.
And the best bit… it’s 100% free!
14. Pokemon Rejuvenation
Pokemon Reborn brought crime and lawlessness to the world of pocket monster training.
It was such a success that the team couldn’t rest on their laurels for long, and Pokemon Rejuvenation was born soon after.
With a brand new story to play through, Rejuvenation gives fans the chance to experience what it’s like to rebuild a local town after an ‘act of god’ leaves it in ruins.
While you’re trying to fix things and get people back on their feet, the notorious Team Xen are attempting to plunge the world into greater chaos.
Give it a rest, guys!
While this title ultimately wouldn’t exist without Reborn, I have to admit that I prefer it to its predecessor. The game is colourful, the Pokemon (up to Gen 7) are fun to fight with, and it’s a well made game that fans are sure to love.
15. Pokemon Orange
Pokemon Orange flies into the Number 13 spot on our list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks of all time!
This is an exciting hack of Pokemon Crystal that sees players taking a Pokemon Trainer from Valencia Island around the Orange Archipelago.
It sounds like something that one might visit of the coast of France or Sardinia. I’d totally visit this place if I could, especially if there was a Dragonite waiting for me!
Meet Samson oak and find out just what this GS Ball he’s going on about really is. He’s got a strong Hawaiian vibe about him and looks ready for a drink by the pool, never mind researching Pokemon!
This new adventure is exciting and well thought out. It’s certainly given us lots of fun and hopefully will for you too!
16. Pokemon Reborn
I guess I couldn’t really go any further without talking about Pokemon Reborn in greater detail, especially after I mentioned it so much above!
Yes, Reborn brings a much different feel to the world of Pokemon. Instead of everything being light and happy-go-lucky, there’s a real sinister, dark feel to proceedings.
It’s a little like a crime scene at a stem punk convention, and I bloomin’ love it!
One of the things that you’ll notice about this brand new adventure is the epic music. GlitchxCity has made some belting tunes to go with this game, really emphasising the post-apocalyptic feel of the adventure.
The setting and the clothes the characters are all wearing aren’t the only new changes, however. Pokemon battles are now harder to win than they were before, making players use their brainboxes before pushing that attack button.
Do you think you could train the ultimate team to bring peace back to the region?
17. Pokemon Godra
The wider series of Pokemon games are some of the best RPG titles of our generation. Still, this final entry in our list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks takes the element of choice to a-whole-nother level.
Yes, players have always been able to upgrade Pokemon and collect new abilities and items, but compared to some RPG titles with morality engines and multiple endings, they are a little lacking.
That’s where Pokemon Godra comes in, a mod that gives users sweeping story arcs, multiple paths to follow, and lots of different problems to solve and areas to explore.
In other words, it turns Pokemon into a super RPG on steroids!
Other than just collecting Pokemon, players have a chance to truly play as different roles in the game. Enter into the army, become a member of the Elite Four, or try your hand at shepherding Pokemon around as a Safari Zone worker.
And, instead of just choosing from three starter Pokemon, there’s a whopping 128 to chose from!
Finally; so much choice!
18. Pokemon Crystal Clear
Next up in our esteemed best Pokemon ROM hacks list is Pokemon Crystal Clear, an open world adventure epic based on Pokemon Crystal.
What could be more crystal clear than that!
Do everything from customising your character to visiting gyms in any order and re-challenging leaders once defeated.
with 16 badges to collect and the ability to start your adventure in either Johto or Kanto, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.
Oh, and you can choose from 24 different starter Pokemon too. Sometimes too much choice is a bad thing, but this gives you 24 different ways to play! I’m all for it!
Plus you can spend your hard earned cash on houses now too. It’s Pokemon meets Monopoly!
19. Pokemon Omega Paradox
Unova plays the role of proving ground in our next entry. Play as Cynthia or Drake as you battle back goons from Teams Rocket, Plasma, and Aqua.
Jeez, talk about uneven odds!
