Thanks to the passionate and talented Pokemon community, there are many amazing Pokemon ROM Hacks that you can have endless fun with without ever getting bored!
This way, you can try something new all the time and take your gaming experience to the next level.
These ROM hacks take months, if not years to be ready for the public, which is why those who build them deserve all the praise and gratitude.
If you are on the look for some of the best ROM hacks on the internet, you’re in the right place as we’ve gathered some of our all time favorites.
Some of them have been tweaked and improved in a more subtle manner, while others will feel like they are entirely new games, so depending on what you’re looking for, there is something for everyone here.
Furthermore, if you are rather new to Pokemon ROM hacks and Pokemon emulators, there is no reason to worry, as this guide will tell you everything you need to know.
All you need to do is download the ROMs you are interested in and use the right emulator on your computer, phone, or favorite retro handheld device, and you’ll be able to play them without a problem!
While the online space is filled with a multitude of Pokemon ROM hacks, all impressive in their own ways, it’s safe to say that some are better and more interesting than others, and you’ll find some of the best here!
Even if you usually prefer to play the official games and are not used to ROM Hacks for your favorite game, you might be surprised to realize just how much they can bring to the table, especially if you feel like you’re starting to get bored of playing the vanilla version.
At the end of the day, you have nothing to lose if you decide to play at least some of them!
Here you will find all the information you need to choose the ROM hack most suitable for your play style as well, making the vetting process as easy and straightforward as possible.
Furthermore, the ones mentioned in the list below are amongst the best ROM Hacks of this year based on their download numbers, ratings, mentions and recommendations from other happy users so you can trust they really are quite great!
It is also possible that you are into Pokemon games but don’t have access to many of them released on different consoles and mobile devices due to the fact that they are not free to play.
Of course, purchasing them is always a good idea since it supports your favorite devs but if this hobby is getting a little too expensive with the release of so many new games, this is where Pokemon ROM Hacks become a useful solution for many.
Without further ado, here are some of the best Pokemon ROM Hacks of this year that you are sure to enjoy, in no particular order!
Just check out the information we have about them, figure out which one or ones you want to try out and go for it!
You are sure to have a great time playing any of them!
- Pokemon Prism
The first mention on our list, Pokemon Prism, is a hack of Pokemon Crystal and so, the story is also most likely taken from it.
In the storyline, you play as Lance’s child, who is the Pokemon Champion in Crystal.
The player character name is Naljo Region and the goal is to discover a lost Larvitar and become its master.
But that’s not all! You also have to solve the mystery surrounding this world while also on your journey to becoming a Pokemon Master.
This ROM Hack features no less than 250 Pokemon from Generation I until IV.
This means exactly what you think it means – they managed to make sprites for all of those Pokemons.
Furthermore, there are even some mini games you can enjoy and this version comes with a few original music tracks as well!
Pokemon Prism has been popular ever since it was first introduced on the internet, which is years ago!
While the graphics might look a little outdated, it’s the storyline that makes this ROM hack pass the test of time.
- Pokemon AshGray
This ROM Hack is a great choice for those who love the first Pokemon anime series known as Indigo League, and wish to get the same vibes in game form.
Pokemon AshGray is based on FireRed and the storyline follows the same events of the beloved anime.
Also based on the same anime, the game’s reward system will reward the player whenever they use Ash’s Pokemon in some of the battles.
Of course, if that’s not really your vibe, you don’t have to worry about following this rule since the game allows you to build your own unique team as well!
Players can capture all the Pokemon Ash captures in the anime series too which unfortunately also means that any Pokemon or Generation released after the anime stopped airing will not be part of this ROM Hack.
However, if that is not an issue for you and you want to take advantage of your extensive knowledge of the anime specifically, you will get a lot of enjoyment out of playing Pokemon AshGray.
Other notable features are: the updated game sprites and visuals and the fact that tools replace HMs.
- Pokemon DarkFire
If you are looking for a newer ROM Hack, this might just be the one for you since it was released sometime in mid to late 2021.
Pokemon DarkFire used Pokemon Emerald as its base and won’t fail to notice the updated graphics either since the improvement is so obvious.
