25 Best Pokemon ROM Hacks For 2023 | PokemonCoders

There are a lot of Pokemon ROM hacks on the internet, but some are more fascinating than others. We are now prepared to share more information on the best Pokemon ROM hacks for 2023, and we will constantly update this page as often as possible when a great new ROM hack is released.

For those who are not familiar with Pokemon rom hacks and prefer playing the official games such as Pokemon FireRed and Pokemon Emerald, don’t miss this chance because now is the best time to learn more about the best Pokemon ROM hacks. Try at least some of them; please continue reading to see our hand-picked list of the best Pokemon ROM Hacks.

Featured Videos

We will be including games of any type from GBA, GBC, and might be some DS. Some games from last year are still here simply because of how good they are.

We’ll also be sharing some information about why these ROM hacks are good or why you would want to play them. The other thing is that we have added some minor features that we found to be a bit interesting. You can find more detailed information and even download links on this site if one of these games may pique your interest as well.

Discover the most played and best Pokemon ROM Hacks of the year based on mentions, downloads, game ratings, and recommendations from real users. Without a doubt, the internet has given plenty of opportunities for passionate individuals to express their feelings and share their creativity through fabulous creations.

If you are into Pokemon gaming, many Pokemon game titles are released and available for different Nintendo gaming consoles and mobile devices. Still, many of these aren’t free to play. Although purchasing is always an excellent approach, this is not an option to some, and that’s how Pokemon ROM Hacks comes in.

See Also: How To Apply IPS Or UPS Patch to Play a ROM Hack

We did thorough research to find the best Pokemon ROM Hacks for the year. The information is gathered from different sources such as Reddit, Youtube, PokemonCommunity, Facebook, Twitter, and our own visitors poll. We came up with the 25 most mentioned, most voted, and most played ROM hack titles, and they are all listed below, so keep reading.

We highly recommend these games for new players and those who have played Pokemon rom hacks before.

Pokemon Inclement Emerald

Let’s start this list of the best Pokemon ROM hacks of the year with Pokemon Inclement Emerald. Pokemon Inclement Emerald is based on the popular official game Pokemon Emerald that everyone has loved for so many years. The game’s story is the same as Emerald, so you might already know where to go.

You can choose from three difficulties with Normal where the enemy Trainer’s Pokemon doesn’t have any EVs. The Hard mode has EVs and is slightly more challenging than the normal game.

Challenge mode also has EVs, but you cannot use items in battle. There are other interesting features like holding up to 999 items. The Pokemon roster goes up to Gen 7 with Legendaries as well as over 100 TMs and Moves that you can learn. Speaking of TMs, they can be reusable as well.

Notable Features

• Mega Evolution
• Trade Pokemon can Evolve Naturally
• Pokedex shows Stats, Moves, and More

Pokemon Mega Power

Pokemon Mega Power is another cool and interesting rom hack based on Pokemon Emerald. In Pokemon Mega Power, your character is Neil (Male) or Tyra (Female), a genius scientist. It breaks the mold of being a ten-year-old out to become a Pokemon Master. Your character wants to make the strongest Pokemon but lacks the money to do it. You go on an adventure to earn money and capture Pokemon along the way, as well as deal with Team Delta.

This is your basic Pokemon ROM hack with an interesting story and a polished gameplay mechanic. The sprites are also edited in a way to be a bit different and distinct from the regular GBA games. Three New Regions are there for you to explore being Ivara, Lande, and the Sevii Islands.

Notable Features

• New Tiles
• Mega Evolution
• Pokemon Roster up to Gen 7

Pokemon Sors

Pokemon SORS is a pokemon rom hack that isn’t just about catching them all but also about a compelling story and tons of content, such as side quests that will keep you entertained for hours.

Features Eclipse-type only a couple of Pokemon have it. With up to Gen 7 with about 700+ Pokemon and 40+ Eclipse-type. The graphics and visuals are based on the DS games like HGGS and B2W2.

Notable Features

• Physical/Special Split
• Day and Night Cycle
• Soaring feature (allows you to fly over terrains)

Pokemon Liquid Crystal

Pokemon Liquid Crystal is a hack based on FireRed. The good thing is that this is a remake of Pokemon Crystal. In terms of the story, everything is the same as it was in Crystal. There are some minor additions in terms of special events and more. The bottom line is that this hack has all the features found in Pokemon Crystal.

The hack has some updated sprites and animation, as well as a couple of other things. You get the same Pokemon from the original and the day and night cycle. Don’t forget about the fact that after you complete the Johto storyline, you proceed to the Kanto Region, so that’s a lot of content for you to play on this hack.

