Including all 1025 Pokemon from all 9 generations in a single ROM hack is no easy task, especially since the newer generation creatures also require modern moves, abilities, and mechanics to be imported to the hack in order to make it all work properly.
Most Pokemon ROM hacks that feature the full roster use Pokemon Emerald as a base. This is mainly because of the GBA ROM hack base Pokeemerald Expansion (created by DizzyEggg), a tool that allows creators to import a plethora of mechanics from later generations to Emerald. As a result, Emerald remains the go-to for those looking to include Pokemon from all 9 generations in their game.
Pokemon Black Pearl Emerald
Streamlined Gameplay With QoL Features
Created By: CD0
Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Black Pearl Emerald is an enhancement ROM hack, with the aim of modernizing the Emerald experience with new quality of life features, advanced custom trainer AI, multiple difficulty options, and, of course, all Pokemon from Gen 1-9, obtainable via wild encounters.
Black Pearl Emerald also includes Mega Evolutions, updated Battle UI, increased Shiny odds, and a dedicated Nuzlocke mode for those looking for a challenge. Players can find a full encounter list in an included Google Doc, making planning ahead a breeze.
Pokemon R.O.W.E. 2.0
Open-World Gen 3 Exploration
Created By: Rioluwott
Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon R.O.W.E. 2.0 is an open-world version of the Hoenn and Sevii Islands regions, offering players a non-linear experience carefully balanced to remain as fair as possible while still granting complete freedom. Pokemon from all nine generations make an appearance in the game.
With 16 total Gyms to tackle, there is more than enough content to keep players busy for a while, and the many QoL additions like move tutoring, reusable TMs, in-game battle speed-ups, and many others, make the experience memorable. Players can also choose between three difficulty modes, as well as multiple game modes to drastically alter every run.
Pokemon Emerald Crest
Classic Emerald With Modern Enhancements
Created By: Aaghat
Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald Crest is a vanilla-plus enhancement ROM hack that keeps the main storyline of Emerald but adds features, mechanics, and creatures from later generations to spice up the gameplay loop. The ROM hack features all 1025 Pokemon up to Gen 9, including regional variants from Hisui, Galar, and Alola, as well as The Teal Mask DLC exclusives.
While Emerald Crest isn’t necessarily a difficulty ROM hack, the updated battle AI and trainer scaling can result in a challenging experience, especially for players attempting the Nuzlocke challenge. The various QoL features included in the hack drastically reduce the time players have to spend grinding, making the overall experience a lot more enjoyable.
Pokemon Emerald Rogue
Endless Replayability With Unique Runs
Created By: Pokabbie
Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald Rogue is a roguelike game where players partake in one battle after another against random trainers with progressively more powerful teams. Wild encounters and items found in the game are procedurally generated in accordance with the power level of the player’s team, though rare legendary encounters are still possible. Every run is different because the available Pokemon, opposing teams, and even Gym leaders change from run to run.
A “run” ends either when the player’s entire party faints or if they defeat the champion. In Modern Encounters mode, every single Pokemon from Gens 1-9 becomes available, though not all of them are catchable in a single run.
Pokemon Radical Red
One of the Toughest Pokemon ROM Hacks Ever
Created By: soupercell
Game: Pokemon FireRed
Pokemon Radical Red is considered one of the hardest Pokemon ROM hacks out there, offering players a brutal challenge that not only tests the extent of their in-game knowledge, but the ability to strategize as well. Enemy trainers come with custom teams tailor-made to make encounters hellishly difficult, especially at higher difficulty settings.
In addition, Radical Red also offers a host of new quality of life features, gameplay enhancements, game modes, and Pokemon from all 9 generations. Players who want a less punishing run can lower the difficulty. However, even on the lowest setting, the game remains tougher than vanilla, though still easier than Hardcore mode.
Pokemon Elite Redux
Unique Multi-Ability Difficulty Hack
Created By: darkyy92
Game: Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Elite Redux is a difficulty hack chock-full of quality of life features and gameplay additions that help it stand out from the rest. Notably, Elite Redux grants each Pokemon four individual abilities, three of which are fixed, whereas the last one can be switched between multiple options, opening the door for build experimentation that’s unlike anything else out there. To accommodate this, the creator has made more than 200 custom abilities distributed among various creatures.
Additionally, Elite Redux offers enemy trainer teams with custom movesets using the smartest version of the combat AI. The need for grinding up levels has been removed via built-in infinite rare candies, EV setters, and automatic perfect IVs, allowing players to put their full focus on the battles ahead. And, of course, all 1025 Pokemon are catchable in Elite Redux.