Out of all the games in this list, Pokemon Omega Paradox has possibly the coolest sounding feature – the Omega Evolve.
Not only that, but there are 40 brand new Pokemon to discover and catch, as well as new gym leaders, enemies, rivals… pretty much a new everything!
And, as you can see from the still above, the graphics are superb (you can’t see, but I made the Italian gesture you see chefs doing when they make tasty sauce). All in all, a perfect Pokemon package!
20. Pokemon Dark Energy
Pokemon Dark Energy is up next on our list of the best Pokemon ROM Hacks, a GBC ROM hack with gothic vibes and a new twist to the story.
There’s no need to fight to become the champion in this game. Finally, you can take a step back and not worry about becoming the best for once.
Instead, players follow an RPG-esque storyline and must tackle side-quests and take part in active battle modes.
Trade evolutions happen via levelling up instead of messing around with link cables or WiFi trades, and players can make other Pokemon evolve by doing specific missions.
It’s Pokemon Silver, but as you’ve never seen it before!
21. Pokemon Bronze
We all know about Kanto and Johto, but have you ever considered taking a holiday to Kohto?
Oh yes, we’ve got a mash-up on our hands. There are 9 regions to visit in this new game, and you can head back to Kanto via a tunnel and check out the old areas instead.
Bronze usually comes before Gold and Silver in the medal rankings, but this time Pokemon Bronze comes after the original GBC games, bringing new challenges and a harder adventure to tackle.
Thwart Team Rocket in cartridge town, picking from Totodile, Pichu, or Charmander as your starter pokemon!
22. Pokemon Storm Silver
Pokemon Storm Silver is the next title in our list of the best Pokemon ROM Hacks, the partner to another one of our favourite ROM hacks, Sacred Gold.
I’ve picked Storm Silver to go in this list as it’s a little harder than Sacred Gold. With around 500 Pokemon available to collect, this new version of SoulSilver boasts scripted events and epic gameplay elements.
If anything, these games should have dropped as actual DS games. They’re a pleasure to play and don’t require gamers to trade Pokemon with other users in order to complete their collection.
23. Pokemon Sword & Shield GBA
Imagine if Pokemon Sword and Shield had made their debut on the GBA instead of the switch. That’s the general gist of this ROM hack, with Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus appearing in a FireRed hack.
It feels familiar while having lots of new features, including 100 brand new Pokemon, a very daring feat for a ROM hack.
Kick things off with Pooka, a beaver/kitten-esque critter as your starter Pokemon. Move through towns and villages battling Gym Leaders and defend Galar from an evil force.
Dynamax Pokemon, explore during the daytime, and battle Pokemon looking for a fight at night. It’s a neat little idea that, while not as immersive as the real Sword and Shield, gives fans of the Switch games a neat little adventure to kick back with.
24. Pokemon Supernova Sun and Penumbra Moon 3DS
Supernova Sun takes the 22nd spot in our list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks of all time, a version that makes Ultra Sun way more exciting.
Trust me; I know it sounds impossible, but it’s true!
Ok, so when I say more exciting, I kind of mean more challenging. But, let’s be honest, that level of tension is what makes Pokemon games even more exciting!
If you’ve played every game since Red and Blue and need something you can really sink your teeth into, then this game and its companion, Penumbra Moon will really give you some tough times.
Expect harder battles, Pokemon that are trickier to catch and fight, and lots more nasty surprises in store!
25. Pokemon Dark Diamond
Pokemon Dark Diamond provides a much more immersive version of Pokemon Diamond, with players heading out to find a mystical-looking Red Gyrados.
Head out from Twinleaf Town and embark on a wild ride with 493 Pokemon to encounter along the way.
I’ve gotta say, the music on this game is second-to-none too. Add in a new enemy to tackle and lots of NPCs to communicate with, and you’ve got a real classic on your hands.