Notable Features

• Updated visual and audio aesthetics
• New events and hidden areas
• Weather effects are present

Pokemon Saiph

Pokemon Saiph is a ROM hack of FireRed. It uses sprites and several animations from the Generation V games. The story follows the continuation of the story from Pokemon Rangers Shadows of Almia, which is an official game. If you are familiar with or loved that game, then you may have a thrill with this game’s story since there will be references and several characters.

The game has a collection of Pokemon from Generation I to VI. They have updated types and altered moves and stats. You’ll be able to explore areas of Hoenn that weren’t there in the previous games as well as the new Region of Colen. Several elements are carried over from other games to make this hack worth your while.

Notable Features

• New TMs and they are all reusable
• The Bag UI has been updated
• Day and night cycle is present

Pokemon Sienna

Pokemon Sienna’s story takes place in the Kanto Region. Instead of getting your own Pokemon from your Professor, you apply to become a trainer from the Indigo Plateau. Your application is rejected, so the next course of action is to go on your own adventure to become a Pokemon Master on your own, dealing with the rest of the world.

The hack has a roster of Fakemon that you can use. Everything has been updated up until Gen 4. Speaking of updates, this ROM hack was made in 2010, but it has been updated this year, making it a bit more playable, and bugs have been fixed in the process.

Notable Features

• Fakemon and Pokemon roster
• Two Regions to explore (Kanto and Voultan)
• Able to Focus Punch trees

Pokemon Sovereign of the Skies

The world in Sovereign of the Skies is in turmoil. The Guardians of Amitec could no longer handle the work of keeping the peace. The villainous Team Tundra is out there stealing the Sacred Shards of Celestis. It is your character’s role to help keep the peace and at the same time, catch Pokemon and do more.

The graphics of this ROM hack has been updated and changed. Character sprites have been altered, and portraits appear for some of them during some dialogue. New features such a Mega Developments and Protomorphosis have been added to the game.

Notable Features

• Pokemon Roster goes up to Gen 7
• Battle mechanics are updated to Gen 7
• Day and Night Cycle

Pokemon Fused Dimensions

Pokemon Fused Dimensions is an interesting game to put into our best Pokemon ROM hacks this year. The story is the same as FireRed and LeafGreen because it uses FR as its base ROM. The appeal of this hack based on the title is that the Pokemon you are using are Fakemon. Not just any Fakemon but Pokemon that have been used.

You’ll be able to use a Pikachu that is fused with a Gloom and others. While having this Fakemon is fun, the gameplay has been tweaked to make it somewhat balanced. The same elements apply, but you might want to check out what your Fused Pokemon can learn and use.

Notable Features

• Can get all 226 Fused Pokemon
• Physical/Special Split
• Gen 8 EXP system

Pokemon Rocket Edition

Pokemon Rocket Edition is a ROM hack of FireRed, and it lets you play as a Team Rocket Grunt. You are playing the story of FireRed and LeafGreen but from the perspective of the Grunt. You’ll even notice that you’ll be fighting against the protagonist of these games and lose all the time, but that’s just normal until you can eventually get one.

The interesting twist here is that you don’t just catch Pokemon traditionally. You battle trainers and steal one of their Pokemon when you win since you are a Team Rocket Grunt. Then again, catching Pokemon is still available. The other mechanics are pretty much the same, with the game allowing you to own all 151 Generation I Pokemon.

Notable Features

• There is a Morality System
• Updated Pokemon types, stats, and more (i.e. Fairy-type is present)
• Able to use the HM Fly from the start

Pokemon GS Chronicles

We’re halfway through our best Pokemon ROM hacks list. GS Chronicles is a homage to the Gen 2 games; hence G is for Gold, and S is for Silver. You can even play as Krys, the female character introduced in Gen 2. This game maintains a lot of the Gen 2 games’ charm, like the day and night cycle, making acorns into Poke Balls, and more.

The story is the same, but there might be some dialogue tweaks that you’ve missed. The added bonus here is that the Pokemon Roster has been boosted up to over 400 but only up to Gen 4. There are also different means that you can perform those moves that are classified as HMs because they are not available in this game.

Notable Features

• Mega Evolution
• Dynamax and Gigantamax
• Move Tutors in every Poke Center

Pokemon Gold and Silver 97: Reforged

This is the first game on our list that is under the GBC ROM hack category. GBC or not, these are still great games, and that’s right, there are two of them. While not new, Pokemon Gold 97 and Silver 97 are duo games, much like how the Pokemon games do it, like Red and Blue, FireRed and LeafGreen, and more.