This game takes place in the Region of Tenjo and the goal is to solve the mystery of some Pokemon going wild or not obeying their masters.
This ROM Hack is a great choice for those who prefer a darker story in their games as well.
Furthermore, another way in which it differentiates itself from other games is the fact that there are no Pokemon Gyms.
This makes it quite an atypical Pokemon game but the main point is that you still use Region of Tenjo throughout the story.
Many of the features have been updated up until Gen 7 as well.
Other notable features: you can run indoors, EV is cap at 252 and Gyms are replaced by Battle Tournaments.
- Pokemon Team Rocket Edition
If you have ever imagined playing the classic Pokemon Red game but from Team Rocket’s point of view, this is exactly what this ROM hack will do for you, making that wish a reality.
Pokemon Team Rocket Edition is pretty much a remake of Pokemon Fire Red.
When playing this game, you will be a member of Team Rocket and will get to cheat and steal your way to the very top, getting to experience this side of things and engaging with many members of the gang.
The storyline is really unique and immersive and you should experience it all by yourself without spoilers but one thing is certain – you will learn a lot more about Team Rocket than you’ve ever imagined!
The gameplay will also allow you to come across many different fan base conspiracy theories while also stealing the Pokemon of other players and meeting many of the characters you already know and love but from an entirely different perspective, of course!
Basically, what this ROM hack does is take the classic game you are so familiar with and flips it on its head.
- Pokemon Gaia
The Pokemon community seems to really love Fire Red hacks since Pokemon Gaia is yet another one of those.
However, the way this ROM Hack differentiates itself is by having a bigger twist than most others on the internet.
The storyline starts with Professor Redwood discovering that there is a region seismic activity increase and asking Pokemon trainers in the area to learn the reason why this is happening.
Furthermore, this game also introduces brand new Pokemon from Johto, Hoenn, Kanto, Sinnoh, Kalos and Kalos, allowing you to put together a team that brings together characters from all generations.
In addition to that, you can also teach them modern day abilities and also mega evolve them all in battle!
Other great features that this ROM Hack has to offer are: all sprites, HM’s, moves, building illustrations and trainers are updated to give them a different look from other Fire Red hacks out there.
Furthermore, the game also allows you to do unique things like discovering underwater regions and also climb walls.
- Pokemon Light Platinum
If you are looking for a game based on Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire, this is the one for you!
After all, Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire was a true classic of the Gameboy Advance and gamers all over the world loved it, selling more than 16 million units!
If that is any indication of how great Pokemon Light Platinum also is, you are sure to enjoy playing it!
This ROM Hack lets the player travel across two different regions – Zhery and Lauren – and the one behind the hack, the legendary WesleyFG, has even added new leaders, the so called Elite Four, some of the most well known rivals, as well as many different Pokemon from Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova and Kanto.
This means you will likely never run out of new Pokemon to catch and add to your team!
And if all of that is not enough to convince you to give this a try, you should also know that Pokemon Light Platinum also allows players to travel across new dimensions and catch all legendary Pokemon out there!
Furthermore, it even features an exciting final event dubbed as the Pokemon World Championship!
- Pokemon Dreams
This ROM Hack’s storyline is about the player character’s dream to follow in their big brother’s footsteps and become a true Pokemon Master as well!
Of course, they will not walk this path alone as along the way, they are bound to meet many trusty friends but also enemies and everything in between.
Have fun exploring the Region of Solda and become that respected Pokemon Master you’ve always wanted to be!
As for the Pokemon you can catch and add to your team, you’ll be pleased to know there are around 800 of them available, some of them even going up to Gen 7!
You can also use the 30 Fakemon in the game.
Furthermore, The Dexnav from the ORAS games appears in this story as well.
In fact, many of the elements that make this game are the same but that is not to say that there isn’t a lot of post game content you can have fun with!
Other notable features of this ROM Hack: physical and special split, mega evolution and the fact that Ems are also reusable!
- Pokemon Moon Emerald
As the name seems to suggest, Pokemon Moon Emerald is another ROM Hack based on Pokemon Emerald.
It also uses the same storyline and many of the original’s assets.