26. Pokemon Ultra Shiny Gold Sigma
Pokemon Ultra Shiny Gold Sigma should win the prize for the best ROM hack cover of all time. It’s based on four epic games; FireRed, Silver, Gold, and Crystal.
So that’s all my favourite Pokemon games in one ROM hack… what more could I ask for?
Get ready for this too; players can catch over 800 Pokemon in this game. How wild is that! We’re talking all the Pokemon from 1st to 7th Gen available to collect.
The graphics look incredible on this ROM hack too, with new features such as interesting items and cool evolution stones to find along the way.
This is one ROM hack that won’t leave you disappointed. In fact, it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face!
27. Volt White
Pokemon Volt White is up next in our list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks!
With all 649 Pokemon up to this stage available to capture and a difficulty that will make you tear your own teeth out, there’s plenty to keep wannabe Pokemasters going.
We’re talking improved Pokemon battles with enhanced moves and stats for all your favourite monsters. The trainers have all had a stat spruce up too, making them much trickier to beat.
There are plenty of guides and helpful hints out there to completing this game, and you’re going to need them if you want to get to the very end!
28. Pokemon Moon Black 2
Ok, so Pokemon Moon Black 2 isn’t the best name for a ROM hack, but it’s one of our favourite DS hacks of all time and combines the epic adventures in Sun and Moon with Black 2.
We love a hybrid title!
Also (and this one will make you excited), this game has a brand new Pokemon for you to collect, never seen before in any game!
It’s not as cool as 100 new Pokemon, but we’re never ones to look a gift horse in the mouth!
With new moves created specifically for the ROM hack and lots of new trainers to encounter, this stunning-looking game has something for everyone.
Don’t forget the ability to make sweet Mega Evolutions too!
29. Pokemon Ash Grey
One of the things I like the most about this Pokemon FireRed hack is that it follows the first Pokemon Anime series.
That means, as the name suggests, you play as Ash Ketchum and go on lots of crazy adventures with Brock, Misty, and Pikachu in tow!
Sticking incredibly close to the storyline of the series and with elements of the Pokemon movies thrown into the mix, this is the perfect ROM hack for those that love the cartoon more than members of their own family.
You can either catch all of the Pokemon Ash caught in order and stick true to the series or mix it up a little and use the team you wish he had brought along in the cartoon.
There are no fancy features like His or Pokemon from Sapphire and Ruby joining the fray. Ash Grey sticks to the Pokemon available in the initial series, so there’s no chance Eternatus is going to show up to eat Brock or anything!
30. Pokemon Emerald Rogue
Last, but by no means least in our best Pokemon ROM hacks list is Pokemon Emerald Rogue, a roguelike ROM hack that is one of the most addictive hacks I’ve ever played.
What is a roguelike Rom Hack, though?
If you’re a regular Retro Dodo reader, then you’ll know all about roguelike titles like Hades and Dead Cells. Essentially, they are RPG games that revolve around levels that are procedurally generated.
That means that depending on your progress, the levels change according to how well you’re doing.
Essentially, it’s impossible to plan ahead because you have no idea what might be laying in wait further up ahead!
Pokemon Emerald Rogue differs from the main Pokemon games as you don’t move through different towns; players catch Pokemon in a central hub that’s kind of like the Wild Area and then head out on battle challenges.
If you like your skirmishes, then this is a ROM hack that you need in your life!
So there’s a look at the best Pokemon ROM hacks in our opinion. I just want to take this moment to say thank you to all that work hard on these awesome pieces of digital art. It really opens up Pokemon to new and old fans.
If you’re reading this and have worked on one of these feature ROM hacks, then thank you!
Dont forget to let us know your favourite Pokemon ROM hack over on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
A 29 year old fella that’s had a Gameboy addiction ever since he was a child. Brandon is the founder of RetroDodo and created a YouTube channel with 240,000 subscribers dedicated to retro gaming products. He now wants to create the No.1 site to showcase the latest retro products from around the globe.