A lot of the contents are pretty much the same, and the story was from the original Space World demo back in 1997. Depending on which game you play, different Pokemon will spawn. The Pokemon roster goes up to Gen 2 only, but it gives you a nice experience playing the game.

Notable Features

• Different available Pokemon for each version
• Space World Maps have been added
• More Trainers have been added

Pokemon Moon Emerald

Another ROM hack of Pokemon Emerald utilizes the same story and a lot of its existing assets – Pokemon Moon Emerald. That’s not a bad thing because this game adds a lot of features for you to play it. For starters, the chance to encounter a Shiny Pokemon has been increased. The inclusion of several Pokemon from Gen 4 until 7 is always welcome.

Don’t forget about the Fairy-type addition since the roster is up to Gen 7. Speaking of the roster, your starters for this game are Rowlet, Poppolio, and Litten. There’s also Mega Evolution that comes with the respective Mega Evolution Stones. Finally, Alolan Forms are also there for you to catch.

Notable Features

• Over 50 Plus Gen 7 Pokemon added
• Alolan Forms
• Physical and Special split

Pokemon Sun Sky and Moon Galaxy

Pokemon Sun Sky and Moon Galaxy is another duo ROM hack. One game has Pokemon that the other has not, so it’s a fun gimmick, and you can get both if you want. The story is interesting because it takes place 15 years after Red completes his adventure. Your character is his offspring off to go on your own adventure and become a Pokemon Master like your father before you.

A lot of the basic features are still here, and the Pokemon roster goes up to Gen 7. Mega Evolution is also included, and the enemy trainers can use it as well. Speaking of Alolan Forms, players can also explore the Alola Region aside from just the Kanto Region. Finally, Ultra Beasts and Z-Moves are also added.

Notable Features

• Mega Evolution
• Alolan Forms
• New Tile Sets

Pokemon Dreams

The story in Dreams is that your character is trying to follow in your big brother’s footsteps. What footsteps you ask, why to become a Pokemon Master. Along your journey, you will encounter friends, enemies, and nuances along the way. Explore the Region of Solda and be the next Pokemon Master.

The Pokemon Roster is around 800, with some of them going up to Gen 7. There are also 30 Fakemon that you can use in the game. The Dexnav from the ORAS games makes an appearance in this game. A lot of the elements are the same, and there is a lot of post-game content that you can play through.

Notable Features

• Mega Evolution
• Physical and Special split
• TMs are reusable

Pokemon Blazing Emerald

Pokemon Blazing Emerald is one of those ROM hacks that make Pokemon Emerald a bit harder but not unfair. You choose from three different starters, this time being Eevee, Clefairy, and Pikachu. That’s a very weird trio, but it’s new. Speaking of new, nothing is new with the story since it is Emerald’s story but just slightly harder.

The Pokemon roster is a bit of a mystery, but it presumably goes up to Gen 7, but not all of them are present. The Fairy-type is also included as well as a scanner that allows you to check the Pokemon’s IV and EV stats. You don’t have to worry about trading Pokemon to evolve them as well due to the presence of the Link Stone.

Notable Features

• Physical and Special split
• Day and Night cycle
• Several sprites have been altered

Pokemon DarkFire

Pokemon Dark Fire is a fairly new ROM hack that came out mid to late in 2021. Like the other popular rom hacks mentioned above, It used Pokemon Emerald as its base, and the graphics have a nice update. The game takes place in the Region of Tenjo, which is just east of the Hoenn Region. You have to uncover the mystery of why some Pokemon are going wild, and some are not obeying their Masters.

If you also like a bit of a darker story, then this hack is for you. One interesting thing it has is that there are no Pokemon Gyms here. That’s right, it is not your typical Pokemon game, but you use Pokemon anyway in the course of the story. A lot of the features have been updated until Gen 7.

Notable Features

• EV is cap at 252
• Run indoors
• Battle Tournaments replace Gyms

Pokemon Blazed Glazed

Remember, we said earlier that Pokemon Glazed has several versions, and one of them is Blazed Glazed. In terms of story, it is pretty much the same, as well as several of its features.

This game does have altered stats, moves, and more. The other thing is that Wild Pokemon spawn differently, making it a bit interesting in the process.

Notable Features

• Stat and Move changes
• Pokemon ranges from Generation I until VI but not all of them
• Choose from five Starting Pokemon

Pokemon Prism

Pokemon Prism is a hack of Pokemon Crystal, and the story is probably taken from it. You play as the child of Lance, who is the Pokemon Champion in Crystal. You are in the Naljo Region, where you discover a lost Larvitar and become its master.