However, that is not a bad thing in the slightest because at the end of the day, this ROM Hack still adds a lot of new features you can have fun with so they are not one and the same!
For instance, you will have an increased chance to find a Shiny Pokemon and several Pokemon from Gen 4 to Gen 7 have also been included.
For this game, your starters are Rowlet, Poppolio, and Litten.
Furthermore, there is Mega Evolution that comes with Mega Evolution Stones and you also have Alolan Forms available!
- Pokemon Glazed
Pokemon Glazed is another amazing found, all about a mystery and the confusion that comes with it
when an unexpected issue happens in the region.
More precisely, the unknown power seems to be sending both the real world and the Pokemon world on a collision course.
The player’s goal is to learn why this is the case while exploring ancient ruins, catching mystery Pokemon and even a scarfed Pikachu!
On your 12th birthday, you will be able to choose from five total different starters.
Furthermore, the Pokemon found in the world come from the Johto, Rankor, and Tunod regions, which means you’ll have an exciting mix of Pokemon to add to your team.
And that’s not even all! This specific ROM hack even features “Dream World” Pokemon that might give you a hint about the storyline you’ll get to explore playing this game.
- Pokemon Gold and Silver 97: Reforged
This double feature on the list is actually categorized as a GBC ROM hack.
All in all, they are both amazing games and they just had to be kept together due to the fact that they are duo games just like the originals – FireRed and LeafGreen, Red and Blue and others.
In fact, most of the contents are pretty much the same ones and the storyline comes from the original Space World demo from back in 1997, hence the 97 in the name.
Keep in mind that different Pokemon will spawn depending on the game you play.
Furthermore, the ones featured are only Pokemon from up to gen 2 but overall, it’s still a great experience you are sure to enjoy for many hours.
Extra features: more trainers, as well as space world maps have been added.
- Pokemon GS Chronicles
GS Chronicles is actually meant to be a homage to all those Gen 2 games you love, the G being for Gold while the S is for Silver.
Even better news, you will be able to play as the female character introduced during that same Gen 2, Krys!
With that being said, you can rest assured that this ROM Hack game delivers a lot of the charm of Gen 2 games as well as some features like being able to make acorns into Poke Balls, the night and day cycle and more!
While the storyline is mostly the same, you may notice some dialogue changes.
The true benefit of this game, however, is that the Pokemon Roster was increased to more than 400 but only until Gen 4.
Other extra features you may enjoy include: Dynamax and Gigantamax, Mega Evolution and Move Tutors in every Poke Center.
- Pokemon Fused Dimensions
Pokemon Fused Dimensions is quite a unique choice for a list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks of this year.
What truly makes this game appealing is that you use Fakemon, more precisely, Pokemon that have been used!
It uses FR as its base ROM which means that the storyline is the same as FireRed and LeafGreen.
For instance, you can use a Pikachu fused with a Gloom as well as others.
Naturally, this feature is really interesting and fun, but that’s not the only attractive point of it as the gameplay has also been tweaked to make it more balanced.
Of course all the same elements apply but make sure to check out what all these unique Fakemon can use and learn!
Other notable features: the Gen 8 EXP system, the Physical/Special Split, and the fact that you can catch no less than 226 Fused Pokemon!
- Pokemon Sovereign of the Skies
Pokemon Sovereign of the Skies is another fun ROM hack to play, thanks to the engaging storyline and improved graphics.
First, you learn that the world in Sovereign of the Skies is in quite a bit of turmoil due to the fact that the Guardians of Amitec were no longer able to keep the peace.
At the same time, the villains, Team Tundra, are just out there, swiping the Sacred Shards of Celestis.
With all that being said, your character’s mission is to catch Pokemon while also trying to keep the peace and more!
As part of this ROM hack, character sprites have also been altered and you’ll also find that during some dialogue, portraits of some of them will appear.
In addition, Mega Developments, Protomorphosis, and other such features have also been added.
Speaking of features, here are a few others you may enjoy: a day/night cycle, the Pokemon roster goes all the way up to Gen 7 and the battle mechanics have also
been updated to Gen 7.