Old-schoolPokémongames are nostalgic trips for many fans with a charming simplicity that’s been long-lost in the mainline games.
Fortunately, ROM hacks exist, and talented community members use them to spin their own stories in the Pokémon universe. Sadly, many of these games are never finished or have major bugs.
If you want to ensure the ROM hack you choose is a certified banger, here’s a selection of the best ones to try in 2024.
There are far more ROM hacks than I could realistically test and play. I have experience with every game on this list, but don’t be offended if I’ve missed your favorites, as I’ve probably not given them a go yet!
10Pokémon Pinball Generations
Rumble Pack Sounds Intensify
Key Information
ShantyTown
ROM Hack Type
Pokemon Pinball GBC
Download Link
Pokémon Pinballis a game many have fond memories of, and the Generations ROM hack is an easy way to inject some life into the title.
Generationsadds two tables to the originalPokémon Pinballandthe entire Gen II Pokédex. The regular tables and dex are untouched, so the ROM hack feels like an expansion.
Pokémon Pinball Generationsdoes have limitations. The new tables are basically recolours, and the Gen II Pokémon don’t have the correct cries.
That said, the robust modding tools for the mainline Pokémon games simply don’t exist for Pinball, so this makes sense.
While not the flashiest ROM hack on the list,Pokémon Pinball Generationsoffersa great reason to revisit the title.
9Pokémon Sienna
A Great Introduction To Fakemon
Manipulation
Fakemon are custom Pokémon and are a surprisingly divisive addition to any ROM hack.Pokémon Siennais full of them, but most are well-made and creative, making the region of Voultan feel fresh and new.
Siennaoffers awonderful spin on the typical Pokémon story. You’ve just had your application to join the Kanto Pokémon Academy rejected, so you head out into the world to become stronger.
You may feel overwhelmed by all the unique Fakemon, but Sienna’s difficulty isn’t too far removed from the mainline entries.Team Rocketmakes an appearance, and the story feels new but familiar.
Voultan also has plenty of unique traits, like PokeMarts each having a unique inventory. There’s alsoan expansive endgamethat offers a satisfying conclusion to the academy storyline.
8Pokémon SORS
You’ve Never Seen A ROM hack Like This
Pokémon SORSis the second game in the Vytroverse series and looks so different fromFire Redthat it’s hard to believe it’s just a mod.
SORStells a very different story from what you’re used to in Pokémon. You play as a Trainer called Asher, whose mom commands a powerful criminal group.
Asher’s relationship with his mom is a huge part of the tale, and you’re not simply going through the motions of becoming a Pokémon master.
Gyms are replaced with a region-wide tournament, and you must frequently show up for qualifiers during your journey. I adore this spin on the old formula, and that’s not allSORSbrings to the table.
There are new Pokémon types, an epilogue-style campaign, and a respectable list ofoptional side quests.
If you want to take part in a more personal story than your average Pokémon game, this is a great title to do it with.
7Pokémon Orange Islands
How Well Do You Know The Anime?
5.7 (Complete)
Many Pokémon ROM hacks try to follow the TV show with various levels of success. Admittedly, I’ve played a few stinkers over the years andOrange Islandsis the best to do it so far.
Pokémon Orange Islandsis a story-driven game thatfollows the show to the letter. Every main plot is beautifully reimagined, and many subplots and episode-specifics are included.
As you may expect,Orange Islandsis an easy ROM hack, but that’s the intention. The low difficulty makes this a superb title to try if you’re new to custom Pokémon content or don’t want to get spanked by the tougher mods.
My knowledge of the show is admittedly lacking compared to die-hard fans, but I’m happy to report that there’s something for everyone, even if you don’t possess encyclopedic Pokémon knowledge.
6Pokémon Blazed Glazed
A Dimension-Bending Combat-Centric Adventure
Pokémon Blazed Glazedis a tough Rom hack, and your battle skills will be tested. It’s also a gigantic game withthree regionsand aPokédexfeaturing Pokémon from Gen I all the way to Gen V.
Compared to other entries on this list,Blazed Glazedis a little light on the story, focusing on intense Pokémon battles. Fortunately, you’re able to still grind, and there are handy lighthouses with repeatable trainer battles dotted all over the region.
While the story takes a backseat, that doesn’t mean overworld activities are lazy. Team Fusion are formidable villains, and there are even unique items that replace HMs.
Blazed Glazedis challenging, especially during the start when your options are pretty limited. However, it never feels too unfair and is worth slogging through.