Now, you must find the mystery surrounding this world while becoming a Pokemon Master. Pokemon Prism features over 250 Pokemon from Generation I until IV. That’s right; they manage to make sprites for those Pokemon in this ROM hack of Crystal. Don’t forget about several mini-games that you can play and several original music tracks. 

Pro-tip: Pairing Pokemon Prism with its cheats is a lot more fun. We have collected several Pokemon Prism cheats that I’m sure you will like.

Pokemon Prism has been popular since the year when it was first introduced. The graphics may look outdated, but the story itself never gets old – Do not judge a game by its graphics, and that saying applies to Pokemon Prism.

Notable Features

• Fairy-type is present along with two distinct types (Sound and Gas-type)
• Four Crafting skills are available
• Areas where it lets you move like a 2D side scroller

Pokemon AshGray

If you are a big fan of the first Pokemon anime series, which was subtitled Indigo League, then you’ll enjoy Pokemon AshGray. This ROM hack is based on FireRed, and the story follows the events of the anime. There is a reward system where the game will reward you if you use Ash’s Pokemon in specific battles based on the series.

Granted, you don’t have to do this because you can still build your own team. You can capture all of the Pokemon that Ash has caught in the events based on the anime. This also means that any Generation or Pokemon after the anime won’t be making an appearance here. If you know the anime wholeheartedly, then you can take advantage of this game in the process.

Notable Features

• Catch all the Pokemon Ash caught in the series
• Tools will replace HMs
• Updated game sprites and visuals

Pokemon Emerald Rogue

Pokemon Emerald Rogue is the newest addition to our best Pokemon rom hacks that we recommend everyone to play for this year. The game was introduced last 2022, and it quickly gathered many players in a span of a few months of its release.

Several updates have been released so far, and a lot of exciting and interesting features are available. This is a quite different game compared to those games you played before, not just because of its unique story but also the different kind of adventure Emerald Rogue offers; see it for yourself.

Notable Features

• Randomly chosen routes
• Multiple game config settings e.g. prevent over levelling, trainer difficulty, double battle mode
• Character customization
• Rare legendary encounters
• Mart and Move tutor contents change as you progress

Pokemon Light Platinum

Pokemon Light platinum takes the top 5 spots in our list of best Pokemon rom hacks for the year. A Pokemon Ruby-based rom hack that captured the heart of many players for many years, was first released in 2008 and was last updated on 2017.

Yes, a bit old game, but the story and fun it offers never fades, because Light platinum is a simply an amazing game. When paired with appropriate cheats, the game can be a lot more fun.

Notable Features

• Can catch all Pokemons Legendaries
• Pokémons of all Regions (Johto, Kanto, Hoen, Sinnoh)
• You can have trips to other areas
• New Final Event: Pokemon World Championship

Pokemon Glazed

There are several versions of Pokemon Glazed available that came from different authors, namely the Glazed Reborn and Glazed Blazed, but it seems nothing can beat the original one. We are talking here about the combination of the older version made by Redriders180 and the hotfix version by TrainerX493. For several years, Pokemon Glazed has gotten to the top of our list as a popular choice by many of our readers.

You can’t go wrong playing Pokemon Glazed in 2023. From the two versions available, we highly recommend getting the hotfix version as this version has the most features and improvements to offer.

Notable Features

• Stat and Move changes
• All legendaries from Kanto to Sinnoh, as well as eight from Unova
• Friendly for casual play
• A little more challenging

Pokemon Gaia

Pokemon Gaia is another ROM hack that constantly appears in a lot of lists. This game has been played for speed-running sessions. It has a unique and exciting story that isn’t the usual tale of becoming a Pokemon Master, but that is still there. Like a lot of the hacks on this list, Gaia features a lot of updated visual aesthetics.

They also have unique musical tracks playing in the game not found in other Pokemon games. Speaking of the Pokemon, you have a lineup from Generation I until VI with updated types, moves, and more. Mega Evolution is also available in the game if you like that feature.

Notable features

• Certain special events take place
• New items to use
• Unlimited TM usage

Pokemon Radical Red

Radical Red is a tougher version of Pokemon FireRed, which is also the base of the hack. Radical Red boasts an above-average game difficulty, so it is perfect for you if you love playing FireRed, but this time with a challenge. We are talking about a tough game that you can play, which will make you sweat in the process.

Even when the game begins, you have the option to go for a randomized run or even Nuzlocke. You don’t need to do any manual file patching since the game already gives you the option from the start. Tuck yourself in and make sure not to get frustrated with the game and its enhanced difficulty setting.

Notable Features

• Colored IV is available from the start
• You can find EV training areas to enhance your EV
• Pokemon stats, abilities, and certain moves have been changed

Pokemon Unbound

The year is still the year of Unbound. Unbound is the top of our list since 2021, and most especially with the release of V2, the game has become more interesting to play. This is a hack of FireRed, packed with the original story with updated graphics. Explore new areas, locations, and more while becoming the usual Pokemon Master. The game allows you to do side quests and other optional things you can do if you don’t want to do the main story just yet.

Pokemon Unbound also features Z Moves and Mega Evolution in its recent updates and more. Be sure to do some of those quests so that you can get some excellent rewards, and Mega Evolution is one of them. Finally, if you love post-game content without spoiling anything, you’ll be drowned in it with how much content you get.

Notable Features

• A Powerful Engine: Pushing the Complete FireRed Upgrade to its maximum potential
• QOL Galore
• A New HM System
• Updated Graphics
• Difficulty Modes
• A Unique Mission System
• Character Customization
• Daily Events
• Exciting Mini-Games
• Challenging Puzzles
• A Rich Post-Game
• A Custom OST: Enjoy over 180 unique songs composed for Pokemon Unbound

Other ROM Hacks to Consider

While we’re done with our list of the best ROM hacks for the year 2023, these are some that may consider. Think of the games on this list as the honorable mention which should have been noted before. Regardless, these are still good ROM hacks to play. Some of them are a bit old, but they can still have value in the current year.

You may have already played some of them, but as always, it’s nice to have more options rather than just having 25. This shows how good these hacks are since they are still good even this year, and they might get updated down the road.

Pokemon Ultra Shiny Gold Sigma

This ROM hack brings on a different take on Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal. While the story can be the same, there are some elements that have been altered and added. Sprites and animations have been updated from the original games, but they look the same to some degree. You’re not only exploring Johto and Kanto but as well as Hoenn, Orange Islands, and Alola.

This hack is ambitious, so it may have some bugs, but nothing game-breaking or too annoying. Mega Evolutions are added, and Trading evolution has been removed for your convenience. If nothing else, aside from the beautiful visuals, this game has over 800 Pokemon for you to catch with Alolan Forms as well.

Notable Features

• Gym Leaders in all Regions can be battled again
• Able to see EV and IV stats
• Battle Frontier locations all over the place

Digimon Nova Red

This hack uses FireRed as its base and also the story. You already know where to go because it is FireRed, but the appeal of this hack is that instead of using Pokemon, you have Digimon to use. They are classified as Fakemon, but if you’re a fan of Digimon, then you’ll be familiar with a lot of these on the roster.

Digimons have their respective types, stats, and moves. It is pretty much the same game, but you’re using Digimon. The fun aspect here is experimenting with which Digimon you want since they have been edited and modified to fit the mold of Pokemon.

Notable Features

• Around 200 Digimon to catch
• Physical and Special split
• Fairy-type included

Pokemon Kanlara Ultimate

The story is nothing special as it is your typical Pokemon game, and apparently, Team Rocket is also there. Explore the Region of Kanlara, where you can capture the available Pokemon. There is a unique Demon-type in the game, and there are around 30 of them that you can catch and train.

The basic features are still there where the roster goes up to Gen 7. The TM list has also been customized, and new Moves have been added. Animation and certain sprites have been added and altered to make things more interesting.

Notable Features

• 20 Demon-type Pokemon to get
• Custom TM List
• Physical and Special Split

In Closing

These are the 25 of the best Pokemon ROM hacks for 2023, as well as the five honorable mentions. Sure they are the best compared to those original games you played before.  Don’t forget about older ROM hacks that have or will receive updates, and maybe they can catch up and be a part of next year’s list.

There are also called fan-made Pokemon games that are somewhat related to these games mentioned, but we didn’t include them as they are not considered Pokemon ROM hacks anyway. Fan-made games and Pokemon rom hacks are two different kinds of games.

Fan-made utilizes different programs for creating called RPG Maker XP, Pokemon Essentials, and others. While Pokemon rom hacks utilized the same program used in the official Pokemon games yet being customized.

Anyway, if you are craving Pokemon ROM hacks, be sure to try one of these games. Always remember to use the right emulator for the right ROM hack. Don’t forget to patch them correctly so that they will be ready to play, and make sure to check out available Pokemon game cheats for some of these games if you like them.