New Rumor Says Netflix’s Live-Action Pokémon Is Still In Development
A new rumor suggests Netflix’s live-action Pokémon series remains in development.
5Pokémon Saiph 2
Let’s Return To The Vytroverse
1.4.0 (Complete)
We already looked atPokémon SORS, but if you’re hungry for another entry in the Vytroverse, check out the sequel,Pokémon Saiph 2.
LikeSORS,Saiph 2boasts such deep customization that it’s easy to forget you’re even playing a ROM hack. Thebold move was made to remove gyms altogether, soSaiph 2strongly emphasizes storytelling.
You crash-land on the Regris region at the start of the game and set out to rescue your lost Pokémon. Regris is an intricate map, and no two POIs feel the same.
Even without gyms, battles are still intense, and there are plenty of crucial encounters to ensure your team doesn’t fall behind in levels.
Saiph 2doesn’t skimp on optional content, either. There’s even a"Vigilante" mode, which basically gives the gameNuzlockesettings.
Saiph 2is arguably the strongest entry in the Vytroverse, and while previous events are referenced, you’re fine to start your journey here. There’s also a ton of post-game content to sift through, including a bonus region andBattle Frontier.
4Pokémon FireRed: Rocket Edition
colonelsalt
1.0.2 (Final)
Even the most creative ROM hacks tend to follow the same formula, and you’re usually destined to beat the Pokémon league sooner or later.Pokémon FireRed: Rocket Editionflips this idea on its head.
Youplay as a member of Team RocketinRocket Editionand follow Red’s story from a completely different perspective. The dialogue is genuinely funny at times, but the best part of this ROM hack is thatyou can steal Pokémon.
No Pokémon is sacred; you can even robProfessor Oak!
Rocket Editionhas no real post-game content, which is a shame, as the main game is so enjoyable. Still, the titledoesn’t overstay its welcomeand is a superb showcase of how creative ROM hacks can be.
3Pokémon Gaia
A Legendary Rock Pokémon Stirs
Spherical Ice
Pokémon Gaiais an exceptional ROM hack set in the Orbtus region. The stakes are high. A group known as the New Elders wants to unleash a legendary force to return the world to a time when people and Pokémon were equals, and it’s up to you to stop them.
Gaiaplays like a typical Pokémon game despite the dramatic premise, but on a fresh new map.Orbtus is a superb regionwith everything from icy caves to seaside towns, and there’sa massive Pokédexspanning multiple generations. I won’t spoil it here, but the threat to Orbtus is built up well, and the villains are well-written.
Combat is a little tougherthan the mainline games, and many trainers have movesets with decent synergy. There are plenty of modern additions, likeMega Evolutionsand a story that ends nicely at the Pokémon League.
2Pokémon Dreams
A Personal Favorite
MonopolyRubix
I’m not a massive fan of difficulty hacks and prefer my Pokémon games with minimal grind. If you’re in the same boat as me, you will enjoyPokémon Dreams.
Dreams drops you into the new region of Solda, which boastsover 800 Pokémon from Gen I to VII. The story is nothing new, but Team Coil is a decent group of antagonists whose motives are surprisingly fleshed out.
There’s agenerous serving of puzzlesalong the way, and you’re always rewarded for wandering off the beaten track. You get EXP Share right at the start of the game and can spice up future playthroughs with a selection of modifiers.
Dreamsis hands down my favorite Pokémon ROM hack. It’s the only game on the list I’ve finished multiple times, and I recommend it to anyone looking to dip their toes into custom Pokémon content.
What could top the almightyPokémon Dreams? If you know your ROM hacks, you probably know what’s coming next.
1Pokémon Unbound
The Gold Standard
Pokémon Unboundmay not be the newest ROM hack, but it’s a shining example of the quality that these titles can achieve.
Unboundoccurs in the Borrius region, and everything is built from the ground up.The map and towns are unique, as is the fantastic soundtrack.
I would believe you if you told meUnboundwas a Nintendo Licensed product. It simply looks and feels like a jam-packed mainline entry.
Gyms have clever gimmicks, like a dense fog, which incentivizes accuracy buffs or specific Pokémon abilities. There’s even a vast list of optional quests outside the main story.
There are dozens of options to tailor gameplay to your preference. Easy difficulty is akin to regular games, but you can make it much harder.
Honestly, the story is a little involved for my taste, but this is a ROM hack you can get lost in, and there’s never a dull moment.
If you’ve never dipped your toes into ROM hacks or had a bad experience in the past, giveUnbounda shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Pokemon Radical Red Guide
Classic Pokemon, but way, WAY tougher!
